23 December 2020 by CXpress

23 December 2020

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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Photo: Vanessa Brewer

Taking the beach to the streets

Look out for nests! p2

Holiday activities p14 & 15

This sporting participant in last Sunday’s peaceful demonstration in Plettenberg Bay - to bemoan the fact that the closure of Garden Route beaches is wringing the lifeblood from our coastal economies - personified the sentiments of a majority of protestors: we’re not allowing this immense setback to deprive us of good humour, but action is necessary for SA’s decisionmakers to realise that their festive beach ban has added grave financial injuries to a tourism-dependent region already lashed by months of lockdown. As this edition went to press, many thousands of residents awaited a turnaround of the beach ban with bated breath - read more on page 3. We wish our readers and advertisers a safe and merry sojourn on the beautiful Garden Route.

The CXPRESS office will be closed from December 24 until January 6.

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CXPRESS GOES FISHING! The office will be closed from December 24 until January 6. Please forward news or enquiries to editor@cxpress.co.za or advertising@cxpress.co.za

23 December 2020

NEWS & VIEWS

SOS! Our white-fronted plovers are in trouble - and we are causing it…

Words & photos: Brittany Arendse

RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES: The images above and at right adorned our October 21 edition, when the plight of Plett’s white-fronted plovers were initially shared with residents and visitors

HITE-FRONTED plovers are shore-breeding birds; in Plett, these charismatic little characters can be found on beaches from Nature’s Valley to Keurbooms, Lookout, and Robberg. Locally, the largest concentration of these birds is on the dunes of Lookout Beach and along the Keurbooms estuary. Once in abundance on Cape Peninsula beaches, they have now all but disappeared. Conservation efforts For the past five years, Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT) has worked tirelessly to change the future for our white-fronted plovers with #Share the Shores public awareness campaigns, beach signage, rope enclosures around known nesting sites in the breeding season, and by monitoring nest sites and breeding success rates. So, what is the problem? One of the biggest threats to successful breeding is disturbance by people and their dogs. When a breeding bird is scared off its nest while incubating eggs, the eggs can survive for 3-4min only before dying in the hot sun (plovers incubate to cool eggs down). Lookout is the most negatively-impacted of all local beaches. During 2019/20 the success rate was a mere 7.4%; of 54 eggs laid, only four birds finally fledged. Taking this dire situation into account, it’s clear that Plett residents and visitors now need to rally behind these birds to ensure that future generations will get to experience the joy of seeing them on our beaches. How you can help? The white-fronted plovers’

PROTECTION NOW PARAMOUNT: Having long disappeared from Cape Peninsula beaches, the conservation of white-fronted plover nesting sites along the Garden Route and on Plett beaches in particular is now of the essence

breeding season is from August to March, so we need to act right now. Firstly, it is essential that all beach users comply with dog-free zone regulations; be mindful, too, of signage near the dunes during breeding season, and prevent your children from playing in the dunes. Signs will be erected around actual nest sites, along with signage indicating sensitive dune areas. When in doubt, simply stick to the wet-sand areas and ensure your kids and pets do the same. We only have a small window of opportunity to ensure the survival of these fascinating feathered friends, so let’s not waste the chance to positively impact the continued presence of white-fronted plovers in our midst. • Brittany Arendse is a conservation scientist at NVT visit www.naturesvalleytrust. co.za for additional information, and click on Resources for details on dog zones pertaining to beaches from Robberg to Nature’s Valley. View the gallery at www. cxpress.co.za for more images.

NEWS & VIEWS

23 December 2020

CXPRESS

Light-hearted beach-ban demonstration drives home desperate message of livelihoods lost Plettenberg Bay residents and visitors made their voices heard on Sunday when a peaceful protest was staged in the coastal holiday town, demanding the reopening of Bitou’s world-class beaches - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports ENERAL outrage followed president Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement last week that beaches along the Garden Route - a Covid-19 hotspot - would be closed from December 16 to January 3. The message echoed among all who participated in Sunday’s demonstration in Plett, centred on the Beacon Island traffic circle, was that the closure spelled disaster for the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism for survival - especially over the festive season. This comes after many local businesses have had to close up shop or are struggling to fight back after being hamstrung by various lockdown levels throughout the year. Residents and visitors lined the roadside along Odlands Drive towards Longships, donning their beach attire and lugging along beach gear, from umbrellas and cooler boxes to floatation devices and surfboards. Many were also holding posters to share their point of view, which mostly in-

cluded messages pertaining to the economic impact of the closure. One of the organisers of the action, Jacqui de Villiers, said in a statement that Plettenberg Bay, which boasts six Blue Flag beaches that have raked in several prestigious awards, were the town’s main drawcard for its tourism-based economy. “The beach is an outdoor spacious public area. People from elsewhere work hard all year to reward themselves with this experience. We depend on this to feed ourselves,” De Villiers said. She added that the reason given for closing the beaches was to limit the spread of the virus in hotspots over the festive season. “The consequences impact us on a much greater scale. Every sector of the community is affected. We are inducing poverty and increasing crime. Desperate people resort to desperate measures.” De Villiers further stated that most permanent residents were not wealthy people and needed the jobs

provided by the tourism industry. These businesses, however, depend on tourists and visitors who come to the town for its beaches. About the protest, De Villiers said it was a peaceful and respectful call to have beaches reopened so “we can look after our people”. In the meantime, the DA has turned to the Western Cape High Court to have the closure of local beaches overturned. Photo: Ewald Stander

In a statement DA leader John Steenhuisen said that businesses in the Garden Route’s hospitality industry was already reporting devastating and life-threatening losses to the value of hundreds of millions of rands. “This is precisely why we are urgently approaching the courts to expedite the overturning of this decision, as the livelihoods of thousands currently hang in the balance,” Steenhuisen said. LIFE’S NO BEACH: The poster held by the protester at left asks ‘What’s next, why the beach? - questions that have been debated by thousands of locals and visitors to the Garden Route; the congenial vibe that pervaded Plett during Sunday’s demonstration could not hide the reality of the economic carnage resulting from beach closures

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

23 December 2020

Festive despatch by first citizen of Garden Route District

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

EAR Garden Routers and visitors to our district, we are fast approaching the end of 2020 - a year that has taken a tremendous toll on all of us Garden Route residents, the nation, and the world. We will, however, continue to welcome visitors and holidaymakers to the Garden Route, and we hope that you will enjoy your stay in our beautiful, diverse region. Since most of you already transitioned into the holiday and festive spirit and are inviting friends and family to functions and get-togethers, we advise you to always stay vigilant, to avoid large gatherings if you can, to always wear your mask properly by covering your mouth and nose, and to continue practising social distancing. Should you have Covid-19 related symptoms, stay at home and arrange to be tested. To my fellow brothers out there, I would like to plead with you during this festive season to act responsibly, and to protect our women and children against the evil occurrence called gender-based violence.

Love where you live ...

Garden Route

BEST WISHES, STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP: District mayor Memory Booysen welcomes visitors and urges everyone to stay safe, and remember lost loved ones, while enjoying our spectacular part of SA

As a district, we cannot end this year without remembering those who have lost their lives due to Covid-19, or to genderbased and other forms of violence. We know that many families are currently heartbroken and we want to encourage you to use this time to celebrate lost loved ones by reliving your memories of them. Do things differently this

year: stay at home and spend time with your loved ones, because this is the safest thing to do. Also, reflect on your purpose in life, and rethink how you can improve it in the next year to make a meaningful difference in the lives of other citizens. We extend a special word of thanks and encouragement to our essential workers and healthcare community at the forefront and centre of Covid-19. You have worked selflessly and courageously in saving lives - we salute you! On behalf of Garden Route District Municipality and its council, I would like to wish you all a blessed and prosperous Christmas and festive season. May it be a joyous time spent with your loved ones and may you all keep safe. The year 2020 will indeed be a year to be remembered for generations to come. We wish and pray for the health and safety of every one of us and our communities in 2021. Wanga uThixo woxolo anganigcina nonke sibuye sibonane nakunyaka ozayo We will rise again - God bless you all.

Cry the beloved Plett - but it’s not all tears... Alistair Flood shared this photo, taken around 5:30am last Saturday as the sun was about to rise over a fenced-in Hobie Beach. He captioned the photo ‘Cry the beloved Plett Covid 2020’, and wished CXPRESS and its readers all the best for the year to come, saying: “We can all do with a good one!” Turn to page 13 for some great news about the successful Hobie 16 Nationals that was held in the bay from December 17 to 20.

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NEWS & VIEWS

23 December 2020

CXPRESS

OBITUARY

Hidden treasure of a man now lost to the Garden Route for good KEITH and Rev PAM BERNING of Plett shared this tribute to their talented son

ASED upon a statistical analysis of words looked up in extremely high numbers in the MerriamWebster online dictionary while also showing a significant year-over-year increase in traffic, the American dictionarians’ Word of the Year 2020 is ‘pandemic’. “Sometimes a single word defines an era, and it’s fitting that in this exceptionally difficult year, a single word came immediately to the fore as we examined the data that determines our Word of the Year,” according to a M-W spokesman. The first big spike in dictionary lookups for pandemic took place on February 3, the day the first C-19 patient in the US was

released from a Seattle hospital. Pandemic was looked up 1,621% more than a year before, but close inspection of data shows that searches for the word had begun to tick up consistently on January 20, the date of the first positive case in the US. People were clearly paying attention to the news and to early descriptions of the nature of this disease. That initial February spike in lookups didn’t fall off; it grew. By early March, the word was being looked up an average of 4,000% over 2019 levels. As news coverage surged, alarm among the public was rising. On March 11, the World Health Organization officially declared: “Covid-19

can be characterised as a pandemic.” On this day the word saw the single largest spike in dictionary traffic in 2020, showing an increase of 115,806% over lookups on that day in 2019. “What is most striking about this word is that it has remained high in lookups ever since, staying near the top of our word list for the past ten months - even as searches for other related terms, such as coronavirus and Covid-19, have waned.” Pandemic is defined as ‘an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area (such as multiple countries or continents) and typically affects a significant proportion of the population’.

by his brothers Emil and Deon, and his sister Pam whom he adored. He is also missed by many friends and business colleagues around the world, and by his carers: Adwin le Fleur, Michael Ndou and Elzonia le Fleur who faithfully assisted him to the end of his life. We thank the whole community and our friends for their support and prayers during this trying time.

M U N G O M I L L A N D F LAG S H I P STO R E

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No surprises about Word of the Year 2020...

he always wanted his own space and independence. We were assisted in caring for our son by qualified local carers, with advice from Hospice Plett and the MND Association of SA. Paul fought bravely to overcome this disease; he always kept up his dignity and control of his right to life up - right up to the end. He is sadly missed by us, his father and mother;

78 HOUT STREET & HIGH CONSTANTIA CENTRE

ducer Deon Opperman - his mentor - as a director of Tanstaafl and Backstage Productions. During this period he completed an MBA degree at Wits Business School, specialising in Finance, Strategy and Marketing. At the same time, he served as executive producer for Tanstaafl Holdings and Backstage Productions. They produced four classical full scale musicals at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre and the State Theatre in Pretoria: The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, and The King and I. Paul also produced original South African musicals including Soweto Story, Dis Hoe Dit Was, Die Steve Hofmeyr Storie,

ish citizenship after eight years followed by his British Passport… dream achieved! Only a few months later, he was diagnosed with MND. He stayed in London for six months but clearly could not cope with the advancing disability, so came back home. We had by now moved to Stromboli’s Retirement Village and Paul spent his last two years in his own cottage -

44 STANLEY

PAUL HARDING BERNING: 5 Mar 1971 - 19 Nov 2020

Ons Vir Jou, and musicals Shaka Zulu and Jock of the Bushveld. There were many more plays and musical revues, and Paul took many shows to the “fringe theatre” at Grahamstown’s National Arts Festival, to Oudtshoorn and Potchefstroom. Paul was also in the production of local television projects such as Backstage - a daily ‘soapy’ focusing on the sagas and dramas of students at a performing arts college; Kruispad - a drama series examining the impact of political changes in SA; and Getroud met Rugby - an open-ended drama series focusing on the scandals in the world of rugby. Paul then decided that London and The West End was calling. He sold up and moved back to the UK where he did professional consulting for some years and eventually joined Bill Kenwright Productions the largest privately-owned theatre and musical production company in the UK. Bill was personally a good friend to Paul. Paul’s dream was to live in the UK. He obtained Brit-

JOHANNESBURG

T is with great sadness that we announce the death of our son Paul. He died of MND (Motor Neuron Disease), which robbed him of his life and career, on November 19. This man was a treasure to be found. He was only 49. Paul matriculated at Bryanston High School in Johannesburg and went to Wits University in Johannesburg to complete a BA degree in International Relations and English with German as additional language. He worked for Bosch in its sales office in Berlin for a year. After a period in the UK he returned to South Africa, working with Vodac for four years as dealer, sales and retail manager, then managed a new Vodashop franchise in Knysna for a year. During this time he realised that his real passion was for live theatre and particularly musicals. He went back to study at AFDA for three years and completed another BA degree in Live Performance, specialising in Production. He joined well-known playwright, writer and pro-

DESIGNED | WOVEN | MADE IN PLETTENBERG BAY SOUTH AFRICAS FIRST GOTS ( G LO B A L O R G A N I C STA N DA R D ) CERTIFIED MILL

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

23 December 2020

Prime property agents rewarded for shining during a most trying year

See the bay’s beauty through the eyes of a local lensman PICTURE PERFECT: Martin Hurwitz’s collection of photos taken in and around Plett over the past few years makes for riveting viewing, with succinct text to provide background information

REMAX STARS: From left, Sally Searle, Simon Revington, and Bruce Noble were all awarded in this year’s interoffice competition, whereas Sally and Bruce also got the nod on a national platform

LTHOUGH this Covid-19 year has been a strange and frightening one for all of us, it is at times like these that you really see the measure of a man or woman in the manner they deal with adversity. “We are extremely proud of all of our staff and agents for the way in which they have pulled together and supported

each other,” says Cheryl van der Merwe of RE/MAX Prime Properties in Plettenberg Bay. “Everyone carried on working, from the start of Level 5 lockdown and throughout the rest of the year, despite all of the obstacles placed in their way and the ever-present negative sentiment.” Every year, RE/MAX Plett

honours its top achievers by running a competition for the agent who sells the most number of properties. This year, the competition was once again won by Sally Searle, ably assisted by her team member, Simon Revington. The duo sold a record number of homes, despite the fact that they could not show any properties from March to June, and Bruce Noble was rewarded for the highest sales figure for the year. “Both Sally and Bruce were also honoured by RE/MAX of Southern Africa as members of the RE/ MAX Stars Club, all of whom have reached the higher echelons of commission earnings for the year,” explains Cheryl. “Well done to Sally and Bruce you are our very own stars!” See the advert on page 7 for listings and contact details.

ELL-KNOWN local photographer Martin Hurwitz is this summer releasing a small coffee table book comprising some of the stunning images he has captured in and around Plett over the years. Every page of the compact (21cm x 15cm) and beautifullycrafted book, entitled ‘Picture Perfect Plett’, is filled with breathtaking, provocative images that are sure to enchant those familiar with the area as well as strangers to the Garden Route. Martin has been a regular contributor to CXPRESS; since he is so often found capturing local events or the gorgeous people and places in and around Plett, he is regularly bugged for newsy or atmospheric images, which he graciously shares. When included, his excellent shots invariably add

value to this newspaper. This superb collection of photographs makes the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family - especially those who cherish wonderful memories of holidays spent in this special place called Plett. The book retails at R250 per copy and a percentage of proceeds derived from sales will be paid to various worthy local organisations, including Muddy Pooches, Keep Plett Clean, Sabrina Love Foundation, and the various volunteer firefighting teams. Get your copy from select outlets in town, e.g. Beacon Isle KwikSpar, Total Beacon Isle, Pippa’s Flowers in Main Street and Red Shed Nursery at Old Nick Village. See the ad on this page and visit the gallery at www.cxpress.co.za to view a few images.

PROMOTION

23 December 2020

CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

23 December 2020

Ultra Liquors opens flagship store in Plettenberg Bay Joint Managing Director of Ultra Liquors SEAN ROBINSON shared this festive message with CXPRESS readers in Plett and Knysna ULTRA ABLE: Charles Storbeck - at centre with a few of his able staffers - heads a team that includes Warren McCullum, Eltovise Wates, Yolanda Thomas, Doreen Windwaai, Carla Barnard, Denzil Salmans, Kelvin Davids, Ruschard Harker, Shaun Erasmus, Duwayne van der Westhuysen, Damian Steenkamp, Mandla Gongxeka, Rudolph Whickham, Eugene Vaaltyn, Shalton Wabanie, Jiordon Davids, Bongeka Maputeni, Lorinne Whaites, Lumkisa Ndinisa, Nolubabalo Matiwane, Junaine Ceazar, Sihle Stofile, Yanga Langa, Leon Dyakalashe, and Anelisa Nzimeni

am delighted to announce the opening of Ultra Liquors Plett. We are open for trade and invite members of the public as well as businesses that require liquor to visit us and hopefully become our loyal customers. Ultra Liquors is a familyowned and -run business. We have over 60 stores nationally and we are very excited about our new Plett store. We bought Diamonds Liquor and initially we were going to trade from the existing premises. However, after some analysis it was decided that we needed a suitable building that would enable a flagship Ultra Liquors store in the irresistibly beautiful Plett. Locals may know of Ultra Liquors as we have stores in George and Port Elizabeth. However, we decided that it would be far more convenient to have a store in Plett that is easily accessible to residents while enabling us to quickly deliver to licensed traders such as restaurants and taverns. We hope that visitors to Plett already know the Ul-

We are pleased to announce that The Second Watercourse History Festival in Plettenberg Bay will take place on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th February 2021 Developed on the theme “War and Peace”, we have lined up a fine set of academics and popular historians, as well as experienced peace--workers, to share with us something of their insights and experiences in the field of human conflict in Southern Africa and elsewhere on the African Continent. Thursday 25th February kicks off with historian n June Bam--Hutchinson, who will be speaking on early 18th Century conflict in the South--Western Cape.. She will be followed by David Bristow and David Hilton--Barber on conflict among settlers and the amaXhosa in the Eastern Cape in the 19th Century, while Daavid Fig will end the day with a presentation on the history of the South African Nuclear Bomb Programme. In the early afternoon, however, the Institute for the Healing of Memories will present their work in dealing with military veterans. On Friday 26th February, Kevin Vos will describe his experience as a Parabaat in Southern Angola in the 1980 0s, followed by Ian Uys on citations and honours awarded during that period. Tony Turton will speak on the Angolan War in its geopolitical context, while in n the afternoon, Piers Pigou and Zenzile Khoisan willl disscuss their experience of “Truth and Reconcciliation. Finally, Professor Mike de Jongh will discuss the Anglo--Boer in the Kaaroo and reflect overall on Humanity in Conflict. For further information, please Whatsapp Mike Kantey at 072 628 5131

005-417 NPO

tra Liquors brand and will make us their destination of choice this festive season and during future visits. We are known throughout South Africa for our low prices. We build large stores so that we can buy in bulk and thereby get the maximum discounts available, which we pass onto our customers. In fact, we are measured as having the cheapest average basket of liquor in South Africa. This pricing strategy is the core of our business model and we hope you will enjoy our new Plett store and appreciate the benefit of our low prices. You may have noticed the

store being built on the corner of the N2 and Marine Way, close to Robberg Fine Foods. Now that the signage is up, it is particularly visible from the N2, so we hope you’ll find it easily. There are still some finishing touches to be done, but we are open for trade and ready to welcome you. We hope to become a valuable and respected member of the Plett business community, and are keen to partner with other licensed traders in CX Country, and to become your liquor supplier of choice. See the centrespread for prices, additional information, and contact details.

EVIDENT FROM AIRSPACE: The brand new Ultra Liquors store is conveniently situated across the main N2 traffic circle from Plett’s Shell Garage, ensuring easy access from all directions

PROMOTION

23 December 2020

CXPRESS

PROMOTION

23 December 2020

PRICES VALID FROM 9 DECEMBER 2020 TO 4 JANUARY 2021 Glenﬁddich 15YR Old Malt Whisky

Remy Martin VSOP Cognac

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Red Heart Rum

Richelieu Export Brandy

Captain Morgan Spiced Gold

69999 59999 29999 28999 15999 14999 13499 750ml

12 x 750ml R8 280.00 Unit price per case R690.00

Hendrick’s Original Gin

750ml

12 x 750ml R7 080.00 Unit price per case R590.00

750ml

12 x 750ml R3 576.00 Unit price per case R298.00

750ml

12 x 750ml R3 449.00 Unit price per case R287.42

750ml

12 x 750ml R1 899.00 Unit price per case R158.25

12 x 750ml R1 749.00 Unit price per case R145.72

12 x 750ml R1 548.00 Unit price per case R129.00

Malfy Gin Range

Cîroc Vodka Range

Whitley Neill Gin Range

Smirnoff 1818 Vodka

Belgravia Gin Range

Old Buck Gin Range

34999 32999 32999 22999 11999 11999 11999 750ml

12 x 750ml R4 140.00 Unit price per case R345.00

Belgravia Gin & Tonic Cans

339

24x 440ml

750ml

6 x 750ml R1 950.00 Unit price per case R325.00

Hunter’s Dry OR Gold Cans

299

24x 440ml

750ml

12 x 750ml R3 900.00 Unit price per case R325.00

Strongbow Can Range

289

24x 440ml

750ml

6 x 750ml R1 350.00 Unit price per case R225.00

750ml

12 x 750ml R1 399.00 Unit price per case R116.58

6 x 750ml R699.00 Unit price per case R116.50

12 x 750ml R1 399.00 Unit price per case R116.58

Corona Mexican Beer Bottles

Brutal Fruit Ruby Apple Cans

279

24x 355ml

279

24x 500ml

Castle Lite Cans

269

24x 500ml

Heineken Lager Bottles

259

24x 330ml

PLETT GRAND OPENING Cash & Carry only. Ultra Liquors supports responsible alcohol consumption. While stocks last. Quantities may be limited. Advertised prices exclude bottle and crate deposit. E&OE. Robinson Liquors (Pty) Ltd, 426 Main Road, Cnr Main and Constantia Road, Wynberg 7800

Not for Persons Under the Age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly.

PROMOTION

23 December 2020

CXPRESS

PRICES VALID FROM 9 DECEMBER 2020 TO 4 JANUARY 2021 Dom Perignon

Moët & Chandon Ice

Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial

Graham Beck

L’Ormarins Brut OR Brut Rosé

Krone

219999 69999 47999 14499 12999 12999 750ml

750ml

6 x 750ml R3 999.00 Unit price per case R666.50

750ml

6 x 750ml R2 850.00 Unit price per case R475.00

6 x 750ml R840.00 Unit price per case R140.00

750ml

6 x 750ml R750.00 Unit price per case R125.00

Brut, Brut Rosé OR Bliss Nectar

Rupert & Rothschild Classique

Springﬁeld Life from Stone Sauvignon Blanc

Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend

750ml

6 x 750ml R990.00 Unit price per case R165.00

6 x 750ml R654.00 Unit price per case R109.00

16999 11500

Rusthof Dry Red

10999

5 litres

Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc

Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir

10499 3 litres

750ml

6 x 750ml R475.00 Unit price per case R79.16

Rusthof Johannisberger White

9999 5 litres

6 x 750ml R769.00 Unit price per case R128.16

6999 750ml

6 x 750ml R399.00 Unit price per case R66.50

Night Nectar, Night Nectar Rosé, Borealis Brut OR Brut Rosé

8999 7999

6 x 750ml R510.00 Unit price per case R85.00

750ml

Bon Courage Blush

Beyerskloof Pinotage

7699 750ml

6 x 750ml R450.00 Unit price per case R75.00

Robertson Smooth Dry Red

9699

3 litres

Diemersdal Sauvignon Blanc

6499 750ml

6 x 750ml R385.00 Unit price per case R64.16

Paarl Perlé

99 2 litres

6 x 2 litres R285.00 Unit price per case R47.50 Excluding bottle & crate deposit

1659 Red OR White

2999 750ml

6 x 750ml R179.00 Unit price per case R29.83

Sedgwick’s Old Brown

99 750ml

12 x 750ml R396.00 Unit price per case R33.00 Excluding bottle deposit

CNR N2 & MARINE WAY, PLETTENBERG BAY TEL: 044 533 1454 Cash & Carry only. Ultra Liquors supports responsible alcohol consumption. While stocks last. Quantities may be limited. Advertised prices exclude bottle and crate deposit. E&OE. Robinson Liquors (Pty) Ltd, 426 Main Road, Cnr Main and Constantia Road, Wynberg 7800

Not for Persons Under the Age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly.

GO Advertising 37250

We are delighted to open our newest store in the prettiest Bay on earth & can’t wait to be of service to you!

CXPRESS

BUSINESS

23 December 2020

Investor Focus

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

Looking back at 2020 and forward to 2021 OCALLY, 2020 is a year that most investors will want to forget. We saw the fastest bear market on record; we were hit by a Black Swan event; dividends were cancelled, interest rates were reduced to all-time lows, and the Rand plummeted. The second quarter, now referred to as the “Covid Quarter” saw the JSE reach the bottom amid panic selling as investors ran for cover. Thereafter the reality started to set in, and specific recoveries started to take place. Those companies that were going to be unaffected by the pandemic started to recover first, i.e. MTN, Vodacom, etc. Then we had those that would always recover, such as the banks. Finally, those that may never fully recover include property and tourism. Then the dust began to settle, and the market got an overall lift.

2020 Global In the USA, the market was led by massive buying in their “stay at home stocks” such as Facebook, Amazon, and Netflix, although this overshadowed the poor performance of the rest of US Inc.

Global interest rates were at all-time lows and in parts of Euroland deflation raised its ugly head. Lockdowns took a heavy toll and global markets plummeted. Dare I use the B or T words - remember Brexit, or Trump?! Again, as the dust began to settle, and government stimulus packages took effect, a gradual recovery began. Then as the vaccine appeared, and as we thought all would get better, came the dreaded Second Wave. 2021 Local The second wave has plummeted us back into a world of uncertainty. Lockdowns are being reinstated; hospitals are filling up and many businesses will finally succumb. The economic uncertainty is back, and companies will have to revisit their future plans. We have political chaos in the ruling party; there will still be load shedding, unemployment will get worse, downgrades could reappear, and we can expect serious strikes from the civil servants. It is now that one must remember these investment fundamentals: • Interest rates will re-

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main at record lows. • Inflation will remain subdued. • Shares are offering good value. • Portfolios should be diversified. • Stick to quality. • Dividends will recover. Remember we have been through this before - and very recently. We know that a recovery will eventuate. The green shoots have not gone away; government is now private-sector friendly, the budget is being responsibly managed, corruption is being attacked (if slowly). Eskom will be able to vastly reduce load shedding by year end, and the vaccine will eventually be available. Do not deviate from your long-term investment plan. 2021 Global The global Second Wave is leading to some severe lockdowns, however the vaccine is well on its way. As I said above, the dust will eventually settle. Markets will remain underpinned by extreme interest rates and government stimulus measures. So one can now take a longer-term view of the global markets. • Many international

markets offer good value, thus offering strong catch-up potential. • The stay at home stocks are expensive. • Are we not looking at a decade of global transformation brought on by the pandemic? Where will the next real changes occur, those that will power real growth? One should look at 5G, Fintech, Healthcare, and Greentech. The millennials are very ESGconscious. • A rotation out of the current growth favourites into value stocks has already begun. • The advent of “smart ETFs” allows the global investor to target these specific themes. So for the retirees, let’s hope that dividends will recover by year end and allow the budgets a bit of breathing space. From the staff of MPK Wealth, we wish our readers a merry festive season (at home, if not on the beach…) and a better investment year ahead. • Malcolm has been in the investment industry for nearly 50 years. He has written this column in CXPRESS for the last 22 years and is a specialist in managing retired wealth. See the advert on this page for contact details.

NEWS & VIEWS

23 December 2020

CXPRESS

All hands on deck enabled brilliant Hobie 16 champs in the bay HE Robberg Fine Foods Hobie 16 Nationals held in Plett from December 1720 almost didn’t happen: just three days before the scheduled kick-off, the event’s fate hung in the balance after the president shut down all Garden Route beaches. Sailing is a particularly socially-distant and Covid-safe sport, event requirements included rigging and launching from Hobie Beach, which is closed to the public. Hobie sailors travelled from across the country to participate in what had become one of the only national sailing events held this year, and the first Hobie 16 SA championships held in Plett in 25 years. As catamaran trailers made their way down national and regional roads, with two teams coming from as far as Tanzania, negotiations with municipal and district officials were underway. Championed by the ever-enthusiastic Plett Tourism team, and under the watchful eye of municipal police officers, the event received the green light. Robberg Fine Foods, Barrington’s, Clemengold, Choice Properties, The Bungalow, and Parrot Products ensured that funds were availed and generous support was received from the local boating fraternity and officials from Knysna Yacht Club. Together, their support in time and resources meant the ambitious championships could take place in a year when few other events were remotely possible. The fleet was especially competitive, with the country’s top Hobie sailors - including Plett-based world champions Blaine Dodds and William Edwards, and fellow world champ Shaun Ferry from Cape Town - tested by tricky weather conditions that prevailed over four days of fabulous sailing. Thursday rewarded sailors with a clear day and a light southerly wind, and options to

stay close to land or head further offshore. William and Lucinda Edwards made their local knowledge count and ended top of the log as early favourites after three races. On the second day, a brisk 10-12 knot south-easterly kicked up a 3m swell and the long rolling break on the beach made for challenging launching conditions. But the top coastal teams helped launch the fleet through the surf without incident. Crews struggled to stay up on trapeze in wet, bouncy conditions resulting in quite a few capsizes and some boats limped back to shore with breakages. After three more races, Team Edwards had held on to their lead. Saturday saw a lighter southerly 8-10 knot

breeze and calmer seas, facilitating a further four races, with Capetonians Paul and Jayden Lagesse taking the lead. An overcast start on the last day with a light 6-8 knot south-easterly saw three final races. William and Lucinda emerged as deserving overall winners to ensure the national trophy fittingly resides in Plett the next year. Paul and Jayden took second place, Shaun Ferry and Alison Ball third, and Blaine and Roxanne Dodds fourth. Tanzanians Penny Alison and Heather Wares won the Women’s Team Trophy. The event showed the value of team work in one of the most trying years ever, with old-fashioned doggedness trumping all.

TROPHY RETAINED: Lucinda and William Edwards made sure that the Hobie 16 national trophy will call Plett home for the next year

CXPRESS

23 December 2020

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Spoil yourself this season

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

23 December 2020

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

23 December 2020

The only pharmacy in Main Street THE PROBLEM WITH SQUIRRELS

• What did Adam say the day before Christmas? “It’s Christmas, Eve!” • Why don’t you ever see Santa in hospital? Because he has private elf care. • How did Mary and Joseph know Jesus’s weight when he was born? They had a weigh in a manger. • What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinsilitis. • What’s the most popular Christmas wine? “But I don’t like Brussels sprouts!” • What carol is heard in the desert? “O camel ye faithful...” • What goes “Ho Ho Whoosh, Ho Ho Whoosh”? Santa going through a revolving door. • What do you call buying a piano for the holidays? Christmas Chopin.

Squirrels had overrun three churches in town. After much prayer, the elders of the first church determined that the animals were predestined to be there. They reasoned: who were they to interfere with God’s will? Soon, the squirrels multiplied. The elders of the second church, deciding they could not harm any of God’s creatures, humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back. It was only the third church that succeeded in keeping the pests away. The elders promptly baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas and Easter.

• How does Darth Vader enjoy his Christmas Turkey? On the dark side. • Who’s Rudolph’s favourite pop star? Beyon-sleigh. • What would you call an elf who had just won the lottery? Welfy. • What do you call an obnoxious reindeer? Rude-olph. • What do you call a kid

who doesn’t believe in Santa? A rebel without a Claus. • What’s the difference between Santa Clause and a knight? One slays a dragon, the other drags a sleigh. • What do you call cutting down a Christmas tree? Christmas chopping. • What’s worse than Rudolph with a runny nose? Frosty the Snowman with a hot flush.

Stuff that! I’m not doing it this year.

FESTIVE PUNS • What is the best Christmas present in the world? A broken drum - you just can’t beat it. • What do they sing at a snowman’s birthday party? Freeze a jolly good fellow... • What goes “Oh, Oh, Oh”? Father Christmas walking backwards. • Why was the snowman looking through the carrots while shopping? He was picking his nose. 1

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T H UU R A R I S C A AN E S

C U O S HON E S O I L P U T Y O P E OY D I S A T U R A T E

U P K I O E T R U E T P A L P O S Y N

L D I D B I ME V L E P L R E S E D I ON S N H GO T

HOME & HEALTH

23 December 2020

Embracing change at Old Nick Village: a creative, healthy outdoor experience

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

Founder of Plett’s famous Old Nick Village JANET HOLDING updates readers on the positive and innovative manner in which her team has been dealing with the ‘new normal’

ARTISANAL AND AUTHENTIC: The spacious restaurant at Old Nick Village now boasts the extensive culinary skills of Tanya and Kieran, who specialise in enticing light meals, which are complemented by the sourdough breads and pastries baked by Josh and Fish

HE year 2020 has been, for all, a time of introspection and at Old Nick Village, we are looking to redefine the validity of our existence. The certainty and the rhythms of life in Plett suddenly changed, and have changed again. When our restaurant was vacated, some of its staff members were reassigned to keep them employed. Our vision for the future has had to become fluid, reactive, and creative. As soon as lockdown regulations allowed, we had two caravans selling coffee

and light lunches, and all tenants pulled together to put tables into the gardens, allowing visitors to breathe in the clean air and children to run free. Our gardens are now filled with vegetables and herbs. We even have a number of chickens producing eggs, and four fluffy chicks. The empty restaurant building quickly became a focus for ideas and the bringing together of expertise - and good oldfashioned hard work. We enter season 20/21 with Tanya and Kieran

McCarthy, both handson chefs from Nice Neighbour, cooking up a storm of great light meals that are both familiar and unexpected. They work alongside Josh and Fish from Feeding Fish, who specialise in authentic sourdough breads and pastries. The Holding family have pulled in to maximise the potential of the fabulous spaces that the facility presents. Current and exemployees have been busily building shop fittings in our workshops. The walls were asking

to be adorned with artworks. A curated exhibition, art@oldnick, has been enthusiastically supported by nine significant Garden Route artists, making art accessible in a relaxed environment. The challenges of 2020 have indeed forced us all to pull possibilities out of the proverbial hat. Come and share a somewhat changed but always interesting, creative, and healthy outdoor experience at Old Nick Village. See the advert on this page for more information and contact details.

Veronica’s Puppy Nursery School and Tanaka Rescue Foundation join paws Plettenberg Bay resident Veronica Olding - pictured at left with Flash, who along with his litter mates is in desperate need of forever homes - assists and trains Tanaka Rescue Foundation’s puppies. Tanaka’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome severely neglected and abused domestic animals. The Tanaka team of Kirsten and Diane are also dedicated to sterilisations to control the animal population and so reduce the amount of unwanted, mistreated animals. Four Tanaka rescue pups graduated in the last puppy class for 2020, and are pictured below with their owners and fellow trainees: from left are Katie with her demo dog Nunu, Catinka and Joey, Adrienne and Oscar, Joha and Danté, Sammi-jo standing with Loona at back, Nina and Coco, Lisa and Levi, Debbie and Ozzie, Kim and Cooper, Wendy and Zeus, Gracie and Woody, and Sue and Maia. A registered NPC, Tanaka would be grateful for any donations - call Kirsten on 076 435 7464 or Diane on 072 995 3997, and visit Tanaka Foundation on Facebook for updates. Direct deposits can be made to Tanaka Rescue Fund, FNB (branch code 250655), account number 62616021797. - Photos: Di Goosen

N2, Plettenberg Bay

Open daily 9am - 5pm

www.oldnickvillage.co.za

CXPRESS

0000 CLASSIFIEDS 0150 BUSINESS

0500 ENTERTAINMENT Bloukrans Bridge bungy The world`s highest 216m. Ph. 042 281 1458 LA002073

LAX with TAX? Take part in being Tax Smart. Accounting, Monthly reports, CIPC work, Audit and Tax. Contact Sean, M.Com (Tax), CA (SA) for professional advice. Ph. 044 533 0598 LA002154

0200 CARS/BIKES/BOATS FOR SALE Bakkies and cars WANTED In any condition, OLD models welcome too. Ph. Himat 082 722 6183 LA002139

0400 EMPLOYMENT OFFERED C & C RECRUITMENT for Garden Route Placements Great database for clients. Great positions for candidates. cecile @ccrecruitment.co.za clair @ccrecruitment.co.za 082 259 4610 / 082 550 2905 - office hours LA002152

CLASSIFIEDS

23 December 2020

Flashbacks Sports Bar The best local hangout in Plett Main Street. Ph. 044 533 4714 LA002075

Old Nick Village The creative shopping destination. Ph. 044 533 1395 LA002074

0510 FOOD

0700 HEALTH AND BEAUTY

LA002087

Advanced Hearing - Plett & Knysna Using advanced technology for hearing tests and hearing aid fittings. Professional excellence in hearing health care. Ph. 044 533 3326 / 044 382 2686 LA002084

Dentist - Plett Cosmetic, preventive, restorative and implant dentistry. Ph. Dr Antony Gardy 044 533 0961 LA002086

Britos - Knysna The Cape`s choice in meat. Ph. 044 382 1314 LA002077

Nice Neighbour New Restaurant, Micro bakery & Featured Artists. At Old Nick Village LA002221

Wimpy Take-aways. Open 24 Hours at Engen Plett. Ph. 044 533 2152 LA002081

0600 FOR SALE Mrs D`s Original Portuguese peri peri sauce. Direct to the public. Trade inquiries welcome. Ph. 082 659 2392 LA002083

Plastic surgeon Contact Dr Matthew Brouckaert for an appointment. Knysna 044 382 9888, Plett 044 533 2784

0750 MARKETS Harkerville Market The Real Organic Market. N2 between Knysna & Plett. 100+ specialty food and craft stalls. Every Saturday 8-12 noon. Ample parking. Ph. 084 510 9939 LA002155

0800 NOTICES

RE/MAX PRIME PROPERTIES The real estate leaders. Contact us for all your property requirements. Ph. 044 501 4400 LA002093

Sedgefield, a piece of heaven! Selling your home? Buying a piece of paradise? Contact your friendly neighborhood agent. Ph. Talia Day 060 817 2606 PA to Jenny Des-Fountain LA002094

1000 SERVICES ACE Refrigeration Domestic fridge re-gassing and repairs. Ph. 082 659 2392 LA002100

FAMSA - Plett / Knysna Focuses on counselling namely - relationship, premarital, marital, divorce, trauma, grief, illness. At FAMSA we will listen. Ph. 044 533 0515 / 044 382 5129

Out of town or holidaying abroad? Read CXPRESS online and keep up with what`s happening on the Garden Route. Visit www.cxpress.co.za LA002090

LA002130

Garden Route Eye Clinic Dr Johannes Meyer Ophthalmologist and Eye surgeon. Ph. 044 382 2687 / 044 874 0178 LA002088

Herbal Adaptogens For more immunity, energy, lower stress levels and much more! Also excellent antioxidant, vital vitamins and very good skin products. Ph. 083 754 2493 LA002222

0900 PROPERTY Chas Everitt International Property Group Where Everitt is it`s sold. Ph. 044 533 5250 LA002091

Looking to buy property in Plett? Visit Seeff Properties in the main street. Ph. 044 533 0311 plett@seeff.com LA002092

ADT - Garden Route Keeping you safe, securing your assets. Ph. 086 12 12 340 LA002127

Affordable garden refuse removal Dial-a-Drum. Operating in Plett, Knysna & Sedgefield. Ph. 082 808 5984 LA002180

Are you moving? Local, long distance and international. Ph. Sue 083 632 4988 / 041 405 7431 LA002156

Buco - Plettenberg Bay Let`s build together. Ph. 044 501 3800 LA002098

Crush All leading surf and swim brands. Ph. 044 533 0499 LA002123

CX Appliance - Plett Defy repairs to stoves, washing machines, dishwashers, tumble driers & microwaves. Prompt service, guaranteed repairs. Ph. Jon 072 149 3351 LA002095

Drommedaris - Plett We will better any advertised price. Try us. Ph. 044 533 1456 LA002121

Garden refuse removal For as little as R80 per month. Ph. 082 808 5984 OR website www.dialadrum knysna.co.za LA002178

Garden refuse removal Your affordable solution in Plett, Knysna & Sedgefield. Ph. Dial-a-Drum - 082 808 5984 LA002181

Garden Route Timber Construction New homes and additions, wooden deck specialists. Ph. Ettiene van Rensburg 083 384 7469 / 044 533 4919

John W. Wessels - Plett Attorney, Notary & Conveyancer, Administrator of Estates. Ph. 044 533 5600 LA002116

Jordaan & Smith Attorneys - Plett Attorneys, Conveyancers. Contact us today for assistance. Ph. 044 533 2140 LA002115

Marlin WC A Bridging loan - while waiting for Pension / Package. Ph. 076 932 8325 - sms / pcm / WhatsApp LA002132

Mungo - Plett Bedding, throws, towels, table & kitchen linen, apparel. Ph. 044 533 1395 LA002097

Nolans Flooring Wall to wall carpets, laminate & wooden flooring, under floor heating. Ph. 044 533 1252 Piesang Valley, Plett LA002107

Ouland Nursery Trees, indigenous plants, pots & more. Expert advice. Airport Road, Plett. Ph. 082 871 7332 / www.reitztreecare.co.za

Bay Shoe & key - Plett / Knysna Shoe repairs, stitching, key cutting, trophies & engraving. Ph. Plett 084 317 6936 / Knysna 061 971 3241

GvH Landscapes SALI accredited and gold award winner. Design. Installation. Irrigation. Ph. Graham 072 289 2938

LA002131

LA002104

LA002119

The FAMSA offices will be closed from December 23 and will re-open January 4, 2021. We will monitor our phones for any emergencies. Continue to use the normal numbers. Plett: 044 533 0515 Whatsapp: 079 640 6883 Knysna area: 044 382 5129 Whatsapp: 061 412 1863

LA002120

Pop it Inn - secure self-contained storage units You store it! You lock it! You keep the key! Ph. 044 535 9361 www.popitinn.co.za LA002109

Secretarial, Typing, Proofreading, Editing Service CVs, letters, quotes, proposals, marketing and press releases, CXPRESS guarantees professional documents ready for presentation via email. Ph. 044 533 1004 LA002106

Surf Shop One stop shop for all your surfing gear and accessories. Ph. 044 533 3253 LA002122

The Bedroom Shop Knysna Furniture & linen emporium. Ph. 044 382 2835 LA002112

1200 TO LET

LA002125

Plett Carpet Cleaners The experts in carpet and upholstery care. We clean any carpets, upholstery, curtains, rugs, tiles and more. Ph. 044 533 1139 / 082 572 1027

LA002108

Plett Storage Safe secure storage. Ph. 079 573 8656 / admin @plettstorage.co.za / www.plettstorage.co.za

LEISURE ISLE - KNYSNA Lovely North facing 3 Bedroom, Study, 2 full bathrooms, 1 flatlet, close to lagoon. Immediately available R16K per month excluding electricity/water etc. Ph. 082 259 4610 LA002224

ON THE SOAPBOX

23 December 2020

Letters to the Editor

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

Christmas brings back memories of brass bands and of pushing my luck with the Almighty What is Christmas? It is of course the birth of Jesus Christ, whether that date is true matters not. But to most of us today it is locked within ourselves, the absolute magic of childhood. The carols, candles and the tremulous excitement of Christmas morning with its presents, without the three wise men and their camels. When I finally became big, I married into the baking trade, possibly in the eyes of most people I was half-baked already, and for 48 hours straight through we baked mince pies, to a state of absolute exhaustion. The spirit of Christmas was absolutely baked out. Driving home through

Hillbrow, naturally to a far more salubrious suburb, I heard the sound of carols, not the endless jingles of the past three months, but a living sound. It was the band of the Salvation Army playing on a street corner. Suddenly I was overwhelmed with uncontrollable emotion and the spirit of Christmas as it is written in the good book was upon me - and the hope that one day I could repay God’s army on earth for that moment. Some years later, I built a hotel in the country and next to that hotel a church (don’t dare use the term chapel to me). I decided to celebrate Christmas Eve with the

service on nine lessons and carols, with drinks on the lawn and the metropolitan band of the Salvation Army and their families, all 40 of them. It was a thing of absolute magic: 120 guests, all paying of course, the band playing between courses and the carols in the church. What is it about a brass band that brings mist to the eye and a hand to the pocket? It became a tradition for 20 years and it was my way of saying thanks for that moment 20 years before, for putting the proper spirit of Christmas into a hardening heart. On Christmas morning, Holy Communion was celebrated in the church

before lunch; on one such morning, the vicar told me the server had not pitched, and would I do the wine? Me, an ex choir boy and a total heathen… what do I say? “Oh,” he said, “drink this in memory of me.” Things were getting off just fine, thinking that I could polish off the remainder as I had seen the priest do in church, when I suddenly looked up into the eyes of one of my rougher mates. “Pushing your luck, ain’t you Deansie?” Well, perhaps he was right: I have always pushed my luck with the Almighty. But he’s never completely given up on me. Paul Deans, Plett

Covering Adam’s apples won’t prevent second lockdown As a senior citizen I am, like everyone, trying to avoid the Covid-19 bullet. I follow the guidelines: wear a mask, sanitise and wash hands throughout the day and practise social distancing. But sadly I note that too many of my fellow Plettonians across the spectrum of society are now becoming very lax. No masks worn to protect from the chin up. Scarves cover the Adam’s apple and not the mouth and nose.

Has there been an increase in tracheostomies to assist breathing? Social distancing seems to have come to mean ‘get up close’. Covid-19 has not gone away and just waits to pounce on you or your loved ones when your guard is down. It is vicious, it knows no quarter, and it kills! Thanks to the rigorous measures initially put in place by our president to curb the rampant spread

of the virus, we now enjoy a freedom of movement which must be the envy of the world, as country upon country heads back to full lockdown. Our continued freedom, however, rests essentially in our hands. By disciplined following of three basic rules - wear a mask, sanitise and wash hands frequently, and maintain social distancing - we will retain our well-earned freedom and return our country to normal.

Drop our guard and in no time we will be back to square one. Covid-19 has not gone away and will be with us for some considerable time to come, vaccine or no vaccine. By adhering to the basic rules, however, we will stem the tide and continue to enjoy the freedom we currently have. Surely that is not too much to ask? We don’t want and won’t need a second full lockdown if we all bring our side. Covid Concerned, Plett

Holiday rentals go against housing needs of locals I write with particular reference to Plettenberg Bay, where my daughter was born just over 10 years ago - the town in which her mother grew up. We lived happily in Plettenberg Bay for many years until Airbnb and holiday rental of residential homes grew completely out of hand and we could no longer find a permanent rental at a reasonably affordable price. In fact, where my daughter and her mother lived at the time in a complex down Longships in Plett, the rental was literally increased to almost double in a year when the owner went to a

well-known rental agent in town. They were simply told to pay the highly increased rental or move out when the current lease expired. Making money by holiday letting of residential property as a business clearly came first, not the welfare of local residents or the accommodation needs of the local community. Like us, many local residents looking to rent permanent accommodation were forced to either agree to move out during the December holiday season or find other accommodation. This was not workable for us and sadly we even-

TO LET Plettenberg Bay CBD 1 or 2-bed apartments available immediately Holiday or long-term rental R3-6K per month Call 082 492 4417

tually moved away from Plettenberg Bay. Now with the Covid lockdown, the recent closing of beaches this December and the adverse impact on holiday letting of residential property (whether justified or not), I cannot help feeling that there may be a lesson in it for the residential property owners and holiday letting agents in Plett. Perhaps the local business community and authorities need to look abroad to holiday destinations like Palma de Mallorca in Spain (and many more) where holiday letting of residentially-zoned property on

Airbnb is prohibited for very good reasons. I trust lessons will be learnt from what has and is now transpiring in Plett and other holiday destinations. I trust the community at large will in due course put rules and regulations in place that first and foremost protect the residential housing needs of local residents. These rules should protect them from residential holiday letting exploitation by unscrupulous agents or owners whose main aim in my experience was clearly making profit above all else. Jonathan Clarke, by email

CXPRESS

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

CXPRESS

23 December 2020

SPORT & ADVENTURE

DECEMBER 25 TO 31 - KURLAND ESTATE

Plett’s Sabrina Love Challenge 2020 offers a novel and Covid-safe format HERE’S no denying that 2020 has been a difficult year for most of us. But it’s been even more challenging for children with disabilities and their families. The Sabrina Love Foundation (SLF) has over the past 17 years managed to raise funds to care for these children in and around the Garden Route area, providing them with much-needed medical and professional support. The Foundation’s major fundraiser is the Sabrina Love Challenge, which has become an annual highlight on the Plettenberg Bay festive calendar. The Challenge comprises a variety of mountain bike races and trail runs designed for all ages and skills levels. This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions and related considerations, SLF founders Tony and Suzy Lubner have decided to adapt a self-timed race format, ensuring that all participants enjoy their day in a completely safe and Covid-friendly way. Tony explains: “This year will be our 17th Sabrina Love Challenge and we could not

be more excited to offer our entrants the chance to partake in a wonderful outdoors sporting event with the strictest and safest protocols in place. “The 2020 Challenge, scheduled for December 25-31, returns to the magnificent Kurland Estate, where you can choose between mountain biking or trail running races.” Participants will have a choice of five routes designated for mountain bikers and trail runners respectively, each utilising new areas of the estate. The trails travers rivers and mountains, while also penetrating some of Kurland’s magnificent indigenous forests. All routes will be colour coded with ribbons, ensuring that nobody gets lost. The Sabrina Love Challenge is all about inclusion, encouraging anyone at any skills level to join in. Participants will start and finish at the same location; however, since it’s a self-timed race, they will be required to add their times to the leader board after completing their specific course.

SABRINA STALWART: Chantel ‘Hot Pants’ Nienaber is one of South Africa’s top female trail runners; a well-known philanthropist and official Sabrina Love Ambassador, the Foundation is a cause very close to her heart

As it is a once-off entry, each participant can ride or run any of the designated routes as many times as they like during the event period. It is also important to note that if you are seen training before the event in any of the Sabrina Love T-shirts or caps, you stand a chance to win a spot prize. Sabrina 2020 routes • 20km MTB • 45km MTB • 6km trail run • 12km trail run • 21km trail run. Entry fees • MTB R250 • Trail run R250 • Both MTB and trail run R450. Registration Click on https://entrytickets.net/sabrina2020 - online entries only. After registering online, proceed to Kurland Estate when ready to start your race. You will be greeted at the gate and your entry checked before being directed to the start/finish location. Goodie bags will be available at the finish line. Only the first 1,000 entrants will receive goodie bags, which include this year’s unique ‘new normal’ T-shirt. Social media • IG: @sabrinalovefound • FB: https://www. facebook.com/SabrinaLoveFoundation • TW: @sabrinalovefoun. Email tony@orcafoundation.com (event enquiries) or julia@tangentmarketing. co.za (press enquiries) and see the advert on page 14 for additional information.

GLORIOUS KURLAND: Trail runners and mountain bikers will not negotiate the various route options en masse this year due to Covid-19 protocols, but this means that each participant will be able to personally appreciate the scenery offered by Kurland Estate