22 May 2019

22 May 2019

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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Plett Arts Fest back on track

Saxophonist Dax Butler and dancers Neels Engelbrecht and Charnelle Beresford-Carter gave an impromptu performance amid CAP Exhibition paintings at last year’s Plett Arts Festival - which was recently put back on the boards after members of the local arts fraternity pledged their support. Turn to page 5 for the full story.

Taking our leave of legends

Now to clear the ranks...

p2 & 11

p4

Photo: Fran van Rooyen

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NEWS & VIEWS

22 May 2019

OBITUARY - Anthony de Wet

Bidding adieu to a beautiful mathematical mind inspired by Plett and the sermons he couldn’t hear NTHONY de Wet was born in Grahamstown and died on his family farm, Mount Marlow, in the mountains between Somerset East and Cradock on April 23 - mere months before his 90th birthday.

He attended St Andrews College for the last three years of his schooling, during WWII, and completed his matric year at age 15 - when he was boxed on the ear, breaking his eardrum.

During the subsequent operation on his inner ear, a facial nerve was severed, which paralysed the right side of his face. Later on, someone let off a shotgun next to him causing deafness in the other ear!

Anthony gained his engineering degree at Loughborough in England; in 1952 his father sent him for his master’s degree to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), where he met some very interesting students.

He became good friends with Albert ‘Bud’ Wheelon - who, after an illustrious career, became president of Hughes Aircraft - and Bob Walkist.

In 1960 the CSIR, where Anthony worked, sent him to MIT again and he then went on to Berkeley University in California. In 1961, Bud became godfather to Anthony’s first son.

Under Dr Hanno Rund, Anthony became very interested in mathematics. His great passion was particle physics and dark matter, so he was extremely excited to learn of the capture of the first images of a black hole.

He liked to share his knowledge, and some of his published work is available on ResearchGate, where he has a global following of more than 500.

Anthony met several great

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mathematicians, including professor Eugene Wigner, a Nobel Prize winner (Physics 1963).

Professor Asim O Barut (University of Boulder, Colorado) was so excited about Anthony’s work that he came out to see him in 1981 and introduced him to professor Wigner at a

conference in Germany, when Anthony was travelling through that country with a group, on their way to the Holy Land.

Anthony also belonged to a group of physicists and mathematicians who met in the States or Europe almost annually. Ten years ago he visited Cern (the

ANTHONY DE WET: 27.9.1929 - 23.4.2019

SUSSING OUT CERN: A decade ago, Anthony, above and at centre below, was enthralled to visit the European Organisation for Nuclear Research - one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research - with a group of MIT physicists

European Organisation for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland, with a group of physicists attached to MIT. Another of his favourite gurus was sir Arthur Stanley Eddington (Cambridge), whose photo still hangs in his study.

Although he could not hear the sermons, Anthony loved attending church, as he found the deeper he got into mathematics, the more he realised God was the great creator. He often prayed during the sermons that God would lead him to his next idea - which He did!

He also loved sailing, and with a friend entered his Flying Dutchman in a race in the Kiel Canal in 1958 - and came third. He crewed on large yachts (19-21m) in the Med and a small yacht of only 12m in England and France, and loved camping with friends in Namibia and Botswana.

Three decades ago, Anthony and his wife, Anne, retired to Plettenberg Bay, where he wrote most of his mathematical papers. He leaves Anne, three children, and eight grandchildren.

ve you heard the one about th who went to a tiny country far

NEWS & VIEWS

22 May 2019

CXPRESS

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Police call on public to help crack murder cases turning cold as months go by

Local police investigators are still trying to solve two murders that occurred in Plett in recent months, but need the public’s assistance to do so LETTENBERG Bay police spokesman captain Marlene Pieterse said police were still trying to solve the murder of Restonay Bernades, 22, whose body was found in a footpath near the N2 in New Horizons.

The incident sent shock waves through the community as the grisly discovery was made on Women’s Day last year.

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The young mother of a one-year-old child was identified by her father and a post-mortem revealed that Bernades was not only strangled to death, but that she had also been raped.

“Anyone who has possible information or leads regarding this incident is requested to contact the investigation officer. All information will be dealt

with in a confidential manner,” Pieterse said.

The investigating officer in the matter is detective sergeant Gilbert Bulawa and he can be reached on 044 501 1963 or 083 284 9359.

Pieterse said police also needed assistance in tracing the perpetrator in the Brian Masiza murder case.

“The murder occurred in December last year. The

Transport minister announces extraordinary measures to protect George public OLLOWING three days of violence last week, including the torching of two George municipal trafficpatrol cars and petrol-bombing of the private vehicle of a GO George Bus Service employee, Western Cape Transport minister Donald Grant published a notice in the Government Gazette, stating his intention to implement extraordinary measures to protect commuters and secure infrastructure.

The notice identifies all the ranks and routes Grant may close in the event that violence continued or escalated. It also provides background to the conflict between disgruntled taxi operators and their drivers, and operators of the GO George bus service.

By Friday May 17, Grant’s department had requested George SAPS and traffic enforcement to be on high alert, following reports that Uncedo taxi association leaders were calling on operators from outside of town to flood the area and block key routes, ranks, and the bus depot.

The origins of the conflict in George go back as far as 2006, when the Western Cape department of Transport, in partnership with the national department and George Municipality, start-

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ed engagements with the local public transport industry around the development and implementation of a George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN).

As part of the implementation of the GIPTN, minibus-taxi operators agreed to relinquish all minibus-taxi operating licences authorising services within the George municipal boundaries.

Negotiations were protracted and difficult from the onset, but true tragedy struck when, on May 25, 2014, chief negotiator for the minibus-taxi industry Tom Queba was murdered.

Incidents of violence since include: • In late August 2015, five GO George buses were set alight, roads were blockaded and CCTV cameras and police vehicles damaged by taxi drivers and operators.

• Since then, 18 protest marches have been held in resistance to the GO George project.

• On November 3, 2016, the chairperson of Uncedo George Taxi Association, Wesley Sikhumbuso Mini, was murdered.

• In February this year, a community meeting in Thembalethu, to discuss the roll-out of Phase 4 was violently interrupted. This was

followed by a protest march by the Thembalethu Community Forum on March 14.

• On April 19, the car of a George Link employee was petrol-bombed. Routes served by the GO George bus service had been flooded with illegal operators, mainly Uncedo-affiliated associations, while both passengers and operators supporting the roll-out of the GO George bus service have been intimidated, as reported to the municipality and SAPS. • On April 25, the national Transport minister announced that the roll-out of Phase 4B, scheduled for April 28, would be postponed until the first week in June.

“Within this context, I have published my intention to invoke my powers in terms of section 91 of the National Land Transport Act,” said Grant. “After consultation with the relevant planning authority [in this case, George Municipality], I have decided to declare the George area as high-risk in respect of taxi violence.”

By 5:30am on May 21, GO George announced via social media that all bus routes were back in full service - for the time being. Readers can visit www.gogeorge.org.za for the full list of actions proposed by minister Grant.

body of the victim was found in the bushes next to the footpath between Pine Trees and Qolweni in Plett.”

Anyone with any information can contact investigating officer detective constable Nosiviwe Kova on 044 501 1937 or 071 984 8687.

Garden Route Media

WOMEN’S DAY DISCOVERY: The brutalised body of Restonay Bernades was found near New Horizons on August 9 last year

NO LEADS: Brian Masiza was murdered in December 2018, and his body left in bushes close to the informal settlement of Qolweni

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

22 May 2019

OPINION PIECES

Clearing the ranks perhaps easier said than done

Stuart Murray

S any housewife will tell you, it’s therapeutic to clear out the cupboards - but what do you do with the cast-offs?

This would appear to be one dilemma faced by President Ramaphosa as he and his closest advisers wield their brooms on, initially, the cabinet - and, thereafter, overstaffed state-owned enterprises, with Eskom heading the list.

The unions are crying foul, as are the president’s political foes, ululating the obvious rallying slogan: “We need job creation, not decimation.”

They have a point. What will happen to the statecapture unemployed?

Meanwhile in the background, those pesky international ratings agencies are hovering, preparing their judgment calls.

The rand gained 1.3% after the election - and it could advance further, provided the makeup of the new cabinet, expected on May 27 (two days after Ramaphosa’s inauguration), inspires further confidence.

But whether the president has the political clout

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to appoint more reformist ministers of the calibre of Pravin Gordhan and Tito Mboweni is doubtful, according to many analysts.

In a poll conducted

by Citigroup earlier this month, only 20% of respondents expected the president to downsize the cabinet AND appoint loyal and untainted ministers to key portfolios.

At present the country has 34 cabinet ministers and about 35 deputy ministers. Rumour has it that the cabinet will be shaved to below 30 posts, while the deputy numbers might even be slashed to around 10.

Of course, elected ministers retain their seats in our parliament - one of the world’s largest, with 400 seats. It remains a costly exercise, but few if any critical voices are raised against this flagship of the nation’s hardwon democracy.

Costly? Well, rank and file MPs - even those minority party members with but one seat - earn a basic salary of R91,000 a month, or just over R1million a year. The leader of a minority party gets a

shade more (R1.3-million).

Of the 29 political parties contesting the election, 13 won sufficient votes to get seats. Two of them got a single seat each.

Perks include state accommodation and free travel for the MP, and free transport for school-going children. In the parliamentary villages, MPs receive free electricity - when available - plus water, gardening services, and round-theclock protection.

Ordinary MPs are allocated 86 single air journeys a year. Sadly, travel is in economy class. If an MP prefers train travel including the Blue Train for ministers - they are allowed 10 trips a year.

When they travel distances in excess of 800km, e.g. Cape Town to Pretoria, they are entitled to hotel accommodation, with a maximum of R1,850 for dinner, bed and breakfast.

Incidentally, parents-inlaw are looked after with two single journeys a year.

Higher up the remunerative scale, cabinet and deputy ministers do quite a bit better; they are entitled to purchase one car for use in Pretoria and one for

Cape Town. Value of each vehicle must not be more than 70% of their salary.

Other perks include 30 single business-class flights a year within South Africa (spouse included).

Cabinet members may live free of charge in one state-owned residence.

Should they wish a second state-owned home, they must pay rent on a market-related basis.

So much for parliament. A much stiffer challenge awaiting President Ramaphosa and his colleagues will be that of sorting out the many provincial and municipal entities in need of repair and treatment.

Perhaps this can be spearheaded by a joint task force marching in step along with the resurrection of our crumbling SOEs. Meanwhile, the statecapture hearings trundle on... Will there ever be any atonement?

• Stuart Murray (stuart murray758@gmail.com) is a former senior assistant editor of Financial Mail and co-founder, editor, and CEO of Finance Week. He is retired and lives in Plettenberg Bay.

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read in the press that due to “cost containment measures” the government has been forced to reduce spending on the inauguration of President Ramaphosa by R100million, compared to the R240-million spent on the inauguration of his predecessor, Jacob Zuma.

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of drought are still being felt, where state schools are in disrepair and/or overcrowded, with an ailing state health system, an unemployment rate of 30%, the breakdown of the Durban sewerage system, etc. spending R140million on a fruitless inauguration is a disgrace.

Not so long ago our ‘inner circle’ politicians were rushing around the country, visiting the poorest of the poor, asking for a vote; 57% of them voted for

the ANC and this is the thanks they receive: R140million of state money to be spent on a non-productive presidential launch.

I wonder what the thoughts are now, postelection, of those who live in Alexandra and Langa, where vermin and sewerage run in the streets, to hear of such a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Surely, all that is required is for some senior official, e.g. the Speaker of the House, to an-

nounce that Ramaphosa is confirmed as president and that the state will now return to work with a new government in place. End of story.

I really think Ramaphosa has more intelligence, discernment, savvy and concern for the people of SA than his predecessor. For the future of South Africa, I hope I am correct.

However, spending all that tax money on a presidential bash is not a good start.

First quarter job stats reflect wait-and-see attitude HE Western Cape’s job numbers have held steady for the first quarter of 2019, according to the latest StatsSA jobs data, while the SA economy shed 237,000 jobs.

Job losses were recorded in seven of the nine provinces. Nationally, the employment rate declined by 0.5% points in the last quarter, and unemployment now stands at 27.6%.

Quarter on quarter data for the Western Cape show that job numbers held steady, with no increases or losses. The province still maintained the lowestexpanded unemployment rate, which at 22.7% is 15.3

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percentage points lower than the national average, and 10.9 percentage points lower than Gauteng. The Western Cape also has the highest labour force participation and absorption rates in the country.

Said Economic Opportunities minister Beverley Schäfer: “The decline in employment reflects the wait-and-see attitude being taken by businesses and investors ahead of the elections. With the May 8 now behind us, we will hopefully start witnessing the economy take off again.

“We have seen some positive developments in some of the province’s key sec-

tors including agriculture, construction, and finance.”

The agricultural sector was the biggest contributor to job creation in the province, adding 17,000 jobs year on year, reflecting the continued recovery in the province from the drought.

The Western Cape also showed growth in the number of finance jobs, adding 8,000 jobs in this sector year on year.

The construction industry, which shed 92,000 jobs nationally, showed positive signs of growth in the Western Cape, adding 6,000 jobs in the past year.

“Construction is an indicator of business con-

fidence, and the fact that we were able to add jobs in this sector in the province over the past year points to investor confidence in our economy,” Schäfer said.

The province’s trade sector reflected a decline of 4,000 jobs, while the biggest losses were recorded in private households, where employment declined by 25,000 jobs or 15.4% year on year.

“These losses are a reflection of the pressure consumers have come under over the past year, with rising fuel prices and other knock-on costs, affecting people’s spending habits,” Schäfer concluded.

NEWS & VIEWS

22 May 2019

Management of water may have been way easier when hippos roamed the Route BOB HOPKIN reports on the thorny question of ethical conservation raised at last week’s SANParks liaison meeting in Wilderness normally routine bimonthly liaison meeting held at the Wilderness section of Garden Route National Park turned contentious when matters of principle came to the table.

Chaired by local SANParks marine officer Jonathan Britton, the meeting is held regularly to inform and receive feedback from local municipalities and interested parties on activities of the national park.

Matters were subdued until Sedgefield resident, and retired water planning expert, Richard Batson raised the question of manual and frequent artificial opening of estuaries to allow the twoway passage of marine life, and the establish-

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ment of fish ‘nurseries’.

His proposal, and additional concerns about the effects of global warming on conservation, prompted a vigorous discussion on how human management of natural processes should be handled.

The SANParks principle - that natural processes and events be allowed to occur without intervention - was an issue. A recent example of this policy was when a giraffe became marooned on a river island in Kruger National Park and, instead of being rescued, the animal was allowed to die and be consumed by predators.

The unnatural opening of river mouths seemed contrary to this principle; in this respect, they

should be allowed to remain closed until nature adapted to the situation.

Chairman Britton inadvertently added to the controversy by mentioning the use of a mechanised reed cutter, imported about 12 years ago from Scandinavia at the cost of some R950,000.

“This cutter has been used regularly since to clear passages between our lakes, so allowing the unhindered movement of water and marine life between our main bodies of water.

“In the distant past, and before human habitation here, rivers like the Serpentine between Island Lake and the Touw estuary would have been kept clear by the passage of large

mammals such as hippos.

“With all the established residences and hospitality locations, it would be impractical to reintroduce the like of these large, aggressive animals,” he said.

The final issue, which did little to clarify the matter, was that responsibilities for water and estuary management are currently opaque since the national department for Water Affairs is, reputedly, in a state of disarray.

Kaaimans Estuary is currently under the control of George Municipality (but may in future be transferred to SANParks), and the Western Cape provincial government is relient on CapeNature for direction.

Limited-edition Plett Arts Festival back on track Thanks to community commitment, Plett Arts Festival will be staged from June 21-28 “limited-edition” version of the Plett Arts Festival will take place in 2019 after all, thanks to support of the local arts community, who stepped up in unison to prevent the loss of momentum built up during the event’s first three years.

Plett Tourism recently announced the festival wouldn’t take place, since a request for funding had been turned down.

The event was launched

by Plett Tourism to showcase the area’s cultural and heritage life, while anchoring the winter season. It formed part of a four-tier strategy to market Plett and develop products around the tourism pillars of Sum-

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mer, Nature & Adventure, Wine & Food, and Heritage & Culture.

It’s important to bear in mind that reputation grows over years of consistent quality and steady delivery. The National Arts Festival in Makhanda is 47 years in the making, and Knysna’s Oyster Fest - which the Plett Arts Festival complements - has been going for 35 years.

Plett Tourism will be handling the marketing and branding of an extensive visual art event, organised and presented by Plett artists, in collaboration with artists and performers from KwaNokuthula.

Kids of Kurland will also be on the block with comedy at The Fringe.

By its third year, Plett Arts Festival had not yet found its feet but was evolving a unique identity and had already developed a small but growing loyal following - the eccentric couple from Mexico City who plan their annual SA trip to coincide with the Plett Arts Festival spring to mind, among many others.

Under the Plett Arts Festival umbrella, the already popular Plett Fringe, brought to the boards by the Kids of Kurland Foundation, formed the hub of the theatrical offering with drama, music and the best comedy in the country. Film, dance, jazz, and fine arts had extended the repertoire.

According to Nelson Mandela: “Vision with action can change the world.” He also said: “It is in your hands to make a difference.”

Members of the team at Plett Tourism extend gratitude to those who are rolling up their sleeves to keep Plett Arts Festival alive, while they will continue their concerted effort to invite funding in 2020, albeit in a tough economic climate.

All that is required from you is to wrap up against the chilly winter evenings, warm your cockles at the open nights of art, and laugh your heart out at The Fringe.

Visit www.pletttourism. com for details.

CXPRESS

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

22 May 2019

Foxtrot and Mabel - how did those horse whispers come about?

RITA and MIKE HARDAKER of Plett’s Differently-abled Awareness Campaign let the cat out of the bag - or is that the horse out of the hat?

- with regard to the highly-anticipated July at Sky event… bit of nostalgia, a bit of patois, and lots of excitement to come - this, ladies and gentlemen, is what JULY at SKY is going to be. We hope to see you all there on July 6. And to our sponsors: thank you for your generosity of spirit, we will do you all proud in our own special way.

How can we ever forget the glitz and glamour, the sheer magic and hype of the original Durban July party at Beacon Isle Hotel in the 1980s? It was still owned by Sol Kerzner at the time and, for those lucky enough to obtain tickets, the day was one of those brilliant Plett shindigs of yore.

Dresses and hats were planned for months, appointments made for hairdos, manicures, and pedicures well ahead of time.

Gents had to toe the line as well and our clothing store near the Post Office, called Hup ‘n Down, did a roaring trade.

The fridge was stocked with beers for those who only stopped work at 5pm or later. Clothes were taken home for approval and overall it was as if a current of great expectation was running through Plett.

First glimpse of what was to come about was the sight of a huge bright yellow tent erected next to the main

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building. Then followed the glimmer of the sun - like a million glass shards reflected - on the many cars making their way towards this long-awaited occasion.

The ladies were dropped off at the doors - and my, how grand they looked!

Truth be told, fashions at the real Durban July were outshone that day. From elegant to exotic, both ladies and gents were dressed to the nines, and would have filled Hollywood stars with envy.

The lounge was spilling over with champagne, wallto-wall canapes and other mouth-watering morsels, planned and prepared by Elie Sopas and his crew.

Dignitaries were flown in for the occasion - Dr Chris Barnard and his entourage, to name but one. Jets were landing in a steady stream throughout the morning so we knew, this was going to be a really special day. The press arrived en masse of course and everyone was an actor in his own right.

Plett did us proud that day; I can still picture the deep, almost navy-blue mountains, the gently moving ocean, the fishing boats anchored in the bay, in stark contrast to the manicured lawns. In the tent, the stage was set for the fashion parade.

Sandy Rens had arranged the show - the beautiful

outfits were from her boutique at the Beacon Isle and the models were all locals.

The extravaganza continued all afternoon with realtime betting taking place at a special spot in the hotel.

The excitement was building up to a climax when the main race was run.

In about four minutes it was all done, but actually the day was far from done and the euphoria remained throughout this memorable event in the social annals of Plettenberg Bay. Prizes were awarded for the best-dressed couple, best outfits and hats, with lucky draws for accommodation at the BI and so much more - it never ended!

We all went home knowing that we belonged and were proud to be part of this special heaven on Earth, our Plett.

Throughout the glitzy affair, in a small paddock at the end of the lawn, stood one white and one black horse. They were named Foxtrot and Mabel.

These memories will be relived during JULY at SKY on Saturday July 6.

An event not to be missed, tickets are limited.

For info on the Differentlyabled Awareness Campaign or the July at Sky, call Rita on 082 560 2606 and see the advert below for details.

BUSINESS

22 May 2019

Investor Focus E must always ask ourselves why we invest. What are our investment objectives? What do we hope to achieve by investing?

Investment houses globally compete on performance.

Their unit trust marketing specialists will tell you in what “quartile” their performance falls, i.e. the top 25% of the funds in a specific category. We are pressurised into looking at performance and, more specifically, past performance.

But does “performance” really meet the requirements of all investors - particularly retirees?

If you are still working and building a retirement nest egg and can take a really long-term view, then

performance may be the appropriate measure, provided you can stomach the oft-vicious gyrations of the equity market.

Even then, one should consider what benchmark you use to measure the performance. Most General Equity unit trusts fail to outperform their benchmark, and still charge fees. Some outperform the benchmark and then charge “performance fees”!

Others may have performed dismally over the last four years, yet still use their 10-year performance as marketing tool.

Most rating tools reflect how they performed against competitors. The competitor average is then used as

benchmark - but why not the relevant index?

This focus on performance is gradually being replaced by “outcome-based” investing.

This is when an investor has a clear set of objectives, and has considered the risks he/she can afford to take along with all relevant personal circumstances.

Retirees must consider required income goals and personal needs instead of chasing after returns. As a retiree, you need to live off of the proceeds of your retired capital rather than embark on a risk-strewn effort to generate performance.

You cannot replace capital that may be lost; you cannot afford to be forced to sell units at the bottom of a market to finance your monthly living costs.

Plett property area focus: Brackenridge Estate Sue Harvey

RACKENRIDGE Estate remains one of Plett’s most sought-after eco-estates and is conveniently located on the border of the Plett Country Club, close to shopping facilities and all our glorious beaches.

The 128-hectare nature reserve is home to the country’s legendary fynbos which attracts an abundance of birds and small animals. A total of 280 erven are all sized at approximately 1,500m2 each and landscaping is based on indigenous gardening that complements the ‘two-third nature reserve’ principle.

Brackenridge Estate is extremely water wise, having its own water supply in the form of a large high-yielding borehole and a number of rainwater tanks. A good filtration system ensures an abundance of potable water.

All homes enjoy scenic views, with many of those higher up having sea views.

The estate has recently introduced off-road cycling tracks, and has extended walking trails throughout the estate for fans of nature hikes in a safe environment.

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Malcolm Stewart – Investment manager at Michaelides Parker Wealth Knysna & Plett

Creating benchmarks

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ESTATE EXPERT: Brackenridge specialist Sue Harvey is based in Plett

Brackenridge Estate is a gated, access-controlled, extremely secure estate with a 100% incident-free record for the past three years. The night patrol guards have new trackers and panic buttons, which have been working most effectively.

Strict architectural guidelines apply, ensuring an indigenous paradise with homes of a high standard, enhancing this estate’s growing image.

Pets are most welcome in Brackenridge, where the standard bylaw of two pets per home is adhered to.

Eight new houses are be-

ing built this year so far and only 69 plots remain vacant, equating about a quarter of the estate. The number of undeveloped plots by area are as follows: Orchid Valley 3, Watsonia Heights 12, Bitou Glade 15, and Erica Heath 39.

Buyer demand for gated estates is high and stock is decreasing. There are about 20 stands available for sale at Brackenridge - a marked decline from previous years.

From January 1 to date, there have been six registered sales of which five were clinched by Sotheby’s International Realty Plett.

Sotheby’s International Realty is currently marketing the most expensive house in Brackenridge, along with a good spread of differently-priced properties.

Plots available range from R350,000 to R1.95-million, and houses from R4.25-million to R19.8-million.

We never hesitate to recommend Brackenridge Estate as a safe and secure investment!

• Contact Sue Harvey at sue.sir@plettenbergbay. com or on 083 306 7499, and see the advert on the cover for the current listing.

So the outcome-based “benchmark” becomes very important. Your income must be sustainable and inflation proof, where possible. Only equities and property trusts (REITS) meet those requirements.

However your capital may need a more stable anchor, so the inclusion of highincome or bond funds may be necessary. You have to consider the need for an offshore inclusion.

Each outcome-based

investment benchmark should follow a rigorous needs analysis. No two retirees are the same: there may be age differences between partners, different-sized nest eggs; 65-year-olds (facing 20 years of inflation) or 80-year-olds may all be squeezed for income.

So plan your own benchmark - how much can you expose to market fluctuations, how many years of inflation are you facing, is your budget out of control?

Retirees should let the youngsters be performance addicts. Do a needs analysis and create your own benchmark. There is no point in retiring if you can’t sleep at night, so do proper planning before you invest.

• Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 20 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth. See the ad on page 11 for contact details.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

22 May 2019

From a fly on the wall in court...

I’ll testify to that Several women appeared in court, each accusing the others of causing the trouble they were having in the apartment building where they all lived.

The judge, with Solomon-like wisdom, decreed: “Okay, I’m ready to hear the evidence... I’ll hear the oldest first.”

The case was dismissed for lack of testimony.

The quick wit of Groucho Marx

The world’s greatest actor A very self-centred actor was hauled into a court as a witness.

When asked to state his occupation he announced quit confidently: “I am the world’s greatest actor.”

“Why did you tell them that?” a friend inquired afterward.

“Had to,” the self-important actor answered, “I was under oath.”

Standard policy questions HE cowboy was trying to buy a health insurance policy. The insurance agent was going down the list of standard questions.

“Ever had an accident?”

“Nope, nary a one.”

“None? You’ve never had any accidents?”

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“Nope. Ain’t had one.

Never.”

“Well, you said in this form that you were bitten by a snake once.

Wouldn’t you consider that an accident?”

“Heck, no. That dang varmint bit me on purpose,” the cowboy said.

No-no for jewellery HILE a man was servicing an alarm system at a jewellery store recently, the saleswoman let him know that the store was having a 20% off sale.

“I bet your girlfriend

W

would love it if you bought her something,” she suggested.

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he answered.

“What? No girlfriend?

Why not?”

“My wife won’t let me.”

Spelling of baby names Y brother and sister-in-law decided that they wanted to reveal the gender of their baby at our family reunion.

Just after finishing the family dinner, they announced that they were expecting a baby girl.

Of course, everyone around the table started cheering, and once the

M

noise died down a little, I shouted: “Do you have a name for the baby yet?”

My brother replied: “Yeah. Landa Noelle.”

Everyone started to “Ooohhh” and “Ahhhh” and proclaimed how pretty a name it was.

Then I asked: “How the heck are you supposed to spell Landa with no L?”

Don’t come in here no more NDY enters a dentist’s office and asks: “Excuse me, can you help me? I think I’m a moth.”

Dentist: “You don’t need a dentist. You need

A

a psychiatrist.”

Andy: “Yes, I know.”

Dentist: “So, why did you come in here?”

Andy: “Because the light was on.”

The cardiologist’s diet: if it tastes good, spit it out.

• I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.

• Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men – the other 999 follow women.

• Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.

• I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.

• When you’re in jail, a good friend will be trying to bail you out. A best friend will be in the cell next to you saying: “Damn, that was fun”.

• From the moment

I picked up your book until I put it down, I was convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend reading it.

• The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.

• Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them… well I have others.

• If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.

• Learn from the mistakes of others. You can never live long enough to make them all yourself.

• Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.

SOCIAL SCENE

22 May 2019

CXPRESS

9

OPENING GATEWAY TO GOLF: Pezula Championship Golf Course in Knysna has created an opportunity for juniors to be inspired by the game of golf when its management team last week handed over golf equipment to Knysna Sport Academy manager and head coach, Iain Coetzee. Explains Pezula operations manager Ashley Weir: “Iain joined us at Pezula Clubhouse where we presented the equipment to enthuse juniors about this wonderful game we call golf.” The object of the Sport Academy is to manage a facility that supports and encourages learners at local schools in their sporting activities, irrespective of colour or background, social or financial standing, or opportunities enjoyed by these boys and girls. The Pezula team will be in touch with the Academy in the near future to provide more support to this good initiative.” Pictured at right from left are Pezula GM Francois de Lange, Iain Coetzee, Pezula chair Albert McLean, and club captain Dave Kidd.

READ HERE AND ACT - ASAP! Lunchbox Theatre members are a fun team who take ‘making kids wiser’ particularly seriously. This is why they embarked on a challenging team-builder with Ingwe Adventures. Pictured above having fun at Ingwe in no particular order are Amanda Valela, Gaillene Isaks, Ntombizodwa Ntoni, Shanette Elliott, Donné Rundle, Mncedisi Ncedani, Nomzamo Maga, Stuart Palmer, Nkosinathi Xipula and Siyabonga Zabo. Now the Lunchbox crew asks caring people to become part of the team as an Active Armchair Ambassador for a very important project: saving the After Schools Activities Programme (ASAP) within the communities of Bitou. This vital programme, which teaches ethics, morals and values alongside dance and drama at primary schools and art for differently-abled kids, currently risks closing due to a lack of funds. But if you read here and are in a position to contribute as little as R100 per child per month, one more disadvantaged kid will be able to participate in ASAP classes. And for businesses, this investment is tax deductible! Visit https://lunchbox.org.za/workshops to find out how you can contribute.

PAYING IT BACK TO PRISTINE PLETT NATURE: Interactors from Plett Secondary School engaged in a beach clean-up on Friday May 17, which involved 15 learners and their teachers.

The community project was inspired by the terrible pollution occurring on Durban’s beaches after the recent floods, and serves as the school’s contribution to aid appreciation of the natural beauty of Plettenberg Bay. “We want to give back for what we are so privileged to receive freely,” said teacher Ntombizodwa Mange, pictured second from left at back. She added that the project is the active portrayal of the school’s motto: Respect nature and gain wisdom. - Photo: Vinthi Neufeld Photography

People, places & events

ROMANCE ROYALE: A lovely baroque barn set amid fine gardens in verdant countryside alongside Plett’s Airport Road, Ouland Royale hosted an evening of French and Russian Romances on Saturday May 18.

Poetic and musical gems of La Belle Époque (18711914) were sung by tenor, Werner van Blerk of Stellenbosch, accompanied by Portuguese pianist, José Dias, who has resided in South Africa since 2001. Warmly applauded by a capacity audience, the recital was organised by Ouland Royale owner Wilja Reitz and Marsja Hall-Green, who arranged the publicity and sales of tickets. The Ouland staff provided fine food and fare, refreshments and warm hospitality. Pictured at the top are, from left, Jacques Theron of George with Charlotte, Annabelle and Isabel Reitz, Leonie Verbosche, and Dr André Reitz, right. Pictured enjoying the ambience at left are Plett residents, from left, Weroeshka du Plessis and Heather Anderson at back, and Dr Sian Hartshorne and Celia Snowden. Above, Marsja and Wilja are pictured with golden-voiced Werner and pianist par excellence José. - Timothy Twidle

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CXPRESS

Plett CBD 1-bedroom flat available immediately R3,800 incl.

Phone 044 533 2805 / 082 492 4417

22 May 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

ON THE SOAPBOX

22 May 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

Bitou responds to water quality query The query on water quality at Piesang River mouth refers [read ‘What’s that floating in Plett’s lagoon?’ on page 3 of the May 8 edition at www.cxpress.co.za].

Please find herewith the response from our Water and Reticulation technical team - directorate: Engineering Services.

Water samples were taken from three locations as follows: • At the floating jetty near Offshore Adventures on Central Beach; • Within the River Club complex - at the wooden bridge along the Piesang River in the vicinity of Miele Creek; and • At the Otto du Plessis bridge.

Test samples were taken

on May 9 and 11, and do not indicate the presence of sewage in the Piesang River or the Lagoon area.

Furthermore, the municipality was contacted on May 7 on an urgent basis, and the query was published in CXPRESS, dated May 8. Typically, results from bacteriological testing take 24 hours to be concluded.

Also, it is prudent and good practice to test over more than one day.

Manfred van Rooyen obo Bitou Municipality, Plett (Email MvanRooyen@ plett.gov.za or call 044 501 3193 to contact Bitou’s Communications department with your queries, suggestions or compliments. - Eds.)

Wild Plum crazy: thanks for realising our tree-dreams I love it when a plan comes together, so here’s the biggest shout-out ever to all who made Operation Wild Plum such a huge success last week.

We moved and rehomed a much-needed big tree to Plett’s Raphaeli Waldorf School premises, where many large trees once gracing the property were lost to the fires of 2017.

Since relocating from their Piesang Valley premises to the school’s new home on Olive Hill Farm, the children have really been feeling the absence of the shade, climbing fun, birdlife and beauty that trees bring.

Huge thanks are due to Tyrone Yates, Pieter Boshoff, Charles Reitz, Nicole O’Connell, Anja

Wiehl, and Kayla Katalyst Wolfheart - a dream team of note! Ditto to all the parents who contributed last-minute funding to make it happen.

And of course we’re indebted to all the men who dug out the tree and helped on the day.

Witnessing the planting of this HUGE tree with a crane in the dark has definitely created lasting memories. Treepro and Reitz Tree Care, you rock!

Actually, you tree!

We don’t realise the contribution trees make until we don’t have them.

May this Wild Plum bring buckets of joy to the generations of children who will appreciate it for years to come.

Rhian Berning, Plett

BEFORE AND BETTER: With lots of help from their friends, students of Plett’s Raphaeli Waldorf School can now relish the shade, climbing, birdlife and beauty offered by the relocated Wild Plum tree

Oppenheimer offspring bid adieu to Klaus Klaus left us yesterday morning [Saturday May 18] peacefully and painlessly on the sunniest of days here in Plett.

Debb, Greig, and I were with him, the dogs at his bedside, the sounds of the sea and the garden calling gently outside.

This is the saddest time.

However, his goodbye was just as he wished it to be. Dad was magnificently his own master in life, clear-headed, considerate, and loving - right to the very end.

He was blessed to enjoy a 90-year journey, accompanied by remarkable friends, extraordinary dogs, magnificent travels, all interspersed with his own extraordinary accomplishments.

Unfortunately, none of these gifts could balance the heartbreak that came from losing Jetty, his precious soulmate, just over a year ago.

Dad’s happiness flowed into the emptiness that

opened with that devastating loss and his remarkable resilience followed.

Debb, Greig, and I will remain in Plett for the next week or so, comforting each other and enjoying the magnificent home that mom and dad created for our family here. We hope to return regularly to continue the great project they started - to be together as a family, to share the company of friends, and to create happiness.

We have no particular plans for a formal memorial at this time, but I am quite certain that we will all have the opportunity to celebrate Klaus as we move forward with our lives.

Many of you have shared the most heartfelt messages over the past few days and I hope to gradually respond to each one of you when I am able to do so. Thank you so much for being here for Dad and the three of us.

Deborah, Greig, and Brent - by email

Klaus Oppenheimer: from credit-insure expert to ace photographer

Klaus Oppenheimer had been involved in a considerable variety of photographic assignments some professional and other “simply for fun” - with successful exhibitions in both South Africa and Switzerland. His business career ranged from the creation of South Africa’s first export credit insurance organisation, to acting as business and tower planning consultant. For the last year before retiring in 2001, he served as executive director of the International Credit Insurance & Surety Association, based in Switzerland.

Along with wife Jetty, he made life-long favourite Plett his permanent home. More than 50 of his photography books can be found at www.blurb.com.

CXPRESS

11

12

CXPRESS

22 May 2019

SPORT & ADVENTURE

Progressive youth programme bears fruit for Plett bowlers LETTENBERG Bay Bowling Club last week concluded its 2019 Men’s and Ladies Novice Championships. Explains the club’s Derek Rushton: “To compete as a novice, you need to be a bowler with a maximum of three years playing experience, and no contenders who had won the tournament previously are allowed to participate as novice. “The club is in a very pleasant position in terms of young blood, since this year’s ladies novice champion is none other than Jaylin Beukes - a pupil from Wittedrift High School,� he says, adding that men’s novice champ Steve Serfontein but narrowly beat Ethan Andrews, another Wittedrift student, to claim this year’s title.

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“Club members are very proud of our youth programme, which has been run by Willie Lane - their coach and teacher at Wittedrift High, who has tirelessly driven them around the district for tournaments, in addition to the recent Bloemfontein National Tournament. “We are also indebted to our club coaches John Everson, Neville Whitaker, and Graham Morris, amongst others, who have gone out of their way to coach these up-and-coming scholars.�

Rushton concluded that, in addition, Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club received a special accolade from the Eden District Bowls committee for currently boasting the most progressive youth programme in the district.

WELCOME YOUNG BOWLING BLOOD: First and second respectively in the recent Novice club championships were Wittedrift High School students Jaylin Beukes, above, and Ethan Andrews, pictured at left with men’s winner, Steve Serfontein

Plett Country Club earns national kudos after successful Districts tournament

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TIN HOUSE Self-catering accommodation

KwaZulu-Natal and Boland came up trumps in the A and B Sections respectively of the 2019 SA Country Districts tournament concluded at Plettenberg Bay Country Club on Friday, while ‘home’ team Southern Cape - which included three members from CX Country - finished the B Section competition in a very respectable third place when beating Eastern Province 7-5. Mpumalanga finished this division in second place, while the A Section podium featured runners up North West, with Northern Cape (3rd) beating Free State 7-5. Said KwaZulu-Natal manager Wynand de Swardt shortly after his team’s victory: “I felt like I aged 10 years today and I’m sure Leon Bevan from North West felt exactly the same! I must applaud Cliff Barnard and the greens staff here at Plettenberg Bay Country Club. They really went above and beyond the call of duty to present us with an absolutely pristine golf course and the fact that we had no placing this week speaks volumes of the condition of the course and the work they did to give us a fantastic venue for this year’s SA Country Districts.� Pictured above are the Southern Cape team of, standing from left, Lukas Steyn (Plett), Meyer Potgieter, Graham Daubern and Brandon Cloete (Pezula, Knysna), with James Faber (Plett), Marlo Pienaar, team manager Billy Valentyn, Henk Geldenhuys, and Ian Norgarb seated from left to right.