24 April 2019

24 April 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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Cannabis shop shut down

Plett Arts Festival cancelled

Motor-head heaven in Knysna

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Home run

Greshwin-Lane du Plessis was the first finisher of the team of Plett firefighters who volunteered to tackle the 5km trail run at Cairnbrogie in full battle gear, as part of the BUCO Easter Adventure Weekend. Read about this successful event on page 2, and turn to page 9 for an image of the entire group of awesome firefighting runners.

Photo: Marin Hurwitz

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

24 April 2019

Sporting fun had, objectives met during 12th BUCO ing R5,000 to the #SoundsEaster Adventure Weekend theCall charity, which supports HE BUCO Adventure Weekend of 2019, which took place from April 19-21, can once again be called a resounding success, and event organiser James Stewart says he is stoked that all the objectives laid out for this annual event have yet again been met.

The trail run, mountain bike, and surf ski routes all showed off in some way or another the natural beauty of Plettenberg Bay, whereas the weekend’s chosen beneficiary received substantial mileage and funds.

“Saturday’s runs and rides at Cairnbrogie and in the surrounding MTO plantations all served to show this area’s recovery from the 2017 fires, while competitors were also spoilt with views of the stunning sea cliffs so unique to this corner of the Garden Route,” says Stewart.

All of the events catered for young and old, the fit and not so fit, and add to that the food and refreshments on offer in this working diary farm’s yard, there certainly was something for everyone.

The sight of 11 of Plett’s finest professional and volunteer firefighters crossing the 5km trail run finishing line served as an inspiration for many at Cairnbrogie on Saturday morning.

“BUCO committed to donat-

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Advanced Hearing

DASH FOR IT: Dash for Cash finalists, from left, Martin Fraser Mackenzie, Bevan Manson, Thanye Thompson, and Brendon Thompson Photos: Glenn Murray

CASH IS KING: Bevan Manson won the biggest chunk of the R15K on offer in Sunday’s Dash for Cash

our volunteer firefighters,” says Stewart, adding that this went a long way to keeping the awareness alive.

“We are far from immune to fires like the ones which ravaged the Garden Route over the last couple of years. So we thank everyone for their contribution, from the sponsors to the athletes and their families, and stallholders whose sales went a long way to supporting this important cause.”

For results and pictures see the BUCO Adventure Facebook page and email muddyfootadventures.co.za for additional information.

STAYING AFLOAT: Ronald Pronk and Colin Wilson punching one of the bigger waves at Lookout Beach on Sunday morning

NEWS & VIEWS

24 April 2019

CXPRESS

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Intelligence-driven K9 operation lands suspect behind bars for selling cannabis OCAL police arrested the 31-year-old owner of a store in Sedgefield selling cannabis-related products, on Saturday morning April 20, mere hours after the shop opened its doors for the day.

Said Southern Cape police spokesman captain Malcolm Pojie: “Members attached to the Outeniqua K9 dog unit acted on information received and clamped down on the illegal dealing in cannabis when they closed down a shop within

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COOKIES AND CREAM: The confiscated merchandise included cannabis oils, sweets, cookies, rusks, white widow, wedding cake crossed with Gelato33, and Gorilla cookies, all of which contain cannabis

The legality of dealing in cannabis Following the raid of Canapax in Sedgefield and the subsequent arrest of a 31-year-old Wilderness man, the old argument pertaining to the legality of selling cannabis and/or cannabis-related products reared its head again - FRAN KIRSTEN reports URING September 2018, the South African Constitutional Court ruled that certain provisions of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and the Medicines and Related Substances Act are unconstitutional, as they infringe upon the right to privacy in terms of Section 14 of the Constitution - in essence, allowing an adult to possess and use cannabis in private for personal consumption in South Africa.

Howsoever, South Africans may not sell or distribute cannabis.

“A purchaser of cannabis would be purchasing it from a dealer in cannabis. Therefore, if this court were to confirm the order declaring invalid provisions that prohibit the purchase of cannabis, it would, in effect, be sanctioning dealing in cannabis. This the court cannot do,” the judgement read.

During a live interview on the news and media Facebook page DQ Central, Canapax owner Russell de Beer said that, in his opinion the selling of cannabis and cannabis products was legal, as it fell under the ju-

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risdiction of the Traditional Healers Act of 2007.

This Act supersedes both the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and the Medicines and Related Subsidence Act. He refers to page 66 of the book Medicinal Plants of South Africa, in which Cannabis Sativa - dagga - is referred to as a herb, stating that nowhere in the Traditional Healers Act of 2007 do they make mention of excluding this herb and therefore he, as a traditional healer, would be entitled to sell and distribute the herb cannabis.

Asked if those who work and dispense cannabis in his stores are also traditional healers, he referred to them as apprentices, saying that they do not give people advice, but rather just offer them the possibility to selfmedicate in the privacy of their home which, according to the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling, was legal.

Explains chair of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) professor Helen Rees: “Currently the only reason SAHPRA and

the Department of Health may permit cultivation of cannabis is for medicinal and research purposes.

“This is to ensure the availability of standardised, quality-assured, locally grown cannabis.”

According to SAHPRA, 21 licence applications for the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal use have been received, and only one has subsequently been withdrawn. Of the remaining applicants, 16 have been inspected and four applicants are scheduled for inspection.

“No licences have yet been issued, but a developmental approach to the approval of suitable licences is being pursued,” said Rees.

Referring to the several outlets and individuals that are currently selling cannabis-containing products for medicinal use, she responded: “Products not registered or approved by SAHPRA are illegal.

“Suppliers and users of such illegal products are exposing themselves and others to legal and health risks as the safety, efficacy, and quality of these products cannot be assured.”

two hours after it opened for business.

During the search that ensued, the police found and confiscated a substantial amount of merchandise containing various forms of cannabis packaged to be sold in the shop.

“The merchandise included cannabis oils, sweets, cookies, rusks, white widow, wedding cake crossed with Gelato33, and Gorilla cookies - all of these containing cannabis,” said Pojie, adding

that an undisclosed amount of cash was also confiscated, and that the estimated value of the merchandise was around R80,000.

“A 31-year-old suspect from Wilderness was arrested on the spot and is scheduled to make a court appearance in the Knysna magistrate’s court as soon as he has been charged with illegal dealing in drugs.”

Pojie concluded that efforts to eradicate the illegal distribution of drugs,

believed to be major crime contributors, remained a priority for the Western Cape Police, despite recent changes to legalisation that has legalised the private cultivation and consumption of dagga.

“However, the selling of prohibited drugs remains an offence that needs policing.”

Western Cape provincial management commended the members involved for their commitment to eradicate drugs.

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NEWS & VIEWS

24 April 2019

New board’s location does nothing to stop tourism from ‘bleeding’ Words & photo: Fran Kirsten

HANKS to a new Knysna municipal billboard, advertising that there is so much more to Sedgefield than meets the eye, motorists travelling in an easterly direction are now reminded of the beauty of this coastal village.

“Sedgefield used to be known as the little town with the horsey vibracrete fence in its main road. Now, the billboard reminds travellers that we don’t just have a lagoon,

T OUT OF SIGHT: The new billboard depicting the beauty of Sedgefield

No 2019 Arts Festival for Plett LETT Tourism last week announced the cancellation, due in part to a lack of funding, of the Plett Arts Festival, which has been taking place annually during the June/July holidays.

“While regretting the cancellation, we are engaging with potential sponsors for 2020,” said Plett Tourism manager Cindy Wilson-Trollip.

“As per the Wine & Bubbly Festival 2019, cancelled recently due to late withdrawal of the

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sponsor, we are exploring partnerships with organisations and businesses truly committed to building sustainable tourism in Plettenberg Bay.” Local art associations and other cultural organisations planning events for the winter holidays are urged to email Cindy Wilson-Trollip at info@ pletttourism.com with details, so that these events can be marketed across Plett Tourism’s various portals and channels.

but also kilometres of beautiful beaches,” said Sedgefield tourism information office owner Jurgens van der Walt.

Knysna municipal spokesman Christopher Bezuidenhout explained the thinking behind the new billboard.

“Sedgefield is sometimes referred to as one of Greater Knysna’s hidden gems and this new board will remind motorists of its beauty.

“It depicts Sedgefield’s white, unspoilt beaches that stretch out for kilometres, possibly prompt-

ing travellers to make a spontaneous decision to stop and explore the town, or perhaps make a note to visit during their next holiday.”

Some Sedgefield residents complained about the positioning of the board, stating that it would be more noticeable if situated alongside the N2 before entering the town.

“At this stage it is far from the N2 and quite inconspicuous,” said van der Walt.

But Bezuidenhout claimed that Sanral had prevented them from po-

sitioning the billboard next to the N2.

“There is not much that can be done around the Sanral issue.”

Van der Walt concluded: “It is such a pity that government departments don’t work together. Sanral doesn’t understand that the tourism industry is bleeding.

“It would be great if Sanral recognised the importance this billboard holds for our tourism economy and gave permission for it to be moved to a spot where tourists can see it.”

Important opportunity missed when IEC dismissed Wandisile Sebezo party-candidate objections N the past, members of the public could care less about who featured on their party election candidate list to parliament. I suppose people thought that, as long as their party managed to get into the national assembly, the fielded candidates didn’t matter much.

So the ANC was shocked when a public outcry about the credibility of certain party members on their list to parliament was objected to by the public. They just didn’t see it coming.

An application was brought before the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to object to some of the names; among 70-odd objections, 29 names belonged to ANC candidates.

Objections to candidates may be based on three

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grounds: those who are not qualified to stand for elections; when there is no prescribed acceptance of a nomination signed by the candidate; and when there is no prescribed undertaking that they are bound by the IEC’s code of conduct.

After all the affected political parties made representations to the IEC, defending and denying all allegations against their members, the IEC dismissed the objections.

And it appears that all those against whom the public objected are going to parliament anyway.

They include former and current cabinet members like Mosebenzi Zwane, Faith Muthambi, Malusi Gigaba, Nomvula Mkonyane and Bathabile Dlamini, among others.

What a missed opportu-

nity to clean house! Had the IEC upheld those objections, it would have set a good precedent for local government elections in 2021.

According to the latest audit report, more than a quarter (31%) of our municipalities are not financially viable.

This sad state of affairs can be ascribed to a number of factors, including lack of appropriate and financial management skills, political interference and infighting in council, and a failure to fill key senior strategic positions.

This all translates to a lack of political will to ensure accountability.

Rings a bell?

Municipalities are the closest sphere of government to ordinary people.

The calibre of leadership we elect at municipal level

determines whether a municipality will have the capacity to deliver basic services to its citizenry.

The rise of service delivery protests signals the frustration people suffer as a direct cause of the actions - or non-action - of their local municipalities.

It’s up to Chapter 9 institutions like the IEC to object to any compromised persons with a questionable past to hold public office. Other spheres of government also have the responsibility to ensure local municipalities are of sound state.

Towards 2021, we the public must play the role of the integrity committee, armed with red pens in our hands. Otherwise it will be a case of, as the saying goes: “a nation of sheep begets a government of wolves”.

NEWS & VIEWS

24 April 2019

CXPRESS

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Plettenberg Bay hospitality industry NSRI announces May Day beach clean and collaboration for plastic-free Plett challenged to disavow scourge of Plett Ocean’s Day backed drive and will this chance to interact with our single-use plastic by June 8 THE Challenge gained excel- week meet with some ofthe volunteer crew.”

Words & photos: Timothy Twidle

workshop presented in Plettenberg Bay on Wednesday April 10 urged local hospitality industry outlets to disavow singleuse plastic by curtailing the presence of plastic straws, individually-wrapped confections, and polystyrene food containers.

The Plett Ocean’s Day Challenge workshop was arranged by and held at The Fat Fish, one of the town’s most popular eateries, in conjunction with Plettenberg Bay Tourism, Nature’s Valley Trust (NVT), Renew Able Plett, and Keep Plett Clean.

The driving force behind the campaign to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic is twofold. Firstly, it provides impetus to a concerted effort to sharply reduce the consumption of the three aforementioned items.

Secondly, it aims to enable the marketing of Plettenberg Bay as an environmentally aware holiday destination of choice, where responsible plastic waste management is the order of the day.

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Rhian Berning - a passionate advocate of green living, and founder of Renew Able Plett - put the matter in context with a rhetorical question: “How can we sell Plettenberg Bay if the beaches and the ocean are littered with plastic?”

Berning explained that, in other parts of the world, extreme measures were being invoked. “The European Union is proposing to ban all single-use plastic items, such as plastic knives and forks,” she informed those in attendance at the workshop.

World Oceans Day (WOD) on June 8 is a global initiative that seeks to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving the oceans of the world. The Plett Ocean’s Day Challenge aims to expedite a significant decrease in the presence of single-use plastic in Plettenberg Bay by this year’s WOD. The Fat Fish brand manager Nicola Ash said: “There is a growing awareness on the part of customers that plastic waste is now a worldwide problem.

“Patrons are starting to pressurise hospitality out-

ADVOCATE OF GREEN LIVING: Rhian Berning of Renew Able Plett emphasises a point at the Plett Ocean’s Day Challenge Workshop held at The Fat Fish earlier this month

PLEDGING ANTI-PLASTIC ALLEGIANCE: From left are Greg and Simrha Gibbs, Rhian Berning, Jacqui Carter-Johnson, Alison Bryant, Mark Brown, Nicola Ash, and Jane Hops

lets to operate sustainably.

There is even a moniker for it: ‘guilt-free consumption’.

“It is estimated that 95% of the value of plastic is lost after its first use, equivalent to $120-billion globally. At least eight million tons of plastic end up in oceans worldwide every year. We have to act, and we have to act now,” implored Ash. NVT director Mark Brown cited as an example of the action required, the success of a drive to make local fishermen more aware of the amount of litter that their sport deposits on to beaches in Plettenberg Bay. While recreational fishing accounts for some 9% of the usage of beaches from Nature’s Valley to Robberg, it has until recently typically contributed 39% of the litter, much of it plastic, found in the littoral zone of this stretch of coastline.

An approach that has made surf fishermen understand the damage caused by litter has now reduced the figure to 10% in the immediate vicinity of Nature’s Valley.

Contributors representing other local eateries and service providers included Jane Hops of Le Fournil, Jacqui Carter-Johnson of Nguni, Greg and Simrha Gibbs of Greg’s Cookin, André Schutte of Mason’s Marketing that supplies consumables to the Garden Route hospitality industry, and Alison Bryant of Keep Plett Clean.

Establishments that have committed to the Plett Ocean’s Day Challenge have signed a pledge to carry out the aims of the campaign.

Mark Brown will lead a beach clean-up drive on Lookout Beach on World Oceans Day, so diarise June 8 and be there to show that you are prepared to work towards making Plett an environmentally responsible holiday destination.

(Also read the NSRI story on this page.)

lent publicity when Nicola Ash of The Fat Fish shed light on the campaign during a newscast on Algoa FM last week, the gist being that this local initiative puts Plett on the countrywide eco-radar in terms of actions that practically and positively impact our vulnerable marine systems.

NSRI Station 14 latched on to this Plett Tourism-

plastic-free campaigners to explore ways of contributing. In the meantime, they invite readers to join them for a beach cleaning exercise on May 1.

Explains NSRI Plett fundraising fundi Dave Haysom: “Since we’re no longer doing our annual street collection, we’ve explored other branding exercises that will give the Plett public a

Next Wednesday’s beach clean is the first of these events, and participants are invited to meet at the rescue station on Central Beach at 9am for a briefing, before starting the beach clean alongside crew members.

Read the back story on page 4 of the April 17 issue at www.cxpress.co.za and check out NSRI Station 14 on Facebook for details.

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NEWS & VIEWS

24 April 2019

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BUSINESS

24 April 2019

Investor Focus

CXPRESS

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

A word on offshore passive investing OUTH Africans are often reminded that there is another world of investing; it is much larger than ours, and provides global diversification. We hear time and again that local choices are limited and we should spread our investments internationally.

It is generally known that you can buy the American or European markets, etc. using exchange-traded fund (ETFs) on the JSE. You don’t need exchange control permission, and you can buy them using your laptop!

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For years we could only access these foreign markets using expensive unit trusts either directly offshore or using “feeder funds� (asset swap funds).

ETFs charge very low fees, but you do pay the stockbroker a brokerage fee when a purchase is made.

They certainly open up a brave new world for South African investors.

One can start with a “worldwideâ€? fund. This offers exposure to all markets around the world. The fee is Âą0.25% and Âą0.55% is invested in the USA. It has returned 20% over the

Kickstart your career with this all-inclusive bursary OP Maths and Science learners in Grade 12, as well as post-graduate Engineering and Science students requiring bursaries for the 2020 academic year, have until April 30 to apply for a Sasol Bursary.

Its corporate bursary programme offers considerable benefits, like access to financial and emotional support throughout your studies. “This is a golden opportunity for learners from all

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backgrounds. Our bursary programme is based on two vital pillars: education and skills development and uplifting the communities in which we operate. “These bursaries are part of a larger opportunity to shape motivated and career-driven employees,� says Sasol Graduate Centre manager Monica Luwes.

Visit www.sasolbursaries. com for information and to register online.

last 12 months.

One can possibly invest in the S&P500. This is an index of the biggest 500 companies listed on Wall Street and its fee is Âą0.85%.

One can shop around the world of ETFs and find that the fees vary to some extent, so look for the cheapest one. Several of the large ETF houses in the USA no longer charge any fees!

What is very exciting is the range of “thematic�

ETFs that are available today. One sees Green ETFs or Renewable Energy ETFs, and specific IT offerings that hold companies involved in the antihacking industry.

The S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats Blend Index is one such innovation. It has 297 holdings, 55% of which are listed in the USA. To qualify for this ETF the companies must have a 10-year track record of either stable or rising dividends.

It currently offers dividend yield of 4.05% - a useful investment for retirees, i.e. accessing offshore markets and getting a useful dividend.

The S&P Global Property 40 Index is an ETF that holds the 40 biggest

property (REITS) companies listed globally.

The yield is only Âą2.5% which is in line with most of the large REITS funds that effectively compete with the USA 10-year bond that yields Âą2.6% at present.

The S&P Info Tech Index is an exciting ETF offering zero income but holding some of the world’s most famous IT companies at a fee of only 0.3%. Its portfolio includes Microsoft 18%, Apple 16%, Visa 5%, Intel 5%, and Cisco 4%.

This is certainly a mouthwatering ETF, and you can buy it on the JSE! The ETFs mentioned above are classified as being ‘high risk’. All hold almost 100% in equities and should be treated with caution. They may make up small satellite holdings in a large portfolio.

So consult your advisor and make sure you don’t jump in where angels fear to tread‌ • 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.

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CXPRESS

INTERVAL

24 April 2019

Wise quotes from the world’s funniest people • This suspense is terrible. I hope it will last. Oscar Wilde • Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile. - Billy Sunday • Never trust people who smile constantly. They’re either selling something or not very bright. - Laurell K Hamilton • A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. - Winston Churchill • When life gives you lemons, squirt someone in the eye. - Cathy Guisewite • Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke. Will Rogers • I came from a real tough neighbourhood. Once a

guy pulled a knife on me.

I knew he wasn’t a professional; the knife had butter on it. - Rodney Dangerfield • If you’re too openminded, your brains will surely fall out. - Lawrence Ferlinghetti • A pessimist is a man who thinks everybody is as nasty as him, and hates them for it. - George Bernard Shaw • I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

- Fred Allen • The four most beautiful words in our common language: I told you so. Gore Vidal • My esteem in this country has gone up substantially. It is very nice now that when people wave at me, they use all their fingers. - Jimmy Carter • The difference between

“We have your son,” says the kidnapper.

“I don’t have a son,” replies the woman.

“Then who just asked for warm milk and made us cut the crust off his sandwiches?”

“Oh my word, you have my husband!”

stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein • Don’t be so humble - you are not that great. Golda Meir • When I was a kid my

parents moved a lot, but I always found them. - Rodney Dangerfield • I have always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific. - Lily Tomlin

There are exceptions According to a recent Australian study, the life expectancy of a musician is much shorter than that of the average person.

It was calculated that the life expectancy difference is about 20 to 25 years less for the musical ones…

STILL GOING STRONG: Keith Richards, 75, of The Rolling Stones is pictured performing in Lima, Peru, a couple of years ago - Photo: Brian Rasic/WireImage

SOCIAL SCENE

24 April 2019

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CXPRESS

SATURDAY SELFIES AND MARKET FUN: Mohamed Elsheikh of Chicago in the USA, left, and Alan Brecht of Cologne in Germany - both presently studying towards an MBChB degree at the University of Stellenbosch - visited the Harkerville Market held on Easter Saturday, and found it the perfect opportunity to shoot a selfie. Others enjoying the marvellous ambience included market stalwart George Mhuriro, who has a stall named African Art, pictured above with friend Norman Musengi Ushe, left, who hails from Harare in Zimbabwe, but who presently resides in Knysna. - Timothy Twidle THE BEST 40TH EVER: Mr Price Home manager Marlene Best celebrated her 40th in style with her besties on Saturday April 13, with loads of friends and relatives on hand to toast the auspicious occasion. Pictured here with the birthday gal at centre are Chantelle Engelbrecht, Lelani Myers, Loulette Moukarzel, Dianne Visser, Jurie Greef, Arina Linde, and Tania Coetzee, right, who with the help of hubbie Andries availed and decorated the fabulous venue on their farm in Plett’s beautiful Bitou Valley. - Photo: LM Dunn

People, places & events FABULOUS FIRE CREW: The fact that a group of local firefighters finished the 5km trail run in full regalia last Saturday served as inspirational highlight of the Saturday races forming part of the BUCO Easter Adventure Weekend. Pictured here in no particular order are municipal firefighters Adriaan Swanepoel, Mpho Rakgwale, Elvis Modi, Greshwin-Lane du Plessis and Mbulelo Mabombo, along with Bitou Associated FMU’s Steve Ritky, Dillon Brown, Steve Myburgh, Tyrone Hodges and Paul Stokes. Mervin de Waal of Bitou Fire also completed the run, but is not pictured.

See the gallery at www. cxpress.co.za for more images - Photo: Martin Hurwitz TREATS ON TAP: Holiday Plett’s 16th annual end-of-season function was held on Saturday April 13 at Mielo House - a venue kindly availed by one of the company’s owners, who graciously allowed the lovely ladies to use his holiday home as overnight venue. Great fun was had by all, not least of which because of an amazing spread of delicious food dished up by Lourika Pienaar.

The girls thank Murray and Lourika for treating them to this feast of scrumptious eats. Call 082 383 9744 for details.

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CXPRESS

24 April 2019

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Gerhard van Huyssteen is your LOCAL registered Debt Counsellor (NCRDC#778) Cell: 071 332 2341 Tel: 044 533 2805 Email: plett101@gmail.com

ON THE SOAPBOX

24 April 2019

Letters to the Editor

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

Salaries of South African CEOs scandalous in a country rife with unemployment I refer to the article ‘Topsy-Turvy - or the state of pay in South Africa today’ in last week’s edition [turn to page 10 of the April 17 edition at www. cxpress.co.za].

I have no problem with a pay scale which is based

on education, responsibility, performance and rank.

However, the salaries mentioned by Stuart Murray in his article are both obscene and scandalous.

How on earth can such salaries be justified in a country that can boast of

a 30% unemployment figure? How are such salaries warranted? Although I am a capitalist at heart, I begin to doubt both the theory and practice of capitalism.

If one is lucky enough to have employment these days and at a so-called

liveable wage, it would take in the region of nine months to earn what these CEOs earn in one day!

It is no wonder that Julius Malema can attract crowds of 20,000 and upwards to his rallies.

Kevin Meineke, Plett

Post office premises now pretty, thanks to Smart Garden team

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Tina van Reenen shared these pics and a word of praise: “Special recognition must go to Gary’s Smart Gardening Company team, who tidied up the Plett Post Office property by cutting the grass bordering the pavement and in the corner on Plettenberg Street, as well as cleaning the concrete yard at the back of the building. I spoke to the stand-in postmaster a month ago about the mess but it seems their hands are tied. There is just no money - each postmaster must generate funds to keep their own premises tidy.” Turn to page 19 of the April 17 edition at www.cxpress.co.za for another letter in this regard, and call 083 516 2429 or email smartgardeningcompany@vodamail.co.za to find out more.

Eagle eyes

Each to his own... egg!?

Plett reader John Larter shared this fabulous shot of fish eagles on a dry treetop perch in the wooded area bordering Twin Rivers Estate.

Derek Frielinghaus of Plett shared this pic of Sainsbury’s Brussels sprouts labelled as ‘vegan Easter eggs - great steamed or boiled’, and quipped: “How awfully correct?”

The only pharmacy in Main Street

CXPRESS

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SPORT & ADVENTURE

24 April 2019

Coming up: Knysna Motor Show - the perfect passion play to entertain petrol-heads from near and far ANY car enthusiasts are convinced that the Knysna Motor Show can now claim to be the premier event of its kind in SA. Held within a stone’s throw of Knysna Lagoon with brilliant organisation by Garden Route Motor Club, its turnout of the country’s premier classic machinery contributes to this widely-held view.

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And this year’s show on Sunday April 28 promises to be the best yet in its eight-year history, with cars and motorcycles of every era and genre appealing to a wide range of tastes.

The 2019 line-up of modern supercars reads like a who’s who in the world of exotic machinery. Showstoppers will be the rarely

seen Pagani Zonda, Lamborghini Aventador and Lexus LFA. The list is endless with Ferraris, a McLaren MP4-12C, Aston Martins, a Maserati A6GCS replica, a Zagato AC 378 GT, a pair of MercedesAMG SLS and a number of special Porsche 911 models.

And there will be a stunning line-up of six Mercedes-

Benz 300 SLs from the 1950s - the car many experts believe gave birth to the modern idea of a supercar. These Teutonic masterpieces will be backed up by no less than 10 of the exceedingly elegant 190 SLs from the same era.

The Bentley Driver’s Club will be celebrating the marque’s centenary with a display of over 20 massive vintage and classic models, the earliest of which will be the three-litre examples from 1922.

Mini celebrates its 60th birthday this year, and there will be a display of over 20 beautifully-turned out classics. Notable among these will be an early Morris Mini-Minor 850 from 1961, a jeep-like Mini Moke, a racing Mini Marcos, and a number of the wonderfully evocative Cooper S models from the 1960s, which won glory on the race tracks and in the Monte Carlo Rally between 1964 and 1967.

Britain’s oldest car maker, Morgan, turns 110 this year - a remarkable achievement for a company that still hand-builds its classic-looking sports cars. In Knysna on April 28, some 18 of these true-blue sports machines, ranging from a 1918 to a 2017 model, will be present.

The motorcycle display is always of huge interest and this year will be no different. Machinery ranging from a 1911 FN to a 1000 cc Honda Repsol MotoGP replica, classic teddy-boy era Triumph Bonnevilles, Harley Davidsons, and Italian Ducatis and Maserati motorcycles will set the twowheeler pulses racing.

Even the odd Vespa scooter will be perched alongside these magnificent machines, all resplendent on their centre stands and awaiting due admiration.

Huge American cars from the 1940s and 1950s are always a drawcard. The sheer excess of automotive design in the post-war era leaves

OLD AND NEW, THEN AND NOW: Last year’s Knysna Motor Show was a great success and attracted more than 8,000 people, who enjoyed viewing a fine array of some 400 cars and motorcycles - Photo: Timothy Twidle

one gasping today, marvelling at the spirit of innocence and optimism that spawned these wonderful, chrome-laden machines.

This sector will include an achingly beautiful 1958 Pontiac Bonneville, a 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, and movie star classics such as the late 1960s Plymouth Road Runner (‘Beepbeep!’) and a Hudson Hornet from the 1950s.

For the first time at the Knysna Motor Show (but assuredly not the last) there will be an educational display of electric vehicles.

BMW will be showing two of its electrified vehicles, and special charging units will be displayed to enlighten the public.

Also on display will be a number of classic racing machines taking part in the Simola Hillclimb. These will include a 1928 supercharged Austin Seven special, a Fiat 131 Racing and a Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR, to name but a few.

Last year the show drew some 8,000 spectators and the Garden Route Motor Club, in association with Sanlam Private Wealth, expects an even bigger attendance this year.

“The wonderful thing about this show is that, as far as possible, it caters for everyone’s motorised tastes. The cars range from

My fellow South African,

the mega-expensive to affordable, as do the motorcycles,” says chief organiser Peter Pretorius.

“From the dawn of the motorised age 100 years ago and more, to the techno marvels of more recent times, all have been chosen because there is something that gives them a unique place in motoring history.”

A range of wonderful food and drink stations will cater for all tastes, while ITOO Classics Car Insurance is sponsoring a pulse-raising prize for two Knysna Motor Show visitors.

It includes hot laps for two in a Pablo Clark racing Ferrari at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami in August, VIP treatment, and return air tickets from any airport in SA. To qualify, visit the Knysna Motor Show and complete your entry to the lucky draw.

The Knysna Motor Show is a one-day event that runs from 9am to 4pm on Sunday April 28 at the Knysna High School sports grounds. Admission is R50 for adults and R10 for childrern aged 12-18, while under-12s enter for free.

As in the past, the Knysna Motor Show will be making a generous contribution to local charities.

Email peterp@afrihost. co.za or call 082 321 4724 for additional information.

Horsey whispers

The apartheid government destroyed the dreams of our parents and that is why I once voted for the ANC… But, today, instead of seeing opportunities for all, we see opportunities for some. This is not the change we wanted to see.

Like so many of you, I have decided to make a different choice. Our people are in pain, and we need change. I know some people are afraid of change but I will never allow South Africa to go backwards.

Join me and use your power. Vote DA for change that builds One South Africa for All!

DA Leader Mmusi Maimane

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