8 July 2020 by CXpress

8 July 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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Grade 6 learners at Plett Primary were among the students that returned to school on Monday, which also included Grades R to 3 - even though a late-last week announcement by national Education minister Angie Motshekga reneged on the original plan to welcome several age groups back on July 6, resulting in a majority of schools across the country only catering for the return of Grade 6s and 10s. Turn to page 3 to find out more about the state of Covid-19 readiness in our schools.

Grief really hurts p2

Bitou mayor on his C-19 p3

Can you beat this Plett record? p5 Photo: Bianca Vollgraaff

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CXPRESS

NEWS & VIEWS

8 July 2020

OBITUARIES

A tribute to Mom - from four devoted daughters NANCY STRATTEN: 22 February 1936 - 29 June 2020 ANCY Stratten (née Coward) was born in Beckenham, London. She attended The Abbey School in Reading where she excelled in academics and sports. She was head girl and captained the first hockey team. Mom won a scholarship to Oxford University (Somerville College), where she read Botany. While there, she captained the Oxford women’s swimming team. She met our father, Peter, who read Forestry at Oxford (Balliol College), on a botany expedition in Wales. After their marriage in 1958, they moved to the Eastern Highlands of Rhodesia, where Dad was working as a forester. Mom never actively worked as a scientist but dedicated her life to caring for the family while Peter rose up the ranks at Sappi, becoming a board member for more than 20 years. We lived in various small towns in KZN before moving to Johannesburg in 1968, where we four girls attended Roedean School. Mom had a strong social conscience. She taught sewing to women at St George’s Anglican Church in Parktown, Johannesburg. Through African Self Help, she took responsibility for a nursery school in Soweto, and fearlessly drove

PASSIONATE: Pictured here with husband Peter, Nancy was multitalented and had a particular penchant for bettering the lives of lessfortunate community members, while being deeply involved in church and social affairs

through to drop off supplies and assist the teachers during the 70s and 80s when Soweto was in social turmoil. Mom was also a superlative cook and baker. She sewed most of her own clothes and loved playing tennis. She was a lover of words and was fascinated by their use and origin. An avid reader and excellent writer, in 1984 she co-authored a corporate history of Darling & Hodgson.

Grief really does hurt NDERSTANDING how grief weakens the body can go a long way towards moving through the process and recovering from the loss of a loved one, says Mosaic Funeral Group spokesman Ramon Collins, adding that support from a community that relates to your anguish helps as well. This can be difficult in a time of lockdown and social distancing, but the Group has found a way to bring people together online to find comfort with its #GrievingAloneTogether campaign. Although not always thought of as a full-body experience, grief can affect mental health while also having physical aspects. Medical studies suggest that the intense grief caused by, for example, the death of a child or partner, can bring about side effects that may feel more physical than anything else. “Most people are surprised by the intensity or type of emotions they experience but these are aspects that people tend to see coming. The physical response, on the other hand, is an unanticipated and undesirable part of grieving,” says Collins. Grief can trigger a number of mental and physical symptoms: Mental and cognitive symptoms The most common mental signs include depression, loneliness and anxiety, but there are some more insidious symptoms. You could find yourself becoming more forgetful. “This stems from yet another

symptom: the inability to focus. Your mind has so much to deal with, it switches gears to process your loss. Even the memories of your loved one can be a huge distraction,” says Collins. Physical symptoms The intense and prolonged emotional response to the death of a loved one can bring about numerous and severe physical effects, including: • Heart problems: These can be brought on by intense stress. One study found the death of a loved one to increase the chance of a heart attack. A specific temporary syndrome brought on by the death of a loved one is takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome”, caused by a disruption in the blood being pumped to one section of the heart. This mimics the effects of a heart attack - chest pain and shortness of breath - but is temporary. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor for deeper causes. This is true for any other severe or longlasting physical effects of grief. • Lowered immunity: Some people catch colds or come down with the flu during times of immense stress. They may become more susceptible to these same ailments during a period of intense grieving, since grief can lower the immune system. As we continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to keep our immune systems strong. • Aches and pains: Grief can

In 1991, Mom and Dad moved to Plettenberg Bay. The community welcomed them warmly and they were active in many areas, including hiking, the Wildlife Society, the Environmental Forum and Ratepayers Association, the DA, and St Peter’s Anglican Church. Mom was deeply involved in church affairs and an important part of her life was singing in the church choir and reading lessons at services.

She had a vision and passion for early childhood development, long before it became government policy. In the mid90s she raised money, principally from the Zoe Carss Trust, for building Flamingo Crèche in Green Valley, Wittedrift. She organised nutritional food from ePap, paid wages, made weekly visits and years later raised funds for an additional Grade R classroom, again largely helped by the Zoe Carss Trust. In 2013, having battled heart problems for many years, Mom had a major stroke. Dad dedicated seven years to looking after her, helping her to make a remarkable recovery. She never complained once. Dad’s fierce love and protection of her are beyond words. Following a hip operation in mid-June 2020, Mom developed pneumonia. Doctors, along with the entire Plett medical fraternity and FGV [Formosa Garden Village] frail-care staff, were kind and compassionate. Condolences have poured in thank you - with many repeating these words to describe our mother: “gracious”, “intelligent”, “kind”, “elegant”. They will resonate with us forever. We thank the Plett community for the solidarity they have shown to our father and to us. - Philippa, Lucy, Nella, Kate • See the notice on page 5.

Universal surfer now free from suffering LLOYD CHAPMAN: 30 October 1967 - 5 July 2020

‘As the moon crossed over Lloyd in the early hours of Sunday, he floated off on a shooting star to a better and brighter place. His suffering is now over and he is free to surf the waves of the universe. He was a truly beautiful man who will never be forgotten.’ - Pam Bates (There will be a paddle-out for Lloyd this morning, July 8; meet at Lookout Point, Plett, at 10:30 for the paddle-out at 11am. Please observe social distancing at all times.)

cause back and joint pains, headaches and stiffness, yet again caused by the overwhelming amount of stress hormones released during the grieving process. These hormones act on the body in a similar way to broken heart syndrome. Aches and pains from grief should be temporary but if they persist, consult your doctor. • Digestive issues: The digestive tract can be sensitive to times of intense stress. It can be all too common to seek comfort in food during stressful periods or to experience a queasy stomach when anxious. Grief also inspires symptoms

like a loss of appetite, binge eating, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome. “We know each person’s experience is unique, so the goal is to familiarise yourself with the fact that grief can manifest physically and start taking steps to alleviate its effects,” Collins explains. #GrievingAloneTogether provides online resources and information on the grieving process and bereavement support. People are also encouraged to share their stories of loss and mourning on social media using the hashtag #GrievingAloneTogether. Visit www.mosaicfune rals.co.za for more details.

NEWS & VIEWS

8 July 2020

Call for local schools to close to bide time for safety solutions There has been a major call from Plettenberg Bay learners and organisations not to rush the reopening of schools over fears around challenges to implement minimum safety requirements against Covid-19 - YOLANDÉ STANDER reports

TAKING THE LEAD AGAIN: This photo of Sinovuyo Kitsi, who drives the initiative to keep local schools closed, was taken last September when she served as spokesperson for a Bitou collective protesting against gender-based violence Photo: Twitter

MONG those expressing their doubts about adequate safety measures in schools are local students, the ANC Youth League, and the Congress of South African Students. “We are concerned about the safety of the learners and teachers. On average there are 56 learners in a class, which makes social distancing near impossible. “We believe that the schools are not ready to reopen in terms of measures to prevent the spread of the virus and learners are also not psychologically ready to return,” convenor of the ini-

tiative Sinovuyo Kitsi said. She added that they had visited a majority of local schools on Monday to evaluate the readiness of these facilities, and found that most schools were not adequately prepared. “Three local schools listened to our pleas and closed their doors for what we hope is a 14-day grace period so that we can find workable solutions.” She said they found that some schools did not properly deal with positive Covid-19 cases and that there were teachers who tested positive who remained at

school while they awaited their results. “If there is any chance of someone having contracted the virus, they should immediately isolate and not be allowed on the school premises,” said Kitsi, adding that this was only one of many concerns. “The issue around social distancing, where there is literally no space for learners to implement this, is another concern.” She said they were not calling for schools to close indefinitely, but to delay the reopening for a while until solutions could be found to safely continue the academic year. “Schools need to find innovative solutions and these could include online education or collaborations with other schools and organisations to ensure that learners can safely return to their desks.” She added that they were currently in discussions with the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) and other stakeholders to discuss a way forward. Kitsi said that among the schools that decided to heed their warning were Murray High, Kwanokuthula Primary, and Plett Secondary. “We are still in discussion with other schools and will, during the course of the week, visit all schools in Bitou,” she concluded. Garden Route Media

News Briefs • On June 30, Bitou mayor Peter Lobese announced that he had tested positive for Covid-19. His statement read, inter alia: “On June 25, I had a terrible flu and visited my doctor. I was tested for Covid-19 and ordered to isolate until I received my results. I withdrew from all responsibilities while retreating to the comfort of my room. I received the results and discovered they were positive. I was ordered to selfisolate until I had recovered from the infection. I have been at the forefront of the drive to prevent the spread and urging residents to comply with hygiene and safety protocols, and regulations set by authorities. “I have tried, as best as I could, to comply. However, it shows that we cannot let our guard down; one slipup and the virus will strike. I am committed to staying in quarantine and making sure that I do not spread the virus further. “Please treat everyone as

if they were infected. We must all be vigilant in this fight and the sooner we realise that C-19 does not care about race, class, position of power or place of residence, the better. Please try your best to stay safe.” • PetroSA West Camp, currently housing 76 patients, remains the only active local facility where patients unable to do so at home can isolate and quarantine. Garden Route C-19 cases and recoveries include Bitou 122 (38), Knysna 296 (128), George 971 (398), and Mossel Bay 387 (129), with five deaths in Mossel Bay, 17 in George, six in Knysna, and three in Bitou. By Saturday July 4, 37 Garden Route patients had been admitted in public and private hospitals, with nine in ICU; 127,165 people had been screened and 678 referred for testing. • Knife-wielding criminals cost the lives of at least five Southern Cape residents over the past few days, and resulted in the arrest of five

suspects in unrelated cases. Investigation into the death by stabbing of a Thembalethu man, 37, on Thursday led to the arrest of a suspect, 29, at his residence on Friday July 3. In another incident, Thembalethu police arrested a suspect, 27, in connection with the death of a 38-yearold man on Saturday the 4th at about 6am after he had been assaulted in Xiphu Street earlier. Oudtshoorn police arrested an 18-year-old suspect on Saturday July 5 following the death of a victim, also aged 18, on Saturday at about 9:30pm. The victim sustained a stab wound to the chest and was later declared dead by paramedics on the scene. Finally, Conville police arrested two suspects aged 16 and 17 after a violent incident on July 4 around 11:45pm, which resulted in the death of a 34-year-old victim, who sustained multiple injuries and died at the scene of the crime.

CXPRESS

INTERVAL

8 July 2020

Welcome to the family successful businessman had a meeting with his new son-in-law. “I welcome you into the family,” said the man. “To show you how much we care for you, I am making you a 50-50 partner in my business. All you have to do is go to the factory every day and learn the operation.” The son-in-law interrupted: “I hate factories. I can’t stand the noise.” “I see,” replied the father-in-law. “Well, then

you’ll work in the office and take charge of some of the operations.” “I hate office work,” said the son-in-law. “I can’t stand being stuck behind a desk.” “Wait a minute,” said the father-in-law, “I just made you half owner of a money-making industry, but you don’t like factories, and won’t work in an office. What am I going to do with you?” “Easy,” said the son-inlaw. “Buy me out.”

The caring counsellor ANDY began a job as an elementary school counsellor and she was eager to help. One day during recess she noticed a girl standing by herself on one side of a playing field while the rest of the kids enjoyed a game of soccer at the other. Sandy approached and asked if she was all right. The girl said she was. A little while later, however, Sandy noticed the

girl was in the same spot, still by herself. Approaching again, Sandy offered: “Would you like me to be your friend?” The girl hesitated, then said: “Okay,” looking at the woman suspiciously. Feeling she was making progress, Sandy then asked: “Why are you standing here all alone?” “Because,” the little girl said with great exasperation, “I’m the goalie!”

Humorous one-liners • The first time I see a jogger smiling, I’ll consider it. - Joan Rivers • Reality continues to ruin my life. - Bill Watterson • I’m addicted to placebos. - Steven Wright • I’d like to live like a poor man - only with lots 1

of money. - Pablo Picasso • Don’t judge me. I was born to be awesome, not perfect. - Mitch Hedberg • Puns are the highest form of literature. - Alfred Hitchcock • All generalisations are false, including this one. Mark Twain

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S E P A R A T E D

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B E E L Z E B U B

ON THE SOAPBOX

8 July 2020

Letters to the Editor

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

Update from Bitou Covid-19 responders The Bitou Covid-19 Response Team was originally constituted to prepare our district for a worse-case scenario given our knowledge of the pandemic. We set out to achieve this in the following ways: • Ensuring that we have sufficient medical and personal protective equipment, medication, linen and beds; • Identifying and preparing an isolation and quarantine facility; • Constructing and managing a volunteer database; • Provisioning a local Covid-19 hotline should the provincial and national hotlines be inundated, which has been set up and is ready to go live, when needed; • Transparently managing incoming donations to achieve the goals set out above. To date we have raised R4,254,688 of which Bitou Municipality has contributed R1,250,000 towards feeding, humanitarian relief and the isolation unit. We have spent R619,972 on personal protective equipment; R699,159 on medical equipment and consumables, including oxygen concentrators; and R193,410 on medical sanitation. All of this equipment is fully insured and is being stored in an

alarmed storeroom. Humanitarian relief Shortly after the implementation of the fund, it became very clear just how urgent the need for humanitarian relief was in the face of the economic implications of the lockdown. The response team began to focus on providing food aid and motivation for the soup kitchens to be reopened. Rob Bokelmann was given responsibility for this task and very soon 10,000 meals were being distributed daily and more than 60 soup kitchens had been reopened and established. Thus far R1,877,118 has been spent on food relief. There is enough food currently in stock to feed 10,000 people for 50 days. This initiative gave rise to the Plett Volunteers, who have tirelessly and selflessly devoted their time and energy towards the packaging, cooking and delivering of products to the soup kitchens. This initiative will ensure that there is a future structure in place to mobilise volunteers in our community when the need arises. Go to plettvolunteers.co.za for more information. Community garden project While the provision of immediate food aid was unavoidable, the crisis

Who can beat Billy’s Plett record?

also highlighted the need to ramp up food security among the most vulnerable communities in the short to medium term. With that goal in mind Julia Prema was put in charge of the community garden project which aims to ensure that 5060% of the households in the seven wards (approximately 6,000 plots) would have established food gardens within the next few months. The project aims to identify people who already have vegetable gardens or who have shown an interest in growing their own food and to educate them through volunteer-driven workshops. Call Julia on 084 588 9282 if you would like to get involved. Donations of gardening equipment, seeds, compost, etc. would be most appreciated - Julia will inform you where these donations should be delivered. PlettAid Foundation/ Hospice Plett Having achieved what we set out to do, we have decided to start winding down the fund for two reasons: • When we initially established the Bitou Covid-19 Response Team, the PlettAid Foundation/ Hospice Plett generously offered us the use of one of their bank accounts along with the associated auditing and account management services. Its treasurer, bookkeeper and CEO have been working tirelessly ever since, ensuring that all members of the committee adhere to strict procurement protocols. Its Board of Directors now wish to return their focus to the core business of palliative care and the

support of families facing life limiting illness. • The humanitarian relief/food support needs of the Bitou community will now be managed through the Plett Volunteers, headed up by Rob Bokelmann. In alignment with this strategy we shall ringfence R250,000 to remain in the fund for emergency medical needs of the Bitou Community and continue to support the feeding programme managed by the Plett Volunteers, until end-September. We are therefore asking donors to please find other channels for their generous donations as the Bitou Covid-19 Response Team will no longer take donations as of July 1. A further R184,747 remaining in the account representing contributions from the Bitou Municipality will be used for the infrastructure and management of the isolation and quarantine facilities. These facilities are for members of the community who are unable to self-isolate while awaiting a test results or after obtaining a positive result. Any equipment remaining after the pandemic has subsided will be donated to Hospice or sold, and revenue donated towards ongoing feeding schemes or to the PlettAid Foundation. The Bitou Covid-19 Response Team thanks all those who have donated towards this project, from the bottom of our hearts. The members of our wonderful community have, once again, shown themselves to be resilient, generous and open-hearted in these troubled times. Dr Nicky Whiteman, Plett

Why, let’s hit consumers when they’re down!

Billy Oosthuizen, 95, pictured here with his youngest son, Kenneth, is one of the most senior residents - if not the oldest - who was born in Plettenberg Bay, grew up, schooled, and lived in the town throughout his life. Billy’s son Theunis explains: “As a young man, Billy was a butcher’s blockman at GR Monk. In later years, he rented what is now called Keurbooms Lagoon (formerly ‘Plett’) caravan park, until his retirement. He was married to Eileen who had three kids: myself, Beulah and Joanie. He raised us and loved us like his very own children. His own two sons, James and Kenneth, live in Boksburg and Uitenhage respectively, and it’s only Joanie who is no longer with us. Billy is now happily married to Alta, who cares for him most lovingly. He is a very interesting man who can tell many stories after a near-century spent in Plett.” (At 95 years of age and still a proud local, we’re wondering if anyone can compete with Billy’s record - email editor@ cxpress.co.za with your news in this regard. - Eds.)

Dear CXPRESS ‘Eds’, I trust that you and yours are well. Chez moi, we are keeping our minds active by trying to work out what the Command Centre will balls-up next. Now we have to bear a huge increase in fuel prices - as oil prices take a dip! Basically, it’s a route for government to get some

cash into its declining kitty. Hit the consumer… who can’t hit back. Note that there has been no generous offer of taking a salary cut by any government department, including members of cabinet or any of our provincial and local government fat cats. Anguished Reader, Plett

Flamingos welcomed back on Keurbooms Lagoon After a long absence, a very welcome sight on visiting Keurboom Lagoon recently was the return of a small flock of flamingos. Hopefully, over time, this will encourage the occurrence of the large num-

bers of these birds which we used to welcome here. This letter also serves as a small plea to dog owners to keep their pets on leads, and to remain at a reasonable distance. Colin Bell, Plett

CXPRESS

Paws

Plett Animal Welfare Service

8 July 2020

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