25 November 2020 by CXpress

25 November 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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Red army tackles nurdles Plett locals, from left, Llewellyn, Philton, and Aubrey are three of the newly-employed eco-army set to substantially reduce the prevalence of nurdles on Southern Cape beaches, and were part of a redclad collective that extracted these mini-plastic pellets from Robberg Beach on Sunday - find out more about this marine-life threatening scourge on page 3 of the October 7 and page 4 of the November 4 editions at www.cxpress.co.za

Season brings hope - p2 Local cyclist attacked - p3 Covid brain, anyone? - p7 Photo: Esther de Villiers

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

25 November 2020

Light of hope for Plett economy still glimmers despite the pandemic Plettenberg Bay won’t surrender to the threats imposed by Covid-19 on its tourism industry, with stakeholders clinging to the hope that homeowners’ return for the summer holidays will provide the economic boost essential for the town’s survival - LUDUMO TEDE reports CCORDING to acting Plett Tourism CEO Patty Butterworth, they believe that seasonal business will thrive, pandemic notwithstanding. However, a marginal difference to previous peak seasons will be that the area may not be graced by holidaymakers from the international community. “Our engagement with home-rental agencies still indicates that there is very little stock available to rent in Plett during the forthcoming season, which means the homes traditionally rented out for domestic and international holidaymakers will now be occupied by owners, along with their respective family and friends. “These individuals will be eating in our restaurants and purchasing products and services from our local businesses, which will bring in a welcome boost for the economy,” said Butterworth. Bitou has in the past few weeks seen a sharp spike in confirmed Covid-19 cases, coming in just below Knysna in terms of new-case percentages, and by November 17 the entire Garden Route had been declared as Covid-19 hotspot by the Western Cape Government.

This announcement resulted in the closure of sports facilities by Bitou Municipality last Wednesday, as a first step to fight the spread of the virus. Plett Tourism will not be taking the beating lying down; as the pandemic is laying in heavy punches, new plans are in the pipeline to mitigate the predicament. Sadly, some events on the social calendar might have to take the brunt of the blows. “There are several initiatives in place to

promote the importance of following Covid-19 protocols. “In addition to the government regulations that all local businesses are required to adhere to, Plett Tourism and Bitou Municipality are hopeful that our supplementary messaging shared in local and regional publications, recorded messages on local and regional radio stations, and possibly a signage and flier campaign will help reinforce these protocols.

“Furthermore, public events will have to be minimalised or most likely postponed, and private events will have to adhere to strict Covid-19 Level 1 protocols,” said Butterworth, adding that she believed things might change for the better towards the start of the peak season, now but three weeks away. Bitou mayor Peter Lobese also weighed in with words of encouragement while urging all local residents to behave responsibly.

Visit Knysna encourages Covid-19 safety ahead of season T was with great excitement that together with the municipality, Visit Knysna recently announced its digital domestic campaign. Aimed at stimulating the local economy in response to the pandemic and ahead of the summer season, the campaign is messaged at “whatever you are looking for, you will find it in Knysna”. Following the update that Covid-19 active cases are increasing on the Garden Route, the focus has now shifted to safe travels and Visit Knysna GM Colleen Durant urges everyone to play their part in creating an environment in which tourism can once again thrive. “We appeal to our residents and visitors to be mindful of the protocols that have been put in place for their safety. Keep your distance and wear masks in public and enclosed places. We also encourage you to enjoy Greater Knysna, which has a variety of outdoor locations, venues and activities.” Knysna mayor Elrick van Aswegen added: “With the easing of restrictions it seems many people have dropped their

guard and are not adhering to Covid-19 rules. The power to prevent the spread lies in our own behaviour. “I appeal to everyone to understand the seriousness of this situation and to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and everyone you come into contact with.”

Readers are invited to consult www. safetravels.capetown launched to help answer questions that visitors to the Western Cape may have about health and safety, and to ensure that their trip is filled with a lifetime of experiences, and fewer concerns and questions.

Spoil yourself this season

Garden Route Biosphere Reserve stakeholders to diarise forthcoming AGM ITH Covid-19 running rampant and the need to avoid public gatherings, the team in charge of the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR) announced that their forthcoming annual general meeting will be held virtually. All stakeholders and interested parties are invited to join this important AGM, to be hosted via Microsoft Teams, on Friday December 4 from 10-11:30am. Please RSVP by emailing Luzanne Visagie at admin@gardenroutebiosphere.org. za before December 1 to receive a link to join the meeting. Connecting to TEAMS Please note that you will need to either download the TEAMS App to your device (https://www.microsoft.com/en-za/ microsoft-365/microsoft-teams/downloadapp), or you can join via the web browser (link provided when you RSVP and receive meeting invite link) to access the platform. The meeting documents and a link to join the meeting will be sent to you when you confirm your attendance with Luzanne at the above email address. Online meeting etiquette • Please note that the session will be recorded and your participation in the meeting indicates acknowledgement of this. • When joining the meeting, have your microphone on mute to cut out background noise - only enable it when you need to speak. • To get the chairperson’s attention, put your camera on (if you wish to do so) or raise your hand or ask to be addressed in the comments. The chair will acknowledge your request and invite you to enable your camera and or microphone. • When it is your turn to speak, please announce your name before speaking. • You may wish to use the conversation chats on the side to send a message. Please also introduce yourself when commenting in the chat.

GEPF FUNERAL BENEFIT. GEPF provides a funeral beneﬁt for the funeral of an active member or a pensioner, as well as for the funeral of a spouse or eligible child of a member or pensioner. The funeral beneﬁt payable upon death of such a member or pensioner is R15 000, spouse R15 000 and eligible child R6 000. More cover and less worry about tomorrow.

NEWS & VIEWS

25 November 2020

CXPRESS

Brazen attack on cyclist prompts instant response by KwaNokuthula residents and law enforcers Thanks to the KwaNokuthula community and local crime fighters, a suspect was arrested after an attack and robbery of a cyclist on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay over the weekend - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

GAG THAT MICROCHIP: The stolen cellphone was placed in a foil snack packet in an attempt to block its signal from police in pursuit of the perpetrators suspected of attacking a cyclist on Avontuur Road last Sunday; on Tuesday before going to print, Otto Olivier of the PBCPA advised that the second suspect was still at large - Photo: Supplied

LETTENBERG Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said they had received an alert around 8:30am on Sunday morning about a cyclist who had been attacked on Avontuur Road near the N2 intersection. He said it was believed the cyclist had been struck off his bicycle by two young suspects who threatened him with a knife.

“They demanded money while forcing him to the ground,” Olivier said. The two suspects then fled the scene with the victim’s bicycle and his cellphone. Local Isolomzi Security officer Sam Nkosi assisted the cyclist after the attack and took him to the police station. Olivier said the Plett Security Rapid Response unit, along with KwaNokuthula police officers, immediately responded

and searched the area where the stolen cellphone’s last “ping” was received. “Responders were overwhelmed by KwaNokuthula residents’ support and assistance. Information received from them helped officers to find the bicycle and the suspect’s location.” Olivier said after police confronted the suspect, the bicycle was found hidden away in a house behind a spaza shop. He added that during the investigation, the suspect however “found a gap” and tried to flee the scene. Authorities gave chase, but the suspect managed to evade arrest by jumping over several fences and running through private property. “KwaNokuthula residents once again stepped forward and pinpointed the house where the suspect was hiding.” Not only did police manage to arrest the suspect, but the stolen cellphone was later found hidden on another property. It was al-

legedly wrapped in foil in an attempt to block the cellphone signal. Olivier said the suspect was taken to the Plett police station along with all the recovered stolen goods. “The second suspect is still at large, but information received is being followed up.”

Olivier praised KwaNokuthula police officers for the professional manner in which they dealt with the incident as well as the support from local residents, who played an instrumental role in the arrest. “We most certainly believe Plett is still one of the saf-

est holiday destinations and towns in South Africa. We also know with the support and assistance of the whole community of Bitou, we can minimise or prevent incidents like these from happening again by staying alert and crime-wise at all times.” Garden Route Media

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16 Days campaign focuses on action needed to fight South Africa’s second pandemic OVEMBER 25 marks the start of South Africans countrywide commemorating the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign which, according to Fidelity ADT, should serve as rallying call to galvanise efforts in the fight against gender-based violence. “Police minister Bheki Cele released crime statistics earlier this month which showed that women and children continue to live in fear. Gender-based violence is commonly referred to as SA’s second pandemic - an indication of the severity of the problem we face,” says ADT’s Charnel Hattingh. In its response to these

stats, women’s rights organisation Sonke Gender Justice told the media South African women “lived in a perpetual state of fear, and not without reason”. It quoted World Health Organisation figures which showed that 12.1 in every 100,000 women are victims of femicide in South Africa; this figure is five times higher than the global average. “Crimes against women and kids should be rooted out, and the 16 Days campaign has value in again focusing our attention on efforts in this regard. We need to support the many NPOs and NGOs that work in addressing gender-based vio-

lence, but over and above that, you and I can also make a difference by following basic safety tips and making sure we share these with our loved ones, while talking about safe personal habits throughout the year,” concludes Hattingh. Visit www.cxpress.co.za and see the advert on this page for more information. • Garden Route District Municipality on Tuesday announced that its 16 Days of Activism launch, due to take place today, had been cancelled following advice from the Command Council in response to the rise in active Covid-19 cases throughout the district.

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CXPRESS

25 November 2020

NOTICE

ENTERTAINMENT

25 November 2020

CXPRESS

PlettAid Foundation

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA with Dr Lisa Engelbrecht and Makudupanyane Senaoana at

SATURDAY 12th December 2020 at 7pm

TICKETS - R400 each BOOK AT: Barnie Barnard at Market Square Information Center. 044 533 3219, b b FREE SEATING or EFT The PlettAid Foundation )1% %UDQFK b Account No: 620 480 95063 UHI b <RXU QDPH 2SHUD Please send your proof of payment, name DQG GHWDLOV RI WKH JXHVWV LQ \RXU SDUW\ WRb Lady Conyngham- aconyngham@telkomsa.net

GATES OPEN: DW SP DQG FORVH DW SP b The concert will start at 7pm SUHFLVHO\ b NO INTERVAL

A selection of canapÃ©s will be served on the lawns and there will be a bar serving a complimentary gin cocktailbDV ZHOO DV D FDVK EDU for wine and spirits. For info please contact Lady Conyngham aconyngham@telkomsa.net

H U M B E E F LO R A GARDEN CONCERT

An enjoyable mix of opera, song and musical theatre and iconic duets for tenor and baritone

SUNDAY 13th DECEMBER 2020 LISA ENGELBRECHT Soprano/ Piano MAKUDUPANYANE SENAOANA Tenor MIKE BHAYIBHILE Baritone

GATES OPEN 4pm

Giving guests time to enjoy a cup of tea, homemade cake and a walk in the gardens. Bring a hat, cushion and a MASK. Covid-19 regulations will apply. THE CONCERT WILL START AT 5PM.

TICKETS R250 Available from Barnie Barnard at Market Square Information Center.

PAYING via EFT Account name: The PlettAid Foundation FNB Branch 210 514

044 533 3219

Account no: 620 4809 5063

082 744 1884

Ref: Your name/Humbee

For info please contact Lady Conyngham aconyngham@telkomsa.net

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

25 November 2020

BLACK FRIDAY...

Herewith a bit of humour to alleviate the stress that follows huge spending sprees: • What do Black Friday shoppers and the Thanksgiving turkey have in common? They know what it’s like to be jammed into a small place and stuffed. • Black Friday is a scam. You should be mad that retailers overcharge you 364 days a year. • Black Friday = Broke Saturday. • Who profits the most on Black Friday? The ones who were smart enough not to go shopping on that day. • What flies faster than items off the shelf on Black Friday? Credit card slips. • Which families usually spend the most on Black Friday? Those who earn the least.

… the day people spend money they don’t have on things they don’t need Black Friday is an informal name for the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, the fourth Thursday of November, which has been regarded as the beginning of the country’s Christmas shopping season since 1952, although the term ‘Black Friday’ did not become widely recognised or used until the early 2000s. While the end of November shopping frenzy is still relatively new in South Africa, the day has become so profitable for retailers, that it’s been adopted by other parts of the world where Thanksgiving does not even exist.

• What do people eat on Black Friday? Whatever they couldn’t finish on Thanksgiving Thursday. • Why do Americans go shopping on Black Friday? Because they are thank-

ful they survived Thanksgiving’s feast. • Why do they call the day after Thanksgiving ‘Black Friday’? It matches the mood of all those unhappy bloated shoppers.

A chicken pie in Jamaica costs R10. A chicken pie in Trinidad costs R15. A chicken pie in St Kitts costs R20. These are the pie rates of the Caribbean…

9 10

15 16 17

no 15, 7

9 8 11

10 14 13 12

17 16 20 18

ent book Testam 14 Old (7) (5) 16 Fiddle (5)

s? — narcotic

E D I P S H

E A L A L T S H E A S A UM E

C R E M E E T L E R N Y

CROSSWORD

crossword

C H O L O D Y M P I G T R A B I N D E

Quick

B R E S C I U T E T I A G N T I T I E

C O L T A Y T I R E A I I C O C ON O I D M I S F I B T S U P N D O E GO I S S L E S T E A D

ON THE SOAPBOX

25 November 2020

Letters to the Editor Email: editor@cxpress.co.za - Fax: 044 533 0852

Nowadays doctors know it all - bar medicine It really fascinates me that, every time I watch the BBC there is a specialist on my screen, and everyone is a doctor now. When I was a child under the Great Victoria, a doctor was a doctor, one only called when you were sick. You knew he was a doctor because everyone called him a doctor. No one else was a doctor except the man who, with luck, cured you and, without luck, killed you. Not today, my baby. Everyone is a doctor of, what, biology, chemistry, space, agriculture, history, geography, you name it, there’s a doctor for it. Now in the good old days, if you fell ill on a plane… (Why does one ‘fall’ ill or, for that matter, ‘fall’ pregnant without hopefully a bruise to show for it? Stop digressing, Paulie!) Anyway: when falling ill on a plane, the captain calls for a doctor; perhaps two respond and hopefully they know what they are doing and you survive. But not today, my China

plate - today there’s a rush and you are surrounded by 10 doctors, not one medical. “Let me through!” the cry goes up. “Doctor of what?” you croak. “Biology! I know about osmosis and photosynthesis, let me push you under the window and let the sun do its work.” He’s pushed aside. “Let me help you!” the next one cries, “I’m a doctor of geology, I know the mapping of the body and where all the arterial roads are.” “No!” the next one cries, “I’ll fix you - I’m a doctor of archaeology, I know the history of man, I know what’s factually the descent of man.” Finally, after another couple of ‘doctors’ have seen you, at last a medical man gets through. “I know what’s wrong with this man. He’s dead. I’m too late.” Think about that the next time you get on a plane, and then be grateful for lockdown. Paul Deans, Plett

Tributes to teacher who touched so many young lives

RENÉ HEYNS: 15.12.1955 - 12.11.2020

My dearest René, you were my friend and colleague since 1992 and your passing came as a tremendous shock. You leave a legacy of love behind, René. I know how much you meant to, and how you touched the young lives under your wing. You cared deeply about each one of them. Your humour, kindness, and distinctive pink hairstyle in support of CANSA will be fondly remembered by all who knew you. I shall miss you, my friend. Anita Schnell, Plett --René always loved the poem ‘Warning’ by Jenny Joseph it begins: “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple / with a red hat which doesn’t go…” Well she didn’t wear purple or as far as we know bought a red hat, but she did dye her hair a wonderful shade of fiery red or bright pink, depending on her mood. She surrounded herself with

the people and things she loved. Her menagerie of rescue dogs, her garden, a collection of great wines, the interesting meals she created to share with her friends, of whom there were many and dear. Like the poem said, she did “pick flowers in other people’s gardens”. René came to Plett in the late 1980s, taking up the post as principal at Plett Pre-Primary School, where she worked until ill health forced her to take early retirement in 2016. She touched the lives of not only the children, but their families too. She was a wonderfully dedicated teacher and if sometimes a bossy colleague, she was a friend to all of us who had the privilege of working with her. As friend, there was simply no match for René. On Valentine’s Days she received two great big bouquets from two different men that she had turned down in her past. They still cared enough to send her flowers every year - she attracted that kind of loyalty. If one ever had a problem or needed help or support, you could always count on René to be there for you. So it is heart-breaking indeed to say farewell to this incredible lady, whose life was cut short before she could enjoy her retirement and live out her travel plans. Rest in peace, René. Plett Pre-primary School

Covid brain Many joke about having ‘Covid brain’ when someone is forgetful, but several studies show that memory loss as a result of Covid-19 is a longterm symptom and it’s no joke. People recovering from Covid need more than just medical help and it would go a long way if we could all have a little more grace and, for those suffering in silence, to know they’re not alone. Herewith a poem to create awareness around a condition that is very real: People don’t realise They don’t understand My memory loss is getting out of hand! I’ve been called ‘loskop’, ‘forgetful’ and disorganised of late Anxious, depressed Or simply just stressed… One thing I know is my head is a mess! I lose track of conversation, I’m all over the show, Can’t meet your expectation, I’m running on low. People don’t realise, They don’t understand This ‘new normal’ was never part of my plan. I can no longer multi-task, I’m tired all the time, I’m falling behind And I’m losing my mind! I want to fix this, someone please tell me how. Is there a pill to drink, a puzzle to do? Will it ever get better? Will there be a breakthrough? People don’t realise and they don’t understand: I’ve survived Covid-19, and now I’m going mad! ‘Zee’, Plett

Handicapped parking sign arouses suspicion

‘Plett Motorist’ shared this photograph and wrote: “I was always under the impression that a handicapped parking sticker was issued by the relevant authorities, and not just a copy of a handicapped sign stuck on a piece of cardboard and left on the dashboard of a vehicle. This means that anyone who is inclined to abuse the system, can use this type of portable disc. I have witnessed many people pulling into handicapped parking bays and I am always totally amazed how they then trot off to go shopping with a spring in their step - some with, and some without, official signs on display.

CXPRESS

25 November 2020

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