13 December 2017

13 December 2017

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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Hannah Morris in mid-flight before hitting the clear water at Plett’s Central Beach - and if you’ve just arrived on our Garden Route playground, here’s wishing you an unforgettable break filled with fun in the sun and chilled times with loved ones. Turn to pages 14 and 15 if in need of holiday activity inspiration.

Photo: Brendon Morris - 082 489 2655 / plettwebhosting.co.za

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

13 December 2017

The last days of ‘the shop with the wooden floor’ Two decades ago, a Plett landmark changed the centre of town - DEREK FRIELINGHAUS, who owned and managed Melvilles Spar from 1976 to 1999, clearly remembers the occasion of the move from the corner store that started out as Cowley & Hands, to the site where today’s Super Spar plies its trade

DIFFERENT FACES: The old site pictured some years apart and before the move, the more-modern branding at right showing the shopfront before the move

CLAN AT WORK: The Frielinghaus family jumped in one and all to ensure everything was in place for opening day of the new store on June 26, 1997 - from left are brother Pete, wife Trish, son James, son-inlaw-to-be Torquil McNicol, daughter Mandy, and Derek at right

VERYBODY referred to the old Melvilles Spar as “the shop with the wooden floor”, and that is how it is remembered - including the time when a customer fell through the floor!

This incident, I believe, was the deciding factor that persuaded the Thesen family to develop the entire block we now know as Mellville’s Corner, in the latter part of 1997.

The store was closed for six weeks from May to July and then opened in its current position. There was no formal signed agreement or lease - this

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was only done after we had moved into the new site. Such was the trust we had with the Thesen family.

The construction company was very obliging with helping us move some of our heavy equipment by using their large crane, which dominated the Main Street skyline.

In the photo, above at right, of some of the staff leaving the old store for the last time, I recognise one person who is still prominently of service in today’s Super Spar: Edward Kokono is among one of maybe four employees from back in the day still

WELCOME BREAK: Members of staff leave the old store for the last time, with current Super Spar employee Edward Kokono pictured fifth from right in a dark blue jersey

working there today.

The photo with the Frielinghaus family in hard hats, above left, was taken in the early days of construction, when we were all hoping and praying the building would be finished on time.

On the day before the opening, the cement floor was still wet, which delayed the tilers. This in turn delayed the team waiting to install the shelving. As a result, we all worked through the night, packing shelves as they were being erected, with the tilers working around our feet.

Despite all of these challenges the opening was a great

success, attended by the whole town. An interesting speech was made by Mrs Connie Cowley, then aged 90, who was one of the original owners of the store in the 1950s when it was called Cowley & Hands.

At least now, with a larger store that could accommodate everyone, it was no longer necessary in the height of season to close the doors and only allow customers into the shop in batches.

• Long-term rental specialist Derek Frielinghaus is principal of Haus Rentals email him at haus@mweb.co.za with your stories about Old Plett.

NEWS & VIEWS

13 December 2017

CXPRESS

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Top Plett officials suspended while expert investigates maladministration and misconduct claims Two senior Bitou municipal officials have been placed on precautionary suspension while an independent investigation into claims of maladministration and misconduct is underway - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports EMOCRATIC Alliance (DA) caucus leader in Bitou Bill Nel said in a statement last week that during a council meeting on Wednesday December 6, a decision had been taken to suspend municipal manager Thabo Ndlovu and head of corporate services Vuyokazi Mbelani.

“Council further resolved to appoint an independent forensic expert to investigate alleged maladministration and misconduct by senior officials,” Nel said.

Nel added that the forensic investigator had to complete the enquiry within 30 days from the precautionary suspension of the two officials.

“Council also approached Western Cape Local Government minister Anton Bredell to second experi-

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enced officials to Bitou to act in a number of vacancies that have arisen over the past few months.”

This follows a series of political issues in Bitou in recent weeks, including a failed motion of no confidence by the African National Congress (ANC) in mayor Peter Lobese.

The ANC claimed the motivation behind the move was partly due to a lack of service delivery and scant leadership from the mayor.

Other motivations included Lobese spending about R60,000 a month on a luxury SUV while waiting for an insurance pay-out, following an accident in Port Elizabeth, and more than R100,000 on security at his house.

Lobese, however, denied the claims, labelling the

move as a cheap political stunt.

Following the defeated motion, Bitou sub-region coordinator Putco Mapitiza said in a statement that the ANC approached DA councillors and urged them to support the motion as Lobese had “repeatedly proven not to be a fit and proper person to hold any position of trust anywhere”.

“The fact is, Lobese will stop at nothing but continue to squander ratepayers’ money that is meant to improve service delivery to the people. It is evident that while the DA takes every opportunity to criticise perceived or real profligacy by their political opponents, their deeds belie the purported high moral ground when their own are involved.

“The hypocrisy of DA

Public caution advised following increased shark activity along Southern Cape coast N Monday, local authorities joined the NSRI in urging public caution along the Southern Cape coastline, following reports of noticeable increased shark activity between Nature’s Valley and Mossel Bay. The December 11 statement announced that, in the best interests of public safety and as precautionary measure, beaches in Plett were closed by Bitou Municipal officials due to increased shark sightings close in-shore.

“The public must adhere

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to local municipal authority warnings and go to beaches only where and when lifeguards are on duty. Obey the lifeguards’ safety instructions, and swim between the red and yellow flags posted by lifeguards. Leave the water if instructed to do so.”

As is the case throughout the year, local NSRI volunteers and emergency services are well prepared to deal with any incidents, and sea rescue stations as well as rescue boats- and vehicles are equipped with emergency medical shark kits, while NSRI medics carry these kits

in their private vehicles in an effort to ensure the quickest response to any incident.

Residents and visitors are advised to programme emergency numbers into their phones. Call the national NSRI number 112 from a cellphone and visit www.nsri.org.za to get local NSRI stations’ numbers, which should be used in case of emergencies only.

Finally, apart from bathers, caution is advised to divers, paddlers, spear fishermen and anglers in light of the increased shark activity along the Southern Cape coast.

councillors and its leadership reveals the corrupt soul of the party,” Mapitiza said.

He also added that he wanted to assure the peo-

ple of Bitou that the ANC would “stop at nothing to fight this scourge of corruption”.

“We will register these acts

of corruption and financial mismanagement with the Public Protector and parliamentary public accounts committee,” he said.

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

13 December 2017

Extra crime-prevention patrollers afforded by Eden LETTENBERG Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) executive Marius Venter in a statement on Monday expressed gratitude for the fact that Eden District Municipality provided funds to bolster safety in several of Bitou’s hotspots for criminal activity.

“We are very thankful for the gracious sponsorship

by Eden of 15 additional crime prevention patrollers.

“Under the PBCPA umbrella, six of these men and women on Monday morn-

ing commenced patrolling from Hobie Beach to The Wedge, past the whale tail viewpoint, and down to Lookout Beach, and will be doing so throughout the festive season.”

Venter added that nine PBCPA patrollers were also deployed along Main Street, focussing on the ATMs and surrounding areas known to be targeted by criminals.

“Tourism is our town’s main source of income, and all PBCPA members are totally committed to

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the pledge we signed on November 29, preceding the Unity Parade against crime,” he said. [Turn to page 4 of the December 6 edition at www.cxpress. co.za to find out more.]

“All donations or seasonal sponsorships are used for crime-prevention activities and related operations. Plettenberg Bay’s police, security and emergency services, and our wonderful community are all working towards a safer and crime-free town. Yours is crime prevention!”

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ON THE BEAT: These men and women will keep the scenic walk between Hobie and Lookout beaches safe through regular patrols

Year-end party secured by DJ after Kwano Stadium sports chair banned Words & photo: Khaya Mbesi

ARIOUS Bitou events companies have been jostling to secure KwaNokuthula Stadium for yearend functions in the run-up to season but finally, after a fair amount of mudslinging, celebrated local entertainer DJ Mjilo’s eventing outfit has managed to book the venue for a New Year’s Eve party on December 31.

For the past three years, Mjilo has organised parties at the stadium in partnership with the events company that has this year been competing with him for sole rights to host the year’s biggest shindig.

KwaNokuthula Stadium chairperson Willie Swanepoel last week told two of the competitors, Sivu Nkomo and Andile Mbali, that - based on the former’s attitude and arrogance - stadium management will not grant their request for seasonal use.

Mbali was not present during the meeting, when an agitated Swanepoel accused Nkomo of disrespectful, rude, and aggressive behaviour.

“You talked to us as if we are trash. And your last event at the stadium left a bad taste since you never came back to clean up the mess. There were broken bottles all over the grounds and the toilets were dirty and some of them broken.

You even allowed people to drive on the stadium’s embankment wall.

“Today you come back knocking on our door to book our stadium, but we have decided as a committee that you are now banned from using the venue for your events, based on your previous behaviour.”

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What made this grilling more outrageous is the fact that Nkomo supposedly serves as the stadium’s Sport chairperson, leading to Swanepoel questioning his ethics and procedures.

“The only thing that can help you is to apologise to the committee and humble yourself. Learn to work with people like a businessman, not with arrogance but in a humane way,” urged Swanepoel.

Finally, Nkomo accepted his fate of being banned from the stadium without argument, but insisted that the meeting be closed immediately. This may have been related to the fact that, ahead of the meeting, he had sent lawyers’ letters to DJ Mjilo, allegedly to try blocking his successful application.

When CXPRESS called Nkomo for comment regarding the outcome of the meeting, he started off by saying that he is a member of the ANC, and then proceeded to complain about unrelated matters before asking CXPRESS not to call him again.

Meanwhile, Mjilo is in the process of securing his artist for the year-end event at

KwaNokuthula Stadium.

He has only praise for the growth of this particular Plett function over the past few years.

“When we started the event in 2015, about 1,200 people attended. By last year, we had just on 3,000 audience members through the gates.

“I have been doing this event successfully with Sivu Nkomo and Andile Mbali, who this year decided to compete with me rather than collaborate. They simply tried to side-line me.

There was never a complaint about the stadium ever since I used it for my events.

“I believe you should respect people you work with - you don’t show them the middle finger, because you might need them again someday.

“This business is not about attitude. Like any business, it’s about putting your clients first, being humble, and being committed to meeting your obligations.”

Finally, he invited Plett residents and visitors to check the posters now being mounted to find out everything about the artists he invited to join him on the KwaNokuthula stage on the last day of the year.

STADIUM PLAYERS: During a meeting held at KwaNokuthula stadium last Wednesday were, from left, Richard Kitsana, Johannes Pika, Willie Swanepoel, DJ Mjilo, and Robert Mdunyelwa

NEWS & VIEWS

13 December 2017

CXPRESS

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Garden Route Rebuild Initiative seeks public input on project HE Garden Route Rebuild Initiative (GRRI) has finalised its strategy to ‘Build Back Better’ in the wake of this year’s devastating fires.

The work of developing the strategy was accomplished through a massive, community-wide cooperative process that involved local residents and businesspeople, individuals with specialist expertise, and representatives of a wide variety of NGOs. Municipal mangers, mayors, officials, and political representatives of Eden District and the Knysna and Bitou municipalities participated, as well as officials drawn from a large number of provincial and national government departments.

Knysna municipal manager Kam Chetty said the six pillars of the strategy have been defined as tourism, light manufacturing, local business, skills development, urban planning, and enhancing resilience.

“Core to all initiatives will be ensuring a sustainable supply of water, there-

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by enabling environmental resilience, and the sustainability of infrastructure and livelihoods,” he said.

Tourism The local industry will be strengthened by developing a unified value proposition for tourism in the Garden Route; by enhancing out-of-season offerings to support yearround tourism; and by broadening product offerings based on nature, culture, and sport and adventure (e.g., bio-domes, township business development, golf routes, etc.).

Light Manufacturing Light manufacturing will be enhanced by creating a facilitation programme for the niche manufacturing industry; by developing a platform to match needs to skills, with partnerships for artisans in the green economy; and by creating a Garden Route Green Expo to showcase and celebrate sustainable building.

Local Businesses Ease of doing business will be enhanced by creating an investment facilitation centre and

SMME mobile business lab, and by the launch of an inclusive business chamber for Knysna.

Skills Mecca Turning the Garden Route into a skills mecca will be achieved using locally-recognised skills providers; by attracting international skills providers (e.g. a hotel school); and by piloting training programmes for coding and hospitality.

Urban Development Inclusive urban development will be achieved though the development of affordable, mixed-income housing supported by adequate supporting infrastructure; improving affordable and effective last-mile and long-distance transport; and implementing citizen-centric dashboards for local municipalities to improve service delivery.

Resilience and Sustainability Resilience will be achieved through the development of waste beneficiation projects across Eden District; by running awareness and education campaigns to

promote a mind-set of resilience; by offering incentives (e.g. rates rebates) for householders who invest in green technologies; by providing feed-in tariffs for ratepayers who sell excess solar power to their municipalities; and by integrating human resilience into all GRRI projects.

GRRI steering committee chair Dr Hildegarde Fast said that the strategy is based on a vision for the Garden Route as an inclusive and thriving region that supports the well-being of all who live, work, and travel here.

“This is why input from local residents is absolutely crucial, and why we’re inviting members of the public to come forward with ideas about how we should implement the strategy,” she said.

Comments can be submitted via social media (@GRRebuild on Twitter; gardenrouterebuild on Facebook) or by email ( i n fo @ g a rd e n ro u t e re build.co.za). Visit www. gardenrouterebuild.co.za for more information.

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

La Luna

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

13 December 2017

Kei’s management of Fransmanshoek lands him coveted conservation award LETTENBERG Bay native Kei Heyns was recently rewarded for sterling work in his capacity as head ranger of Fransmanshoek Conservancy - a coastal conservancy just outside of Mossel Bay, in the vicinity of Vleesbaai and surrounds.

The former Plett Primary student matriculated at SACS in Cape Town before graduating from Saasveld with a BTech Nature Conservation qualification. He has been working as Fransmanshoek’s conservation manager at since mid-2015.

“The Conservancy has gained a track record of achievements since it was founded in 1994,” he ex-

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plains. “In 2004, it became particularly active when starting to employ Nature Conservation students, and later appointing a permanent head ranger.”

Its core environmental programmes complement Fransmanshoek’s success, these including education drives, compliance law enforcement fisheries patrols, maintenance of tourist facilities, ecological monitoring programmes, and environmental research.

“Additional focus points are alien plant management, fire protection, and administration that includes database entries and the compilation of monthly reports to keep members

abreast of developments,” Kei says, adding that the conservancy also serves as environmental watchdog.

The Cape Fox award recently gained was bestowed

by Conservation at Work the umbrella organisation for all conservancies and private conservation efforts in the Western Cape.

“We received the Cape Fox Gold Award for bestmanaged conservancy and for excellence in the field of conservation at an awards ceremony that was part of a two-day symposium held outside Robertson.

“The symposium featured talks by Oxford and Harvard professors and academics, local ministers,

groups like CapeNature, scientists and conservation managers. These were fantastic talks with great knowledge sharing and a panel format discussion after every third session,” he enthuses.

Award criteria typically include partnerships with CapeNature, membership of Conservation at Work, and an appraisal of successful efforts and contributions to conservation in the private sector.

Together with his Plettbased kin Ken, Gwen and Layla, CXPRESS is extremely proud of Kei for his continued advancement of a special piece of Garden Route nature.

HEAD RANGER WITH A GREEN HEART: Kei Heyns with the Cape Fox trophy and gold award, and a ravishing Vleesbaai backdrop

Safety and survival tips for Garden Route National Park users ARDEN Route National Park (GRNP) is a mosaic of landscapes and seascapes, a haven for birds and animals, including rare and endangered species “and we wish all our visitors a safe and memorable time in the Park,” says Nandi Mgwadlamba of GRNP’s Knysna section.

“Guests enjoying its multiple nature walks, cycling trails, forest excursions and water-based activities are encouraged to observe all rules and regulations.”

Vessel and boat owners are urged to: • Obtain a relevant permit for your vessel and adhere to all boating regulations

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at all times; • Always exercise caution when swimming in the Park’s estuaries (e.g. Swartvlei, Knysna and Groot River) as tidal flow could be potentially dangerous; • Ensure that fish, bait bag and size limits do not exceed set criteria; • Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by not consuming alcohol while boating or swimming.

“Observe all signs posted in and around the estuary at all times. SANParks encourages anglers to act responsibly and in doing so, ensuring the maintenance of healthy fish stocks for generations to come,” says

Mgwadlamba.

• Know the fishery regulations and abide by them.

Limit your catch by not catching the maximum prescribed total.

• Practise catch and release.

• Take away everything you brought along with you that includes fishing line, bait boxes, plastic bags, and old tackle.

• Do not buy bait from someone who has harvested it illegally. Insist on checking that they have a valid permit.

Walking dogs in GRNP “We know that you and your dog family enjoy the beach just as much as we

do. Help us conserve endangered birds such as the black oyster catcher by keeping your dogs on their leashes at all times,” says Mgwadlamba.

“Please train them to not bark at or chase after birds.

We have placed blue bins along the coast for your convenience to pick up and place your doggie poop in.”

The onus is on those walking dogs to abide by guidelines regulating this activity by checking signage posted along beaches and forestry areas.

Dogs are not allowed in Knysna Estuary or forest areas, for instance. Dogs are to be kept away from eel

grass beds and other sensitive areas where breeding bird nests may be found.

Walking dogs is permissible only in the areas listed below: • Along the Knysna Estuary beaches only on leashes and owners must remove any poo left behind by their dogs.

• East of the parking at the NSRI up the staircase before Wilderness Hotel; • Kleinkrantz parking area, west to 6th Avenue and east up to the first rocks at Gericke’s Point; • East of the parking at Myoli Beach and Cola Beach (until January 31, from 9am to 5pm only);

• Along the vlei where there is reasonable access and no signage prohibiting dogs.

Survival tips • When encountering animals, and baboons in particular, it is best not to walk through a troop, but to rather wait for an opportunity for them to disperse and let you walk through.

• Should you encounter a snake, do not approach it even if it seems dead. Always remain calm. (See the article regarding snakes on page 9).

Visit www.sanparks.org or call 044 302 5645 for additional information about rules and regulations.

Welcome to our region. We have a water crisis with severe restrictions.

Thank you for playing your part in protecting this precious commodity.

Welkom in ons streek. Ons het ’n waterkrisis met streng beperkings.

Dankie dat jy help om hierdie kosbare hulpbron te beskerm.

Wamkelekile kwingingqi yethu.

Sikwixesha lobunzima bokunqaba kwamanzi elinezinyino eziqatseleyo.

Enkosi ngokudlala indima yakho ekukhuseleni la manzi anqabe kangaka.

We wish you a wonderful stay with us.

Ons hoop jy geniet jou verblyf by ons.

Sikunqwenelela uhlale nathi ngolonwabo olukhulu.

Alan Winde

Alan Winde

Alan Winde

Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities

Wes-Kaapse Minister van Ekonomiese Geleenthede

UMphathiswa wezaMathuba ezoQoqosho weNtshona Koloni

PROMOTION

13 December 2017

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

13 December 2017

Percy’s new wheels part of Tristan’s noble quest RISTAN Scholtz, 12, is a students at Glenwood House, who this year took up his school’s leadership ‘Ductus Excellentiam’ challenge.

He has been raising funds for Sabrina Love Foundation’s special-needs kids in Bitou, and has set 21 challenges for himself, as this is how old Sabrina would have been this year. Tristan’s aim is to raise a total of R21,000.

Last week, Tristan and three friends visited Die Sterreweg Day Care Centre in New Horizons to spend some time with the children and to hand over a brand new set of wheels for Percy van Rooyen - one of the kids cared for at Die Sterreweg.

“It was a joy watching the kids interacting with their kind-hearted visitors, sing

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SHAKE ON IT, BRO: Percy van Rooyen, left, was happy to receive his wheelchair from Tristan Scholtz at Die Sterreweg centre in New Horizons last week

along with the Morning Ring, and enjoy some cupcakes together,” says the Foundation’s Monique Dokter.

Through his tremendous fundraising efforts and the support of his Grade 6 friends at Glenwood, Tristan has to date raised an incredible R19,860.

“The Foundation is extremely grateful for Tristan’s generosity, compassion, love and care. He has set an excellent example of how the efforts of one youngster can make a very real difference in another child’s life,” she concludes.

• Visit www.sabrinalove.co.za to see how you can contribute to the cause, and turn to page 14 for details about the Sabrina Love Ocean Challenge that takes place on December 21 and 22.

Bitou 10 bursary students celebrate Level 5 achievement HE Bitou 10 Foundation (B10F) team recently announced that six Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners who participated in its ECD Bursary Programme successfully completed their training at the Klein Karoo Resource Centre in Oudtshoorn.

Says B10F spokesperson Veronique Fortune: “These practitioners graduated on December 1 with a Level 5 qualification, enabled by the fact that Vesco Plastics funded the programme for the past two years with a generous donation of R201,000.

“The bursary covered all expenses, including the practitioners’ tuition fees, accommodation, transport and meals.”

The programme aimed to assist Bitou

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RAISING THE BAR: At back from left are Nomthandazo Noyila, Bitou 10 Foundation chairperson Marietta van Rooyen, Vesco Plastics chairperson Alain Leger, and B10F programme administrator Madeleen Janse van Vuuren, with Carol Potgieter, Marochelle Uys, Abigail May, Sharron Jantjies and Chirley Jones in front

educators in acquiring a deeper and more compound understanding of their role as effective ECD practitioners.

At a recent get together with the funder, the ladies shared what they had learned and how this training could be practically implemented. They also expressed their gratitude for being afforded the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills.

Congratulations are due to Abigail May of Kranshoek Pre-Primary, Carol Potgieter of Theodora Crèche in New Horizons, Sharron Jantjies of Kranshoek’s Jack & Jill Educare, Nomthandazo Noyila of Hollywood Day-care in Bossiesgif, and Jack & Jill Educare teachers Chirley Jones and Marochelle Uys.

It’s all good with the help of responsible dairy and planters!

S part of the First Choice ‘It’s all good’ campaign, and in partnership with GreenPop, 20 trees were imbedded at Rheenendal Primary School during a planting workshop recently.

‘It’s all good’ is First Choice’s ethos when it comes to sustainability, good environmental practices, ethical business, and quality dairy products, and the planting workshop served as extension of this tenet.

The folks at First Choice production backbone Woodlands Dairy believe we all need

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to balance the pursuit of business success together with making the world a better place.

“The planet is important to us,” said Woodlands Dairy/First Choice GM of Sales and Marketing Tinus Pretorius. “We have programmes to ensure sustainability that also encompass people and profits.

“We live in a time of unprecedented change.

In business, we face challenges and opportunities that are more critical and complex than ever before - where the consequences of failure are unimaginable and the impact of our

LITTLE LEAF, BIG LESSON: The kids of Rheenendal Primary learnt about caring for the planet through planting trees

decisions are felt instantly across the planet.”

He added that involving pupils from Rheenendal Primary in the workshop extended the message that we’re all guardians of our environment. “And we hope the message stays with them throughout life.”

One thousand trees for New Horizons

Bitou councillor Elaine Paulse on behalf of charitable organisation Building the Walls shared this pic, and wrote: “We thank Food & Trees for Africa and Tiger Brands for the 1,000 trees gifted to the community of New Horizons. recently Facilitators Jeminah Ann and Tshediso Phahlani arrived in Plett on November 27 for a meeting with councillor Ann Windvogel. On the 28th, a workshop with 30 identified volunteers prepared them for door to door visits, as well as the planting of and caring for the trees. On November 29 and 30, invitations were handed out and by December 1, the trees were distributed. WOW! Young and old collected one fruit tree and one shade tree each. Building the Walls is very fortunate to form part of the 15 beneficiaries sponsored by Tiger Brands. We are also grateful for Bitou Municipality’s support and we thank Jeminah Ann, Tshediso Phahlani, Ann Windvogel, deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam, and all 30 volunteers for ensuring a successful event.”

Call Elaine Paulse on 083 446 6432 for details.

NEWS & VIEWS

13 December 2017

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CXPRESS

Serpents alive! Here’s what to do when encountering snakes in the wild…

Correspondent BOB HOPKIN joined Wilderness residents braving a bevy of snakes FASCINATED TREPIDATION: Youngsters are entranced with snake expert Dale Holder handling a pretty olive house snake, at right; below, the snakecharming Dale grapples with a mighty 1.4-metre mole snake

tional knee-jerk reactions, Holder said the majority of snakes we may encounter on the Garden Route are either non or only partially venomous.

But, if bitten, rather than wasting time trying to identify the snake or applying first aid, the best plan is to get the casualty to a medical centre as soon as possible, prefer-

ably within an hour.

“Bearing in mind that snakes bite in order to feed, and humans are clearly not on the menu, biting a person is part of a defence mechanism,” he said.

Venom can be any or a mixture of three types, attacking either the flesh, nerves or blood of the victim. Typical Western Cape venomous snakes include

the puff adder, boomslang, Cape cobra and rinkhals, the former of which is by far the most dangerous.

Local partially or nonvenomous snakes include the night adder, spotted skaapsteker, Cape coral, harlequin, green water, herald, common slug-eating, and olive house snakes.

Although participants were shown images of the most common species of the area, the highlight of the evening was a handson viewing of a selection of live snakes brought to the venue.

First up was a puff adder which, in view of its aggressive nature, was kept at a distance from the audience, followed by more benign examples of nonvenomous snakes like the spectacularly-pretty olive house snake and 1.4 metre mole snake.

Should you find a snake in your house, ask someone to watch it so its location is confirmed, then call either Wayne Lurner on 078 819 2946 or Christi Theron on 079 190 9428 to catch and remove it for a small callout fee.

BLUEPRINT 1881

ETERAN comedian and actor - who enjoyed his tipple - WC Fields once joked: “Always carry a flagon of whisky in case of snakebite. And also carry a small snake.”

Two Tuesdays ago, snake expert and qualified environmentalist Dale Holder brought not one but six snakes to his lecture on the subject, including quite a large one…

His talk was one of the regular series arranged by the Wilderness Residents and Ratepayers Association that have proved to be extremely popular.

Holder admitted to having had a fascination with snakes since he was in primary school and, since his hobby is partially aligned with his work, he keeps them as pets and lectures on their identification and control for both park rangers and the general public.

Most are not naturallyaggressive creatures so, when encountering one in the wild, the safest solution is to remain still and unthreatening until it moves away.

Contrary to conven-

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IF IT’S GOOD, IT IS SANRAL

Picture this: you’re driving on the open À >`] « Ì ià > ` ÌÀ>vw V } ÌÃ] just you on the national road. That’s when you know you’re on a SANRAL road.

The only pharmacy in Main Street

So what exactly is the national road network and how long does it run?

The national road network consists of all the major roads demarked with ‘N’, as well as a few provincial and municipal roads that connect the country and keep the economy and its people moving.

South Africa has a total road network of 750 000km, which is the tenth longest road network in the world, of which 22 197km are SANRAL roads.

The vast majority of these roads are not tolled and their maintenance and improvement is funded through tax allocations from government.

the national route and are managed by SANRAL. There are exceptions, such as a stretch of the portions of the N12 and N14 in the western part of the Gauteng Province, N9 and N12 in the Western Cape Province and N1 and N2 in the City of Cape Town, leading to the Cape Town International Airport.

The ‘R’ routes (Regional roads) and the ‘M’ routes (Metropolitan roads) fall under different provinces and municipalities. However, some ‘R’ routes were declared national roads and fall under the SANRAL jurisdiction.

If in doubt, you can check the SANRAL map on our website: www.nra.co.za

As a general rule, most of the roads designated with an ‘N’ are part of

SANRAL. Beyond roads.

An agency of the Department of Transport.

Reg. No. 1998/009584/30

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CXPRESS

13 December 2017

BUSINESS

Plett market fuelled by demand for upmarket retirement accommodation LETTENBERG Bay has often been called the Leisure Capital of South Africa - an exclusive enclave with an eclectic mix of residents, including both active and retired seniors.

They include millionaire property owners, retired professionals and modest all-rounders, all with one common aspiration: to live in a beautiful setting with every living convenience a well-serviced town can offer.

Throw in the best beaches in Africa, nature walks, and leisure options with the convenience of easy travel connections, and it’s clear why Plett is such a sought-after destination for many South African and international residents.

Says Hein Pretorius, broker/principal for

P

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Plettenberg Bay: “The property market here has been consistently active despite the national economy, and there have been several shifts in buying trends. “Among the most notable is a sharp increase in demand for permanent family homes and retirement facilities, where pensioners are seeking retirement communities they can relate to.�

Pretorius continues: “With the recentlylaunched Quartet Hotel and Retirement Estate, the market for quality retirement options takes on a unique approach benefitting from the know-how and lifestyle expertise of the high-end hospitality sector. Close enough to central town, the lagoons and

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beaches, it offers something for every taste.�

Actively retired international hotelier Russell Stevens approached two old friends - Peter Bacon (past CEO of Sun International) and Adrian Gardiner (founder of the Mantis Group and Shamwari Game Reserve), who operate quality boutique hotels and resorts all over the world - to assist with the development of his project company’s entry into the quality retirement market.

Bacon and his wife, who is also a co-owner and former Miss World, Anneline Kriel Bacon, along with Gardiner, have taken a very personal interest in the project together with Stevens’s neighbour Tom Borman.

A former mining magnate, Borman and Stevens both own unique stretches of one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastlines, adjoining Robberg Nature Reserve.

The well-known hotel investors in this project add a depth of experience in quality leisure retirement, having been exposed to hospitality standards for decades as handson executives and entrepreneurs, as well as being involved in the development of many major hotels and boutique hotel products both locally and abroad.

To cater to the growing demand from quality-conscious senior citizens, they have pooled their experience by investing in Quartet, which opened its doors on December 1.

Their backgrounds provide an understanding of this niche market’s needs and expectations, and the result is a medium to small residential estate offering secure privacy with a new level of service not yet seen in retirement living in South Africa, and situated in one of the most desirable and scenic areas in the country.

Co-owner of Quartet and founder of the five-star Three Cities Hotel Group, Stevens explains the motivation behind the concept: “Our objective was to create a secure and tranquil haven in which retirees can seamlessly transition from their family homes without having to sacrifice comfort, convenience or lifestyle, yet downscale and have health and medical security conveniently and unobtrusively at hand. “We carefully considered the different retirement phases and lifestyles and, with a measured approach, we have fashioned a choice of tailored packages and serviced accommodation options to synchronise with all stages of retirement living.�

At the centre of the estate is a small boutique hotel in which 11 of the retirement suites are situated. A further 22 freestanding two-bedroom hotel house units are under construction and 12 completed, two-room garden apartments complete the estate.

The hotel has undergone extensive renovation and will provide all services to the estate’s permanent residents, from a “findit-all� concierge to housekeeping and maintenance. A number of hotel suites have also been allocated for public reservations, which will allow estate residents to accommodate visiting family close by.

According to Anneline Kriel Bacon, Quartet caters to residents’ needs on demand in much the same way as a boutique hotel or exclusive resort would care for guests. “Residents can even order food service at their unit or enjoy high tea and meals at the hotel, and other amenities available for their exclusive use including daily activities such as yoga classes, a wellness centre, hair salon, library and heated pool. “Those in need of medical care enjoy the peace of mind of an onsite private medical centre staffed by professionals who are able to offer residents care in their own homes, while beds in the clinic cater for those who need constant care.�

Depending on individual requirements and budgets, there are three accommodation options available at Quartet, which is located close to the bird sanctuary and Keurbooms lagoon, and an easy turn off 1km from the N2 before entering the bustling centre of Plettenberg Bay. The hotel bedsitter apartments are generous 56m2 studios, each with large covered or

enclosed balconies, all with walk-out gardens offering various views to choose from depending on unit selection.

All units have serviced wood-burning fire places, air-conditioning and generous cupboard space, the spacious bathrooms designed for safe comfort with fitted support rails of the residents’ choice.

Spacious 112m2 one-bedroom apartments have bright and airy open-plan living areas that lead to private patios with garden views.

The floor-to-ceiling sliding doors in the bedrooms open out to glass-enclosed sun rooms, dappled with light throughout the day.

The 130m2 two-bedroom garden hotel houses are all freestanding, north-facing homes with generous covered verandas and private gardens, some with lake views.

These stunning units are generously spaced from one another between garden areas to ensure maximum privacy.

The retirement resort is gently landscaped with one-level easy access as a no-steps resort with a ring-road servicing all outside hotel units, which are supplied with two-car parking spaces adjacent to easy-entrance access.

Additional managed storage is available on site for guest convenience and secure outside warehouse storage, owned and managed by the hotel, is also available. Optional extra lock-up parking garages are available for Life Right sale or rental, in addition to the unit’s double carport space. ‘Shifts in buying trends include a sharp increase in the demand for permanent family homes and retirement facilities’ Life Rights is now the fastest growing financial arrangement on the South African retirement landscape, essentially affording retired individuals the right to occupy their retirement home for the remainder of their lives, but ownership of the property is retained by the development.

Most Life Right schemes are paid for through an unsecured agreement loan capital investment and, on relocation or death, the unit is ceded back to the development, usually for the initial invested price less a discount.

This payment becomes part of the deceased estate, or is returned in the event of a retiree’s relocation.

Quartet has adapted an investors’ version of this model by offering two options, as well as an opportunity of a higher return when the unit is vacated.

Stevens explains: “We offer a secured hotel Life Right accommodation option, of owning a Life Right that can be rented until required by the retired client or until the client decides to sell their Life Right. In this case, the debenture will be placed with a new client at a then market-related price.

Stevens continues: “In both Quartet options, the client is issued a non-interest bearing, redeemable, secured debenture, the terms of which grant the client a Life Right to occupy a garden unit at a price determined by the size and position of the accommodation of his or her choice. “The debenture is redeemed by the hotel at 75% of the unit’s new Life Right value when the client is deceased or decides to move.�

Says Lew Geffen, chairman of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty: “With an experienced owner consortium including Peter Bacon, Anneline Kriel Bacon, Adrian Gardiner, Russell Stevens, and former mining magnate Tom Borman, it was inevitable that Quartet would be a unique estate and a cut well above the rest.�

Pretorius concludes: “Rather than simply being yet another retirement complex, Quartet is an up-market, luxurious lifestyle estate centred on the specific needs of retirees. “With its position close to our best beaches and the picturesque Goose Valley golf course, few other establishments on the famous Garden Route can offer quite the same exceptional lifestyle.�

See the ad on this page for contact details.

BUSINESS

13 December 2017

These five common myths can prevent you from investing NVESTING is only a rich man’s game. Or “I’m not smart enough!”

These are just some of the reasons used by South Africans to explain why they don’t invest.

But such misconceptions can stop you from reaching your financial goals and need to be debunked, says Old Mutual Finance chief operating officer Shirley Smith. In a nutshell, the five myths go something like this…

I can’t invest while living my best life Many people believe they won’t be able to maintain their current lifestyle while also investing. This fear of having to surrender the fun things in life is particularly strong when there are exciting and expensive events coming up, such as a wedding or a dream holiday.

The truth is, you don’t need to compromise your quality of life to become an investor. It’s possible to invest as you spend.

Smith explains: “There is an easy option for people who would like to become an investor.

“We have developed a

I

transactional account that enables you to select an amount between 5% and 15% of every purchase you make. It’s a ‘swipe and invest’ account that puts the invest portion into an interest-bearing unit trust account in your name. Instant investing!”

I don’t know how to invest Financial language can be confusing, and many South Africans assume you need a lot of financial knowledge and expertise to start investing. The truth is that there are investment products designed specifically to keep things simple and easy to manage. Making use of financial tools will also help you understand investing without the confusing jargon.

I don’t have the discipline to invest Putting money into a monthly investment usually takes discipline if you have not committed to a monthly debit order.

But the good news is that some investments do the work for you.

The example of the transactional account mentioned earlier com-

bines a spending and savings functionality so that every time you swipe your card, you automatically invest a set amount. This works really well for anyone who battles with the discipline of saving.

I can’t afford to invest Everyone knows that the wise thing to do with spare money is to first pay off your debt and then to invest. However, in these tough economic times, many South Africans are feeling the pinch and feel they can’t afford to invest.

This is where “forced” or “semi-automatic” savings or investments can be very beneficial, as it enables us to accumulate savings while we go about our daily lives.

Money grows through compound interest, so the sooner you start, the more you will have in the end. Do some research into the benefits, fees and charges of the various options available to find the investment vehicle that suits your needs best.

I don’t have 32 days to wait to access my investment

The terms and conditions of savings accounts vary, so it’s important to establish which terms are most suited to your needs. For example, a 32-day call account has many advantages, but it can restrict access to your funds.

If quick and easy access is important to you, choose an investment account that allows you to make withdrawals, as and when you need them.

Says Smith: “To better understand the savings behaviour of consumers, Old Mutual enlisted the help of South African actor and producer Thapelo Mokoena, who will be embarking on his very first investment journey with our Money Account.

You can follow him on social media (e.g. Twitter @ThapeloMokoena and Instagram @mokoena live) to share in his festive season shopping experience, while he is investing. We look forward to seeing Thapelo become a convinced and committed investor!”

Visit www.moneyaccount.co.za for more info.

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13 December 2017 SKY’S THE LIMIT: Sky Villa’s grand opening and VIP launch took place on Saturday December 2 and it was spectacular, indeed.

Some of the Plett locals who enjoyed the opening event as well as the beautiful sunset and cocktails were, from left, Nic and Alison Bryant, with Sky Villa owner Clara Wiehahn and Hanna Grotepass at right. - Leigh Dunn

SAVING THE LIFESAVERS: Clicks Plettenberg Bay kindly sponsored sunblock for local lifeguards who spend hours patrolling the bay’s many beaches. Sun block is a huge expense for them and this generous gift will save them lots of hard-earned cash. Pictured above from left are Suzaan Groenewald from Clicks Plett handing over the skin-savers to lifeguard Alexander Auersperg and his dad Peter, who serves as Nipper Officer for Eden Lifesaving. On behalf of Plett Surf Livesaving Club, chairman James Stewart says a huge thumbs up to Suzaan for coming to the rescue of our young rescuers.

People, places & events

EAST VERSUS WEST: Eastern Cape finalists flocked to Plett on November 25 and thought they would conquer the Miss Kouga FM competition. “But,” says co-organiser Adam van Rhyner, “our girls competed and competed well. Thank you to all the parents who wholeheartedly supported their kids, and to the local organising committee of Marius Jafta, Leigh Dunn and Venessa van Rhyner.

Thanks also go to Kouga FM for hosting the event in Plettenberg Bay.” Pictured at right from left, winners Veronique Leonard, Shanice Cloete, and Letay Nelson did Plettenberg Bay proud, well done!

BEAUTIFUL AND MOTIVATED: Miss YCPD Plett was hosted on November 24 by the volunteering committee in partnership with Plett SAPS and CPF. Explain Renecia Leonard: “The Youth Crime Prevention Desk are a group of young volunteers with the mission of keeping our youth busy with productive and positive programmes. Our goal and vision is to keep our youth away from crime and substance abuse. They need to know their worth and with this event we motivated young women to be the best they can be, and prove that each woman should be comfortable in her own skins, because they are strong and beautiful. We as YCPD committee thank our sponsors for making the event such a great success: Celeste and George of Island Dinner, La Dida’s nail bar, Feathers Garden, Harbour Bay, Clicks, Kitten, Salon Exclusive, Meighlies, Love of Linen, Face Adrenalin, The Market Square, Pick n Pay, Ruby’s Flowers, Biltong Boutique, Beacon Island Hotel, Sassenheim Estate, Equine-Librium, Pico’s, Nicole and Jamey, Mr and Mrs Rai, Leanthea Kamineth, Lucreshna Nelson, Jacky Beauzick, Jacky Grootboom, Jeniffer Mussa, and everyone who attended the event. The kitchen staff, rugby boys, models and every person who helped thank YOU. But most of all, I thank our Heavenly Father, for His grace shone upon this event.”

LEGAL AGE TO PARTY: Harry de Villiers shared these party pics of clients and friends enjoying the HT De Villiers Attorneys year-end bash in Plettenberg Bay recently. Well, now we’re wondering if there will be a bash in every town Harry plies his trade - if, for instance, clients of his Stellenridge branch in Durbanville (there behind the Boerewors Curtain) will have as big a jorl as this fun-loving contingent from behind the Dolfyngordyn…

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VIEWS ON RAGE 2017: Not only does it fill the town with lots of students, but Plett Rage has definitely become the traditional season opener. Thousands of students who have just finished their matric exams travel from around the country to experience one full week of freedom and a ticket to mischievousness… Lines formed from early morning on the first Saturday of Rage, December 2, as students awaited their Freedom Bands to allow them into the festival hub. Soon after, these queues moved to party venues - and then the festivities began in earnest. Said Bianca Kock from Durbanville: “I love Plett Rage, because it is a feast every single day and night. It just never gets boring and it is fun meeting new people.” Dante Pausent, Brackenfell: “I like Plett Rage because you can be yourself without other people judging you.” Ian Coetzee, Pretoria: “I love Rage because it’s just amazing!” The only criticism came from Chante du Plessis: “I like Rage because it is fun to hang out with my friends, but the transport system is not that great. Otherwise, the rest is awesome.” - Sinalo Ngcola (Photos: Tasmin Weir and John-Henry Bartlett)

People, places & events

AND NOW THERE’S SIX! Last Friday saw the official declaration of Kettle Beach, in front of Keurbooms Village’s famous Enrico’s restaurant, as Bitou’s sixth Blue Flag beach. On hand to officiate were municipal speaker Annelise Olivier and deputy mayor Jessica Kamkam, as well as Mark Fourie - the man in charge of Plett’s world-renowned beaches, among many other official duties. A bevy of Bitou Lifeguards and their commodore, Chas Frasier, lent colour to the bright-morning affair in their CemAir-sponsored kit. The airline team was lauded for its support of Plett’s life-saving crews, this backing now in its third year with another two years of pledged future funding. Together with the Dunes and Keurbooms, Robberg 5, Nature’s Valley and Lookout beaches, this sixth Blue Flag for Bitou adds to the significant tourism drawcard already offered. Hats off to everyone involved. Photos: Martin Hurwitz

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13 December 2017

Self-righteousness WO elderly ladies were sitting together in the front pew of the church listening to a fiery preacher.

When the preacher condemned the sin of stealing, the two ladies cried out: “Amen, Brother!”

When the preacher condemned the sin of lust, they yelled again: “You preach it, Reverend!”

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And when the preacher condemned the sin of lying, they jumped to their feet and hollered: “Right on! Tell it like it is! Amen!”

But when the preacher condemned the sin of gossip, the two got very quiet.

One turned to the other and said: “He’s quit preaching, and now he’s just meddling.”

Hiring married men... certain company had a policy of hiring only married men.

Concerned about this, the leader of a local women’s liberation front, called on the CEO of the company and asked him: “Why is it that you limit your employees to married men? Is it because you consider us women to be weak, dumb, cantankerous tantrum-throwers,

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and bossy, too?”

The CEO replied: “Not at all, Ma’am. Our policy is to hire staff who are used to obeying orders without asking questions, who are accustomed to being shoved around, know how to keep their mouths shut, and would put up with anything, when I yell at them. We found all of these qualities only in married men.”

Parachute problems HE topic of the day at Army Airborne School was what you should do if your parachute malfunctions.

We just got to the part about reserve parachutes when a student raised his hand.

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“If the main parachute malfunctions,” he asked, “how long do we have to deploy the reserve chute?”

Looking the trooper square in the face, the instructor replied: “The rest of your life.”

The fur coat dilemma NNE went away to college and promptly became an avid animal rights activist.

When she came home for the holidays she noticed her mother wearing a beautiful genuine fur coat.

“Oh Mom,” Anne exclaimed in a disapproving

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tone, “some animal must have suffered terribly for you to get that fur coat.”

“Anne!” screamed her mother aghast, “I send you away to college and you come back home talking like that?!

“How dare you talk that way about your dad?”

Go ahead and do it A traffic officer tells a driver: “Your tail-light is broken, your tyres must be replaced, and your bumper hangs halfway down.

That will be R2,000!”

Driver: “Alright, go ahead and do it. They want twice as much as that at the garage.”

INTERVAL

ENTERTAINMENT

13 December 2017

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Local photographers go to town with December’s creepy theme LETT PhotoFUNatics - the collective of local photographers first introduced on these pages in the November 1 edition [turn to page 9 of that issue at www.cxpress.co.za] - recently decided to make provision for both Senior and Junior sections.

Explains the club’s Derek Rushton: “This

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Cast of lauded new SA flick dead-keen to meet their Garden Route fans

DIRTY LAUNDRY’S JUST THE START: Vuil Wasgoed stars Bennie Fourie, left, and Bouwer Bosch have a whole lot of problems, not least of these a gangster’s chopped off digit Photo: Werner Botha - Plastiek

HE cast of the award-winning film Vuil Wasgoed, which recently won five awards at the kykNET Silwerskerm Festival in Camps Bay and was released nationwide in theatres on December 8, will soon be visiting Plett and Knysna to meet fans and hand out promotional gifts.

Written by Bennie Fourie, who also plays a leading role, the cast of Vuil Wasgoed comprises Bouwer Bosch, Tim Theron, Stiaan Smith, Nico Panagio, Charlie Bouguenon, Simoné Nortmann, and Leandie du Randt Bosch.

In a nutshell… Wim (Bouwer) and Kevin (Bennie) have been dreaming of their own coffee shop for years, but while waiting for this dream to come true, they temporarily work in a laundromat.

The problem is, ‘temporarily’ has become seven years and the highlight of their existence is still borrowing their clients’ clothes to gate-crash parties at night. The system works well: Kevin is even close to kissing the love of his life, until a crooked jewel merchant is betrayed, his finger is chopped off, and it ends up in a jacket pocket at the laundromat.

Against their will, Wim and Kevin are dragged into a dangerous criminal world.

Close on their heels are two brothers with a rash, a blind henchman, two top detectives, and a ruthless traitor. And somewhere, there’s a shipping container with a valuable treasure waiting to be pounced on by everyone.

Vuil Wasgoed won awards for Best Director (Morné du Toit), Best Editing (Quinn Lubbe), Best Actor (Bennie Fourie), Best Production Design (Merishen Wessels), and Best Sound Design and Original Music (Benjamin Willem) at Silwerskerm 2017. It was also accepted to screen at the Portland International Film Festival.

So catch Bouwer, Bennie, and Leandie when their nationwide tour hits the Garden Route, starting off at Plett’s Central Beach around the lunch hour on December 17 before heading off to Knysna and George on the 18th and 19th, with Garden Route Mall sessions on December 19 from 11am to 2pm and again from 5-8pm.

They are travelling with a heap of merchandise to hand out to fans, so if you spot the Vuil Wasgoed van, make sure to stop for a selfie with the cast.

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was done so that budding photographers don’t have to compete with those who’ve been clicking away for 20 years or more.”

He says their December theme was Halloween: “Scary, bizarre, dark, and weird but the group had a lot of fun. We thank Carol Phillips for organising a shoot at the Old Timber shed. The walkabout through Plett turned up a few creepy moments, which were well documented.”

Member Anne Hrabar arranged bubbly

SCARY… This photo entitled ‘Statue of Liberty’ gained Annabel Clapham the top Junior spot of December’s Halloween-themed contributions Photo: Annabel Clapham

and Christmas cookies and Eileen Covarr availed her house for the last Funatics meeting of the year. Congratulations are due to Marty Reddering for winning this month’s Senior category, and to Annabel Clapham (top Junior pic) for her keen eye and creativity.

• Like the Plett PhotoFUNatics Facebook page, where you’ll find the top five examples of members’ latest photos and club updates.

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FOOD & WINE

13 December 2017

Hamburg Atlantic’s head chef swears by roast goose stuffed with apple and prune

The Lemon Grass Seaside The Lemon Grass Seaside W Grass Seaside R estaurant Restaurant aurant

JEEVES, who used to share his adventures as Garden Route chauffeur extraordinaire under the banner ‘Driving Miss Crazy’ in many an edition of CXPRESS from 2014 to 2016, made a welcome reappearance in CX Country last week, just in time to spread some culinary Christmas cheer HERE the heck have YOU been?! I hear you cry. Well, actually, I’ve been meandering on a long solo road trip between Knysna, KZN’s Howick and Southbroom, and Hout Bay in Cape Town, with many stopovers along the way.

Coffee, Mazeppa, and Oyster Bays; Port Alfred, Kleinmond, and Hermanus all featured on this itinerant itinerary. A brief Knysna stint followed until my forced departure back to the Cape, compliments of the Great Fire…

Who was not untouched by this monstrous event?

I have no interesting Jeeves journeys to share but one worthy of a mention - particularly at this time of year involves a holidaying Herr from ‘Chermany’, who turned out to be head chef at the Atlantic Hotel in Hamburg.

According to my esteemed passenger, roast goose with apple and prune stuffing is the high-

WHY FRY TURKEY WHEN YOU CAN COOK YOUR GOOSE? This bird goes beautifully with spiced red cabbage and hasselback or sugarbrowned potatoes

light of Christmas Eve dinners throughout central Europe and Scandinavia. So here’s the recipe if you want to give a goose a go, rather than the traditional turkey.

It’s simple really: Step 1: Get a goose!

Before you lose all hope of finding one, ask around at any of our Saturday markets, or ask Karen at Robberg Fine Foods in Plett Industria. Alternatively, you can also use duck.

Method in my madness…

1. The goose, weighing in

at about 4kg, is rubbed inside and out with cut lemon and stuffed with prunes and apple slices.

2. Preheat the oven to hot, 230C (450F), or Gas 8.

3. Stand goose on grid in large roasting tin. Add water to tin and sprinkle skin with salt.

4. Place in oven and immediately reduce heat to moderate, 180C (350F), or Gas 4.

5. Roast for three hours, allowing for 20 minutes per 1/2kg (1lb).

Company for your goose

Serve with boiled potatoes, cooked red cabbage (the recipe which was included in the December 23, 2015 edition - visit www.cxpress.co.za under back issues), and extra stewed prunes and apples.

You may also wish to dish up sugar-browned potatoes alongside: boil new potatoes in their skins; drain, rinse and peel. Toss into 50g heated butter mixed with 50g caster sugar, turning frequently with two spoons, until spuds are golden brown and caramelised.

Alternatively, serve with savoury rice sweetened with sultanas.

Ride that gravy train Pour most of the fat from tin (it makes for excellent dripping!) and over low heat, stir in 15g cornflour and gradually blend in preferred stock to make a medium thick sauce. Add 1 teaspoon redcurrant jelly and heat until melted.

Happy Christmas holidays, and don’t forget to buckle up! - Jeeves

HOME & HEALTH

13 December 2017

A restored smile - the best gift for Christmas Words & photo: Bob Hopkin

URING three days last week, 17 initially unlucky children from the Eden area, born with facial defects, had their dreams come true when a life of normality became attainable thanks to the annual visit of restorative surgeons to the George Regional Hospital.

Under the organisation of charity, The Smile Foundation, and with the sponsorship this year of

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pharmaceutical company Adcock Ingram, the event was one of 11 to take place each year in academic hospitals around the country.

With modern surgical techniques, previously untreatable conditions such as cleft lip, split palate, deformed lower lip, and even accidental burn damage can now be addressed with delicate restorative surgery and reg-

ular attention over time.

The origins of the foundation date back to 1999 when a young girl with facial deformations wrote to then president Nelson Mandela, asking for help in medical treatment.

He took her plight to heart and contacted Wits University’s medical department, who proceeded to arrange a nine-hour corrective operation for her at Joburg

ANXIOUS BUT HAPPY: Parent Sharon Goeieman from Pacaltsdorp with twoyear-old son Aidan heading into corrective surgery for cleft palate with surgeons Ernst Moller, left, and Sareigh Adams

General Hospital.

From there it was decided to make the idea a permanent one under the auspices of the Smile Foundation.

During the intervening 18 years, the programme has expanded to 11 hospitals nationwide, to include correction of accidental injury such as burns and to launch a series of specialised surgeons who carry out similar procedures all over the world.

George Hospital CEO Mike Vonk said that, in the first year, there was some anxiety about their ability to accommodate such delicate procedures.

“Now,” he said, “it has become commonplace and we eagerly await the Foundation’s visit in December each year, as it gives us something to look forward to and give our usually tired staff a fillip towards the end of the year.”

Surgeon Sareigh Adams added that the programme was primarily aimed at young children but, if time allowed, they now occasionally accommodated small procedures on adult patients.

Illegal fireworks and lanterns a fire hazard and traumatic for our pets FTER hosting yet another successful Rage, Plett residents and businesses are gearing up to welcome hordes of year-end holidaymakers. Season plays a very significant role in the town’s life as it provides an injection of much-needed capital into every aspect of Plett’s commercial activity.

Not only is the season the lifeblood of the town, but the presence of large numbers of happy, relaxed families and other visitors brings with it a welcome annual sense of fun and enjoyment.

This is also the time when we celebrate Christmas and New Year. For some, these festivities are synonymous with the colour and sound of fireworks that, for others, spell disaster and suffering.

Plett Animal Welfare Service (PAWS) joins Bitou Municipality in reminding residents and visitors that all forms of fireworks and sky lanterns are strictly prohibited in town as well as surrounding suburbs and townships.

Plett is experiencing severe drought conditions with water restrictions imposed on all businesses and residents. Fireworks and sky lanterns pose a serious risk of run-away fires, even in normal wind conditions.

“Large areas of Plett were ravaged by fires in June, with devastating loss of life

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and property. Many residents are still struggling to come to terms with their personal tragedies and our community is sensitive to the risk of fire,” says PAWS chairperson Di Butlin.

One cannot control where fireworks and lanterns end up. Sky lanterns pose a particular threat of fire, as experienced a few years ago when a number of residents suffered loss and damage to their properties, directly attributed to wayward lanterns.

Destruction by fire of our natural vegetation is accompanied by the death and injury to many wild animals - inter alia, tortoises, small buck, porcupines and hundreds of birds.

Domestic animals are also at risk.

“Our pets suffer serious anxiety while fireworks are being set off,” says Di. “The hearing of dogs is

DISTRESSED: The fall-out from fireworks on our pets lasts for days, and dealing with dead or injured animals becomes the heart-breaking task of the PAWS team

extremely acute - they can hear frequencies not audible to humans.

“Loud bangs and flashes of light produce fear and a desperate need to escape the source of the threat. This is why dogs become panicstricken, causing them to run off and get lost, killed, or injured by cars.

“During and following every New Year’s illegal fireworks, our PAWS kennel manager, inspector, and volunteers have the heartbreaking task of dealing with dead and injured animals, while trying to reunite anxious animals with their equally anxious owners,” says Di, adding that the fall-out from fireworks lasts for days.

PAWS now urges all residents and visitors to comply with the bylaw making fireworks illegal.

Your compliance will free up emergency services and public safety officers to prioritise road accidents and medical emergencies, rather than spending time and energy on fires caused by the negligent and illegal use of fireworks.

Your cooperation is critical to prevent a recurrence of past destructive fires. Call PAWS on 083 287 9917, Plett Tourism on 044 501 3150, Bitou Public Safety on 044 501 3240, and Emergency Services on 044 533 5000.

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CXPRESS

13 December 2017

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

13 December 2017

Letters to the Editor

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

Provincial hospital team offers better care than money could ever buy A few weeks ago my son, Calvin, was involved in an accident. He was riding a motorcycle down Plett Main Street when a car pulled out from a stop street, not noticing the bike.

The collision was inevitable: the car was damaged, my child was damaged, and the bike was damaged. By a weird turn of fate, my daughter was a few hundred metres away and saw the accident. She jumped out of her car and ran towards the scene; when getting closer, she realised it was her brother screaming in pain.

She called the police and tried the emergency lines, but was not getting much response other than being advised to call Plett NSRI. Station 14 volunteers were on the scene within minutes, accompanied by an ambulance, police, and their best response team.

Calvin was stabilised as he lay in the road, and the ambulance paramedics took over. A drip was set up and pain medication administered before they lifted him onto a “scoop” board and did the best they could to immobilise his leg and load him into the ambulance.

As we don’t have medical aid, we were at the mercy of the provincial team.

SMILE SAVES THE DAY: Having survived serious surgery to his badly damaged leg, lifeguard Calvin was all smiles when finally returning to his Plett home - but months of corrective care and a substantial loss of seasonal income mean that every rand contributed now will go a long way to ease his family’s current financial burden

As soon as I got the emergency call, I dashed from 30km away down the mountain as fast as I could on the freshlygraded dirt road, slipping and sliding. As I reached town, the next call came: “Ready to leave - where are you?”

I was one minute away.

I swung into a parking space, ditched the car and jumped into the ambulance to accompany my son to hospital.

The trip to Knysna Provincial was excruciating for Calvin. As the driver went over a bump he apologised: “So sorry buddy, I’m trying to avoid them, we’ll get there soon.”

At the same time, his counterpart was administering oxygen and drugs for the pain.

Also on board at the back was an amazing little computer: details like ID, address, and everything else required was captured before we swept into the emergency entrance at Knysna Hospital, and forwarded to the relevant ward.

On arrival, we were met by an amazing staff of doctors and nursing sisters. They went through emergency procedures, having to straighten a badly-fractured leg before whipping him off to x-ray.

As it was a trauma in-

jury, they x-rayed Calvin from head to foot to make sure that there were no underlying problems.

The doctor in charge called George Provincial to organise transfer the next day - as it was an open fracture, Calvin was scheduled for immediate surgery.

George Provincial Hospital was scrupulously clean, as was Knysna Provincial, with the best possible doctors on call doing ball-breaking shifts while still taking care and extreme precaution.

State of the art technology - titanium posts in the core of his femur, staples, stitches, and pumps to keep the wounds viable was applied by a team of caring and amazing staff.

My absolute gratitude goes to those at Knysna and George Provincial Hospitals. I do not believe that anyone in a crisis situation could wish for better treatment, or could afford better treatment, for that matter. Please accept my grateful thanks.

Fiona Wilson, Plett (Visit www.backabuddy. co.za and type ‘Calvin Everard’ in the Search block to find out how you can help this Plett Lifeguard, and turn to page 4 of the November 22 edition at www. cxpress.co.za for the initial accident report. - Eds.)

Knysna Municipality responds to water queries We thank ‘Savana’ for the letter in CXPRESS of December 6 [turn to page 15 of that edition at www.cxpress.co.za and read ‘Please elaborate on forward planning, alternative water sources, and proactive measures’], and we are confident that the au-

thor is playing her or his part in using water wisely.

Knysna’s Council invested in the expansion of its Water Purification Works in 2008, and installation of the Sedgefield Desalination Plant in 2010 as a direct result of the 2008 drought.

Later developments included construction of the Knysna Reverse Osmosis Plant, and recently the upgrade of the Charlesford scheme.

These plants can, when required, produce an additional of 2ML/day (Reverse Osmosis) and 1.5ML/day (Desalina-

tion Plant) respectively.

One must, however, be mindful of the expense to operate these plants, and so the most efficient and economical solution remains for all of us to conserve water.

Christopher Bezuidenhout: Municipal Spokesperson, Knysna

Our heartfelt thanks for saving Thyme & Again

TIMEOUSLY CONTAINED: This photo was posted on social media when the farmstall fire was detected, but a joint effort by concerned locals ensured that the popular Thyme & Again was saved and trade-ready the next day

At sunset on Thursday evening November 30, a fire broke out at Thyme & Again. But most fortunately, within minutes the fire was contained - and we were overwhelmed by the support of local friends who showed concern and immediately rushed to assist us.

Thyme & Again owes the fact that the building did not completely burn down and that we were trading the next day to four students who saw smoke coming from the farmstall and immediately reported it to the fire brigade.

We wish to thank Rebecca Light, Robyn Flannigan, Phillip Jordaan, and

Simon Webster for their vigilance and prompt response. If not for these heroes, the turnout could have been devastating for staff and customers alike!

We also thank the firefighters and everyone who showed concern and offered to help during the fire and in the following days - especially Peter and Carol Humphrey, Arlene, and Carol from Keurbooms Alert.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Johnny, who showed up with pizzas for the staff while we were busy with the enormous task of cleaning up after the fire.

Tessa de Kock, Plett

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CXPRESS

SPORT & ADVENTURE

13 December 2017

Nothing stops these 60-plussers from traversing the Route’s top trails Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

MOST KAYS ACCUMULATED: Plett Panters leading light Robyn Eidelman, centre, presented certificates and prizes to the members who had walked the most aggregate kilometres during the course of the past year - from left are Wally Lake (430km), Franco Casti (431km), Jos Coninx (377km), and Steve Crutchley (411 km)

ITOU-based hiking club the Plett Panters held its year-end function at Plett Angling Club recently. Attended by over a hundred people, the annual function saw prizes and certificates awarded to those

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members who had hiked the most kilometres over the course of the 12 months ended November 30.

First prize went to Franco Casti, who walked 431km out of a possible 450km, this feat winning him two

nights for two people at Knysna Elephant Lodge.

‘Walker up’ was Wally Lake with 430km to his credit, while third-placed Steve Crutchley covered 411km.

They received vouchers from The Old Rectory Hotel

and Beacon Island Resort respectively. All three also earned a complimentary meal at Off the Hook eatery.

The Plett Panters, currently boasting 158 members, was founded and is to this day run by Robyn and Dave Eidelman.

Club excursions take place each Thursday throughout the year, these weekly hikes selected from some 90 known trails along the length and breadth of the Garden Route, from the De Vasselot section of Tsitsikamma National Park at Nature’s Valley, to the town of George and surrounds.

Hikes are graded in terms

ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED: Celebrating their placement in the top eight in terms of distance covered are, from left, Trish Coninx, Pano Nicolopulos, Di Tuffin, and René Louw

of distance and severity, and are invariably chosen such that a difficult route alternates with one that is more straightforward. The average distance is 12km, and approximately 28 members participate at a time.

Typically, a Plett Panter is 67 years of age.

At the conclusion of the speeches and prize giving, a braai and liquid refreshments were enjoyed by everyone. Hiking is thirsty work, you know?

Plett golf gals take the lead in Southern Cape League

Congrats to the Silver and Bronze teams of Plett Country Club for winning the Southern Cape Ladies Golf League, which comprised six Silver and four Bronze teams from as far afield as Mossel Bay. They thank AT Coetzee Builders for sponsoring their pretty red shirts. Well played, ladies!