Cx377

20 November 2013 #377

Published fortnightly by CXpress (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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Feel the vibe Last Robberg stand now going... going...

It’s nearly time to let your hair down, with excitement over the coming festive season thick in the Garden Route air, and Bitou locals bracing themselves for the influx of Matric Ragers... Welcome, guys, have lots of good fun in our Bay!

p2 & 4

Help secure massive grant for crucial water project p5

Stories of old and fun for the young guns p15

CONTEST Share your best Plett moment.

Tell us, or show us, what that special ‘Plett Feeling’ means to you - like this lovely entry submitted by Tracy Burrows turn to page 15 for details

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 377

News & Views

November 20 - 2013

Driving Miss Crazy

How a toe-job lead to driving three great dames to lunch at the Ski-Boat Club JEEVES shares memories of his adventures as Garden Route chaffeur extraordinaire...

A

N advert in the local paper caught my eye: Pedicure and foot massage - R80. “Go on, spoil yourself!” said a voice in my head.

Wow… 80 bucks. Last time I ‘spoiled’ myself was in March in Southbroom, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and that was a special toejob for R130.

The next day, I found myself in a private home in Hunters Estate, with my feet in a bath, chatting away with a retired hairdresser/beautician who needed a little extra income.

Does one tip toe-snippers and hair-cutters? I wondered.

She also makes homemade meals for some of the locals.

“Yoo-hoo!” came a voice from the open front door. “I’ve come to fetch my spaghetti bolognaise, darling,” and in walked elegantly-groomed, red-lipped, rosy-cheeked octogenarian, Mary.

The nail-lady exposed some of my talents to her, explaining the sauce wasn’t quite ready

and had to be ‘doctored’ to the Knackered Chef’s recipe – all she had to do really, for a quickfix, was add some chopped garlic for a little zing.

(Do that with curries too, right at the death, and a teaspoon of lemon juice for the secret touch).

Where were we? Aah, yes…

A week later, Mary was on the phone: “I say, are you the chap who doctored the spag sauce and drives people around?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Would you collect two friends and I, and take us through to Plett tomorrow in my Renault Cabriolet, and join us for lunch?

Having just sold my Beemer Cabriolet a few months ago, I couldn’t wait to be in an openseater again.

Is the Pope Catholic? Plett Ski-Boat Club, here we come!

Once the three dames were all strapped in, I enquired: “How do we put the roof down?”

“There. That button,” pointed

Mary.

“Won’t we get blown away?” a squeak from behind.

Mary jumped out and returned with three scarves. “Here. Use these if necessary.”

(Lunching at Barristers in Cape Town last week, where I’d taken a fellow down to Grootte Schuur for an eye-op, I couldn’t but notice how many fancy sports cars drove past - all with their hoods closed. And in 29°C! Cretins.)

“Ladies,” I explained, “the only time you drive a sports car with the roof up, is when it’s raining. Ask any enthusiast… so what’s it to be: open or closed?”

“OPEN!” they chorused in harmony.

Oh! To be on the road again in an open car, wind ruffling through the hair… bliss.

All smiles and giggles in the rear-view mirror - to the loud, hard-core ‘60s music from the sound track of Hqtguv" Iwor, which Mary had brought along

Last vacant stand on Robberg Beach, Plettenberg Bay O NE of the most unique and desirable properties in Plett is coming on the market and will be auctioned on December 28 at 12 noon.

This 8’565m² plot (yes, no mistake: eight thousand five hundred and sixty five square meters) is situated right on Robberg Beach, with direct access to the beach. It is positioned next to Solar Beach, so is basically an extension of Millionaires Drive - Plett’s famous Beachy Head Road.

The site has the most incredible views which have to be seen to be believed. It enjoys absolute privacy with no road or obstruction between the site and the ocean.

All services are available and easy access is ensured by means of tar roads, with only a short distance on gravel.

This is absolutely the last vacant stand of its size available with direct beachfront and access. It offers the ideal opportunity for someone to build a dream house on one of the most incredible pieces of real estate in the world.

During the past few months, sales to prominent businessmen resulted in the remaining few stands being sold. Selling prices achieved were in line with what those achieved for properties on Beachy Head, where two similar-sized plots were recently sold for around

R25-million to R27-million.

The stand being auctioned has superior views and much more privacy than the other properties and is expected to fetch well in excess of R30million.

According to RealNet Knysna principal Renate du Rand, several interested parties have viewed the property since the marketing campaign commenced and should a substantial offer be made before the auction, there is a chance that it would be accepted.

For more info and viewing contact Renate of RealNet Knysna on 081 821 3034 or Johan of Auctions Extreme on 082 854 4685 - see ad on p4.

and loaded into the CD player.

Having done a Rolls Royce chauffer’s course long ago, I recall one is not supposed to utilise the rear-view mirror if there is a lady in the back seat, for fear of making eye contact.

Considered non-U. It was one of those beautiful sunny, windless days you get that unleashes Plett’s true splendour. And, of course, the venue on the beach was outstanding.

Prawns, calamari, Tabasco sauce and lemon, chips and Greek salad, washed down with chilled pink wine...

Bon appetite!

All the girls were in their 80s, one may actually be 90, and they were really loving the whole scene - a real happening!

On the way back, a tear came to my eye as I experienced their joy, and how I had helped a little in making this day happen for them. Mary is partially blind, you see?

‘Till next time... Buckle up! /"Lggxgu

Just say ‘CX’!

A

few Sedgefield readers called the CXPRESS office last week, greatly disturbed over the rumoured “replacement” of our ngmmgt local newspaper by a Media24 newbie.

Rest assured, dear readers, that CXPRESS is alive and well and will continue bringing you the freshest Garden Route news fortnightly, as has been the case for the past 15+ years.

We thank you for choosing home-brewed and promise to deliver more of the well-packaged, original and quirky, funny and informative stories you’ve come to expect from us.

We are the original CX-paper and you are our news. Here’s looking forward to a hummer of a summer season. - Eds.

News & Views

November 20 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 377

3

Housing grievances - many remain roofless, while others receive two homes Allegations have surfaced that residents already occupying RDP homes are being granted new houses on the same sites as part of two separate housing projects in Kurland and Kranshoek - JOHN HARVEY reports

T

HE allegations follow a high-profile handover ceremony in Kurland Village earlier this month which was attended

by W-Cape Human Settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela.

The handover was in line with provincial government’s Kurland Housing Project, undertaken as part of the human settlements department’s Integrated Residential Development Programme. The programme provides for the acquisition of land and servicing of stands for

a variety of land uses including commercial, recreational, schools, and clinics.

Madikizela said the project would consist on 426 sites and houses when completed next month. To date, 194 houses have been handed over, and an amount of R17.9-million spent out of a total budget of R18.1million.

At the meeting at Kurland community hall, residents said the homes that had already been built were not up to standard

and often became flooded.

Prior to handing over several houses, Madikizela said he would look into their grievances.

There seems to be a growing list of complaints, however, among which the claim that existing homeowners are being granted houses on the same sites where they currently reside. One reader, via email, suggested that there were “at least five” sites like this in Kurland.

While he could not say exact-

CRAZY: Luke Littlejohn sent these pictures of RDP houses built on the same plot as existing homes and wrote: ‘The Housing minister was here saying this was illegal in a public meeting, but there are at least five of these and more being built. Many people have no roof over their heads and the DA municipality gives those who already have a house, another one! This is going to cause big problems. They say they will investigate it afterwards, crazy as that sounds.’

Business growth ‘a major concern’ ITOU Municipality plans schools where the dropout rate decided to revisit any policy or B to host a Growth & Develhas also increased. decision that has impeded the opment Conference involving “Of major concern also had growth of the economy. both national and international role-players as part of a new turnaround strategy aimed at boosting the local economy.

This is just one of the initiatives discussed at a recent threeday planning session in Plett.

Mayor Memory Booysen said there were currently more than 12’000 people living in poverty in Bitou, many of whom had been badly affected by the economic downturn in 2008.

Booysen said the situation had resulted in negative socioeconomic implications, including an escalation in crime, drug abuse and a multitude of social ills, some even spilling into

been that our current financial position was far from ideal, with the pool paying taxes shrinking. The rapid growth in the largely poor segments of the population between the 2001 and 2011 Census required decisive interventions,” he said.

During the planning session, during which presentations were made by a variety of stakeholders, it was decided that the “geographic footprint” of provincial and national government in Bitou would need to be explored and expanded, thus growing the government sector in the town.

The planning committee also

The possibility of developing a suite of incentives to potential investors in the form of tax holidays, or restructuring of augmentation fees over a period, was also discussed, although details on these incentives will only be revealed later.

The municipality emphasised that the growth of local business would remain a priority.

It was hoped the Conference would not only draw investors in the tourism sector, but also in forestry and manufacturing.

The first series of status quo reports will be presented to council on December 4. /"Lqjp"Jctxg{""

Midday crash claims elderly driver

L

OCAL drivers were alarmed when emergency vehicles sped to the top of Beacon Way in Plett around 1:30 on November 13, amid the peak weekday traffic to and from Plett Primary School, which was immediately diverted via

Julia Avenue.

Captain Bernadine Steyn of the SAPS Southern Cape Media Centre in George advised that the accident involved a Ford bakkie that veered into the opposite lane, where it crashed into a Hilux bakkie.

“The driver of the Ford, 76-year-old Wittedrift resident PJ Vermaak, sustained serious injuries and died in hospital later that day.

“A culpable homicide docket was opened and is now being investigated.”

ly how many sites such as these there were between the two precincts, Kranshoek councillor Nolan Stuurman confirmed to CXPRESS that he was familiar with the issue.

“I became aware of this a couple of months ago, and I have reported it numerous times,” Stuurman said.

“New houses are being built

on sites where homes already exist. The problem is that some of these houses have not been registered in the name of the owner, and this creates a loophole for people to get new ones.”

Stuurman had been requested to assist in drawing up a petition on behalf of residents objecting to the practice, with 500 people

adding their names to the list.

“I have sent this to Parliament so that these grievances can be discussed. I am not happy about this. It is not fair to people who have been waiting for and need houses. It is fruitless and wasteful expenditure with taxpayers’ money.”

Department of Human Settlements spokesman Thyrza Horn had forwarded queries to the department’s correspondence hub, but answers had not been forthcoming at the time of going to press.

Bitou Municipality media liaison Kholiswa Masiza was also unavailable for comment.

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ISSUE 377

November 20 - 2013

Promotion

News & Views

November 20 - 2013

CXPRESS

Clock ticking for Keurbooms funds to be raised, released John Harvey

A

project that will not only go a long way towards alleviating the current threat of alien vegetation suffocating the Keurbooms catchment area but also create jobs for local communities is set to begin April.

However, that is only provided local NGO the Eden to Addo Corridor Initiative can raise R500’000 in the next month, otherwise it will lose the R8.2-

million grant that government has earmarked for the clean-up operation.

The seriousness of alien plant species in the catchment area cannot be underestimated - unless the situation is brought under control soon the Keurbooms flow could well be reduced by 95%, according to estimates.

Eden to Addo spokesperson Pamela Booth said: “If you

gave me R100-million tomorrow we would still not be close to combatting the problem. But we have been making a lot of contacts overseas for funding.

The truth is, this is a massive undertaking.”

The speed with which the vegetation is spreading is indicated by the fact that in 2000 half the fynbos of the Keurbooms River catchment had been invaded,

Route declared best international golfing destination for 2014 T HE Garden Route has been recognised as the 2014 Golf Destination of the Year for Africa and the Gulf States by the global trade association of the golf tourism industry, IAGTO. Nils Flaatten, CEO of Wesgro - the W-Cape’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency - collected the award last week at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in Spain on behalf of the province.

“It is fantastic to win this award in which we were up against nominees in Mauritius, Kenya, Abu Dhabi and Morocco and I hope it will encourage more golfers to visit this beautiful part of the Western Cape,” Flaatten said.

“Golf tourism is one of the contributing factors in driving economic growth through tourism and also provides jobs in areas which rely on tourism.”

Education excellence lauded

W-Cape Education minister Donald Grant visited Formosa Primary in Plett on November 15 and presented certificates to kids in the Elsen (Education for Learners with Special Education Needs) class. Pictured at back from left are Plett Rotary president Ruby Chetty, deputy head Griselda Barlon, Elsen teacher Leigh Dunn, minister Grant, Formosa headmaster Colin Wildeman, Bitou councillor Elaine Paulse, mayor Memory Booysen, and speaker Annelise Olivier. Minister Grant expressed his satisfaction at having such a centre of excellence for special education needs, as that at Formosa Primary. There are 108 Elsen units throughout the W-Cape.

Photo: Timothy Twidle

Oubaai Golf Course is professional golfer Ernie Els’ first signature course in SA, and George is where he resides when in the country. “The Garden Route is a very special place to me and definitely a golfing destination worthy of being the Golf Destination of the year,” said Els, who received an Honorary Award at IGTM. Also in George is the Fancourt Country Club, with three courses designed by Gary Player.

With 14 different golf clubs, there is not only a wealth of top notch golf courses including Fancourt, Simola and Pezula, but the Garden Route is also a destination which holds appeal for the whole family.

Low cost airline Mango has introduced a leisure schedule between Joburg and George, making this destination even more accessible to visitors.

and in the next decade it will have almost completely infested the area.

Eden to Addo has consequently embarked on a clearing project that covers a critical catchment area for the Keurbooms River, upon which Plett, with a population of some 50’000, depends.

Booth explained the government had dedicated the funds to the project in recognition of its importance, on condition that Eden to Addo covers project management costs as government would only cover wages and equipment.

“We are confident we will get

the funds, but we are appealing to the public for assistance.”

A major spin-off of the project is that Eden to Addo will be training and employing 100 people for three years to clear 2’000ha in the Keurbooms catchment area of alien species.

“Livelihood opportunities will be created for unemployed in the area and wage targets of 60% women, 20% youth, and 2% disabled will be adhered to as far as possible.”

She added that waste from the alien vegetation would be used to manufacture charcoal.

“Training, support and investment will be provided for the

ISSUE 377

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development of the eco-charcoal manufacturing businesses, thereby creating longer-term self-sustaining opportunities for local entrepreneurs.”

Ictfgp"Tqwvg"Ogfkc ß" Deadline for reaching the R500’000 goal is at 11:59pm on December 21 - visit www. indiegogo.com/projects/morework-water-life to contribute to this essential cause, and to view a short video by Lika Berning that drives home the project’s impact in Bitou.

You can also visit www.edentoaddo.co.za or contact Joan Berning on 044 533 1623 or admin@edentoaddo.co.za for more information, or contribute directly into the Eden to Addo account at Absa Knysna, account number 9186949260.

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 377

News & Views

November 20 - 2013

Brand new boat and outboard engine to aid crucial conservation project

N

ATURE’S Valley Trust (www.naturesvalleytrust. co.za) has taken delivery of a brand new 2HP Parsun outboard engine - only the second of its kind to be launched on Keurbooms Lagoon in Plettenberg Bay. The outboard was subsidised

by Parsun Southern Cape and the boat donated by Louis Ollemans. Parsun SC-owners Errol Finkelstein and Kenny Jacobs are Plett locals, as is Louis, and all three of them have significant associations with Keurbooms River and the surrounding natural environment.

It’s a full two decades since Errol signed up as an Honorary CapeNature Conservation Officer in November 1993, having been appointed by Henk Nieuwoudt, who remains head of CapeNature Plett to this day.

Along with wife Elaine and assisted by Heidi Matthews, Errol recently successfully located the memorial board - mounted on Keurbooms peninsula in honour of the six people tragically lost in the river mouth in August 2012 - that was washed away by heavy seas.

During a recent day-outing on the river Errol, ever vigilant, spotted someone at a distance clearly tampering with kelp gull nests on the peninsula - and that directly beneath CapeNature’s ‘Bird Breeding Colony’ notice board!

He approached the perp with a view to investigating this activity… and was most relieved to find a student of ornithology on official business.

Minke Witteveen, Master’s degree candidate with the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at UCT, was doing routine work inspecting and marking gull nests.

Two hours later, having discussed all manner of matters ornithological and having seen Minke on her paddle ski heavily loaded with field kit, the couple Finkelstein and Ms Witteveen had hatched a plan to assist with the acquisition of an outboard motor.

The net result? Said outboard

and boat were officially handed over recently, after Butch Ballack of Butch’s Outboard Motors had kindly undertaken a

complimentary pre-delivery inspection, with a promise of doing likewise when the next service is due.

FLOAT MY BIRDING BOAT: Above, Errol Finkelstein and Minke Witteveen gloat over the new engine and boat that will greatly assist local ornithological studies; at right, Butch Ballack does the pre-delivery service and, at top left, Shirley, Minke and Errol enjoy the craft’s maiden voyage

Said Louis after the handover: “These modest contributions are there for all to emulate.

Many small offerings do make a difference, so please contribute if you can.” ,"Vjg"Mgnr"Iwnn"tgugctej"rtq/ lgev"ku"ownvkhcegvgf."dtqcfn{"hq/ ewuukpi"qp"vjg"ghhgevu"qh"wtdcpk/ ucvkqp" cpf" enkocvg" ejcpig" qp" vjg" hqtcikpi" cpf" dtggfkpi" qh" vjgug" iwnnu." cpf" ku" c" eqnncdq/ tcvkxg" rtqlgev" kpxqnxkpi" WEV." PXV." DktfNkhg" Rngvvgpdgti" Dc{" cpf"EcrgPcvwtg0 Vjg" fkuvwtdcpeg" rtqlgev" twp" d{"Ujktng{"xcp"fg"Xqqtfg"qh"vjg" Pgvjgtncpfu" cnuq" tgnkgu" jgcxkn{" qp" vjku" pgy" vtcpurqtv" vq" cpf" htqo"uvwf{"ukvgu0" Vjg"rtqlgev"hqewugu"qp"cpvjtq/ rqigpke" fkuvwtdcpeg" cpf" kvu" ghhgevu" qp" vjg" dtggfkpi" qh" vjg" Chtkecp"Dncem"Q{uvgtecvejgt"/"c" pgct/vjtgcvgpgf"octkpg"urgekgu" /"cu"ygnn"cu"vjg"Mgnr"Iwnn."eqp/ xgtugn{" c" rctvkewnctn{" wtdcp/ kugf"ugcdktf0 Okpmg." Nqwku." Rctuwp" Uqwvj/ gtp"Ecrg"cpf"Dwvej‚u"Qwvdqctf" Ugtxkegu"ecp"cnn"dg"tgcejgf"xkc" Okpmg‚u"dnqi"cv"mgnriwnnrtqlgev0 dnqiurqv0eqo"cpf"yyy0rctuwp0 eq0|c" qt" eqpvcev" jgt" qp" 2:5" 4939"546"qt"okpmg0ykvvgxggpB iockn0eqo"cpf"Gttqn"cv"gttqnB rctuwp0eq0|c" qt" 294" 665" 4;22" hqt"oqtg"kphqtocvkqp0

Creative Green Valley ladies land a gift of industrial proportions crease the bank balance. Thank you Singer Husqvarna Pfaff!”

T

HE skilled sewing ladies of Wittedrift - working collectively as Green Valley Creations - were delighted this month with the generous donation of an industrial sewing machine.

Explains fellow ‘drifter and Bitou Valley Foundation coordinator Julie Carlisle: “Singer Husqvarna Pfaff in George generously allowed the ladies to use this machine and on a bright Wednesday morning, we travelled west where James, Theo and Ina du Preez kindly showed us the ropes.”

As small business concern, Green Valley Creations is supported by the Bitou Valley Foundation and WESSA’s Energy & Sustainability Programme. The project is linked to the Foundation’s broader objective of establishing Bitou Valley as an eco-tourism destination through rehabilitation of the Bitou Wetland and creation of small community businesses.

“The ladies - who also knit and crochet beautifully - have been making cooker bags, shopping bags, handbags, Christmas dec-

orations and many other goodies using one small machine until now,” says Julie.

“This industrial machine will increase output, decrease production time and, hopefully, in-

Contact Julie on 044 535 9258 or at ecovive@mweb.co.za and visit www.facebook.com/Bitou Valley for additional information, or if you would like to contribute.

LEARNING THE ROPES: Green Valley Creations’ Susan, Maureen, and William getting good guidance from James of Singer HVP in George, left

News & Views

November 20 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 377

7

Alpha and omega - or how great beginnings spin towards an excellent end Mandilakhe Jaxa turned his feelings into songs and became ‘Alpha Dog’ - the rapper extraordinaire declared overall winner of Tshisa Talent 2013 earlier this month SHANETTE ELLIOTT of Lunchbox Theatre chatted to this inspirational Bitou artist

W

HEN Mandilakhe Jaxa returned to Plett, he was so overjoyed to be home that he wrote a song about his place of birth. After many trials and tribulations spanning 10 years of growing up in the harsher ‘hoods of Cape Town, he was a changed person. He had a new name - the intriguing Alpha Dog - and a new purpose in life.

Alpha Dog was determined to be a performance artist. His way of coping with the stresses and strains of township living in Cape Town, from the age of eight, was to turn his experiences into poems which became rap songs. He comforted himself by channelling the emotions that welled up in him to write down his life experiences - the good, the bad and the ugly.

Yet, he always managed to put a positive spin on his messages and unlike his hero, Eminem, his raps are inspiring instead of disturbing, as they are based on gratitude.

Circumstances forced Alpha Dog to leave school. When he returned to Plett, he heard about a project that uncovered, developed and promoted performance artists. Luck was on his side as he entered the Tshisa Talent search.

He flew through the auditions and started dreaming that his hometown would choose him as ultimate winner of the Tsh-

RAP AWAY THE GREY DAYS: Alpha Dog is hungry for knowledge about all aspects of music, and equally passionate about sharing his gift - Photo: Daron Chatz Videography

isa Talent finals. His desire was strong and he envisaged being on stage, singing the song that was always in his head, and winning the trophy.

He adjusted his welcome home song and it became the award-winning Vjg" Dc{" Dgcw/ vkhwn. On November 9, he emerged as the most engaging of all the Tshisa finalists and had the full Whitehouse hall singing along to this catchy tune.

When he performed it as encore after having received all his prizes, it had become entrenched in the hearts of his audience - mostly local residents who had at once taken ownership of ‘their’ song. His choice of subject was a masterstroke.

Entertainment Diary • Greenwood Independent School invites readers to attend its Concert in the Park on Pq/ xgodgt" 45 from 3-9pm at Old Nick Village on the Plett N2.

This fundraiser will feature an amazing music line-up with Wild Lettuce, GRMC Trio and more, as well as delicious food and a beer & wine tent.

• Raphaeli School in Plett holds a Summer Fair at the school grounds in Piesang Valley Road (opposite Brackenridge) on Pq/

xgodgt" 45 from 1-5pm with Christmas craft stalls, wholesome eats, and amazing entertainment for the kids.

• Carpe Diem School’s Christmas Light Festival presents accomplished singer, song writer, actress and multi-award winning artist Lieze Stassen on Pqxgodgt" 4;. This spectacular event is one not to be missed - call Karools Hauptfleisch on 044 874 4074 for additional information.

We have yet to see what this young entertainer pulls out of his sleeve. His humility adds weight to his words when he says: “I write my own songs.

My work is original. I am my own producer and I create my beats. That’s what I do.”

He took his song about Plett, perfected it, and became Bitou’s artist of the year - so beginning to fulfil his dream of being on stage and entertaining audiences. Was it predestined that he inherited the name Alpha Dog when his rap team by the same name disintegrated through lack of commitment?

As the last remaining and most consistent member, he earned the name Alpha Dog. And it looks like this young man is at the start of great things.

Commitment has been a tough lesson for this 19-year-old. As a

natural entertainer, he was encouraged to enter a school talent competition. He treated it as a joke. He did not go beyond the auditions. This apparent failure made him determined to focus and become a success. He started learning as much as possible about being a rap artist and the technical aspects of producing his own music.

Although he has never had a mentor other than his brother, Hible, or a supportive family network, he is a natural mentor to his peers. He is a major player in the Ekhistini Studio township slang describing typical wooden shacks.

His dreams for the future? “I want to talk to the youth and inspire them towards the good things in life. I want to learn as much as possible about music.

I want to share music because it makes everyone feel better.”

Alpha Dog says it took him two days to snap out of the trance of winning the Tshisa Talent trophy and accept that his wild and vivid dream had come true. He is living the dream. But will the Omega, the end, be happy? With the support of the committed Tshisa Talent crew, success is a sure thing.

This initiative is supported by the National Council of Arts of SA, the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport, the National Arts Festival, and Plett Tourism - and of course, its many local supporters. Visit www. tshisatalent.co.za or call 044 533 0942 for more information.

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ISSUE 377

Business

November 20 - 2013

What you should know about dread disease cover

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YLE Harker of Plettenberg Bay feels so strongly about cancer awareness that he’s sporting a moustache for Cansa’s national Movember campaign. And this Sanlam consultant feels equally serious about planning for the possible costs of cancer.

“If you are diagnosed with a dread disease, money is the last thing on your mind. The reality, however, is that the financial implications stretch far beyond the cost of the treatment you will need,” he says.

And not having the right cover in place for a host of costs not paid by your medical scheme could have a devastating impact on your finances.

The three important areas of

cover you need to consider are income protection, dread disease cover, and disability cover.

“People often think that belonging to a good medical aid scheme is sufficient. But your medical bills are only one part of the picture.”

Rtqvgevkpi"{qwt"kpeqog Being diagnosed with cancer and requiring surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may mean that you’re temporarily incapacitated to such an extent that you’re unable to continue working.

This could mean you can no longer generate an income – and if you’re a parent or a breadwinner, this can be financially crippling for your family.

An income protector benefit

will cover you for loss of income when you are temporarily disabled due to a dread disease like cancer. When considering an income protector benefit, take into account the option of different waiting periods, as this impacts on affordability.

The shorter the waiting period, the more expensive the benefit but then your claim would be paid earlier during the period of disability.

This is by far the most important cover besides belonging to a medical scheme, especially if you are self-employed.

Lyle says people often make the mistake of taking out permanent disability cover before they have income protection.

“Disability cover will only become effective if you are deemed to be totally and permanently disabled.

“In the interim, while the condition has not reached the point of permanency, what are you going to live on? Your ability to earn an income is your greatest asset, and it is crucial that you protect this.”

Eqxgt"hqt"ftgcf"fkugcug While cancer treatment can drain your finances, the associated costs of your treatment can have an equally dire effect on your bank balance. This is where dread disease cover can offer critical assistance.

It ensures that you’re able to claim for financial assistance should you be diagnosed with a severe illness.

Dread disease cover, which pays out as a lump sum, can be used for the following: • Travel to and from the medical facility at which you are receiving chemotherapy or other treatment; • Accommodation for relatives while you are being treated; • Your basic expenses, such as a home loan or car instalment; • The costs of a carer during an extended convalescence period; • Taking care of your children, and organising transport or homecare duties while you are ill.

You can also use your dread disease cover to pay for treatment your medical scheme may not cover, such as reconstructive surgery in the event of breast cancer, or expensive biologics used to treat various types of cancer.

Some of these newer medicines which can prolong your life but not always covered by the medical aid can cost in the region of R50’000 per month.

Eqxgt"hqt"rgtocpgpv"fkucdknkv{ If you become ill with cancer, you may be permanently unable to continue working. Permanent (also called capital) disability cover is aimed at offering you financial protection should this happen.

Disability benefits will be paid as a lump sum if your impairment causes total and permanent disability.

Cover for income protection, dread disease and disability can either be taken out as standalone product, or they can form part of a combined package.

Affordability of additional financial insurance is obviously a key consideration, along with an analysis of your needs as well as your age.

It is crucial, however, to obtain the services of a qualified financial adviser before making a decision.

There is a plethora of personal cover products to choose from, and no two companies have exactly the same products or the same claim payment conditions.

“You need to understand what each product covers, the level of benefits, any exclusions, and the meaning of the policy wording. Everyone’s circumstances are unique, so the most appropriate product will be very different from one person to the next,” explains Lyle.

He recommends consulting your financial adviser to ensure there is a good balance between what you need and what you can afford.

“If you have to prioritise, make sure that you have at least the most basic cover in place.

You can always increase it later, through an alteration, or you can purchase an extra product.

But don’t do nothing!

“No-one likes to think they might one day be diagnosed with cancer. Yet one in six people in South Africa have a lifetime risk of developing cancer.

It strikes without warning and without regard for age or income level.”

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Holiday madness!

HIGH-END, HIGH RENT: Luxury properties like this Pezula Golf Estate mansion, and others on Thesen Islands and along the pristine Plett beaches can fetch daily rentals of up to R12’000

S

UMMER is upon us, and augurs a particularly successful season for the Garden Route tourism industry - the core of our lives. And Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are gearing up, with major hotels recording bookings far exceeding previous years.

“We have already noted an increase in holidaymakers from abroad, who are also showing keen interest in property purchasing,” says Ling Dobson of Pam Golding Properties Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Specialist rental agents’ abilities are put to the test. While landlords are demanding the highest possible turnover during these short periods, tenants are shopping around for the best deals, as well as increasingly shorter rental periods.

An increase in demand for holiday rentals in secure private residential estates and golf resorts is seen across the board.

Overseas and South African visitors are progressively specifying secure properties and sur-

roundings to match that which they enjoy at their permanent residences.

While the holiday rental business may be perceived as lucrative, high turnover of tenants requires stringent management measures. Expert credit vetting, good financial control and superior levels of property and tenant management remain essential.

So often the holiday maker is also the future purchaser, so it is imperative that they are satisfied, and depart having thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Exclusive lifestyle requirements are illustrated in exceptional rates for luxury properties on Pezula Private Golf Estate, Thesen Islands, and along the pristine Plett beaches.

Daily rentals for high-end properties in these areas can reach up to R12’000, with middle of the range daily rentals from R4’000 to R6’000.

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Secure and modern Eden Palms boasts low levies and lots of space

E

DEN Palms, the wellpriced upmarket development designed by one of the leading architects in Plettenberg Bay, has been given the green light by Bitou Municipality and construction will commence early 2014.

The first units will be ready for occupation around July Phase 1 and 2 are already sold out, with sales in Phase 3 well underway. And on November 29 at 2pm, Bitou mayor Memory Booysen will be doing the ground-turning ceremony.

The design is modern and units feature fitted cupboards and stylish kitchens. Finishes are of a high standard and a number of choices allow purchasers to personalise their units. Levies charged will be the lowest ever seen in Plett Eden Palms is a security estate with walls, electric fences and security personnel at the entrance and on patrol.

Within these walls is a lot of space for the family to relax - a place where children can play without causing mom and dad

any worry. Each building also boasts its own secure clothes drying area.

Nedbank has approved the development for full bonds to those clients who qualify.

Construction has already started on the entrance road from the N2 and the land has been cleared, ready for building to begin. Unit prices start from R399’950 - don’t miss out!

Call Grant Boesak on 082 655 2415 or Gabriel Steenkamp on 079 284 6655, and see the advert below.

Promotion

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Coupons

Business

Investor Focus

November 20 - 2013 Malcolm Stewart – Portfolio Manager at Sanlam Private Investments Knysna

Global strategies on your radar

I

T is well known that governments, particularly in developed economies, have accumulated insurmountable levels of debt. Many carried serious debt burdens before the financial crisis and are now well and truly under water.

This debt has proved to be deflationary to these economies, particularly as austerity measures were implemented.

The Great Depression reduced government revenues while at the same time deleveraging (i.e. reducing debt) measures by the various populations sharply curtailed private spending.

As a consequence of these actions, global central banks injected massive liquidity into their systems and reduced interest rates. This reduced the repayment burdens of both the governments and their citizens.

It also reduced the chances of a severe bout of deflation.

As the global recovery begins to evolve it has become clear that these ridiculously low rates cannot remain in place.

However, the extremely slow recovery rates being experienced indicate that low rates will be with us for a lot longer than we think.

History tells us that unsustainably high levels of government debt are generally dealt with in a predictably sly and insidious way, i.e. via creeping inflation that reduces the debt levels in real terms. At the same time, interest rates are suppressed to remain at artificially low levels.

This state can be seen as an invisible tax on savers. It is most unfortunate for retirees who

rely on so-called risk-free interest returns for their survival.

Their returns are very low while their capital is gradually eroded by what appears to be low but steady inflation.

At the same time, investors remain wary of equities due to the corrections and volatility experienced over the last decade.

As a result, most conservative investors remain underexposed to equities and overexposed to fixed interest investments.

The search for yield is now a well-documented investment strategy, while the massive levels of global liquidity has pushed equities, particularly in South Africa, to record levels.

The retired investor faces a severe dilemma. Does he switch to equities, thus reducing his sleeping hours due to the volatility, or does he accept that inflation will destroy the value of his capital and reduce his final years of retirement to abject poverty?

It is my view that a mix of asset classes is called for, as is a closer look at equity values rather than equity index levels.

The recent run in the JSE All Share Index has been dominated by a handful of global players, i.e. Naspers, SA Breweries, Richemont, etc. Various other companies have become more efficient over the past decade and offer sound value, as do many companies in the developed markets.

We tend to overlook many other structural changes that have occurred during the last decade, and that continue happening. These changes reside in

technological innovations that are reshaping the dynamics of the world’s markets.

We see the energy revolution in the USA - fracking and the exploitation of tar sands are significant and have resulted in a halving of the cost of natural gas in the US in contrast to a doubling of its cost in Western Europe.

The US is now the world’s second-largest producer of petroleum, and has reduced its energy bill by 25% since 2008.

(Could someone please phone Eskom?)

New technologies in manufacturing like 3D-printing will reduce 90% of waste from some manufacturing activities.

Advanced robotics has resulted in a new generation of robots that work 24/365, i.e. 24 hours a day for 365 days. (Somebody, phone Cosatu!)

The US economy will be the first to benefit from these advances, but they will eventually spread into other economies.

I have mainly documented some of the changes in the US economy, but there are many other innovations occurring throughout the investor’s universe. I believe the real message is to diversify your retirement savings globally.

It is now much easier and cheaper to invest offshore.

Speak to your advisor, but do not be recklessly conservative.

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New Knysna Indoor Market a boost for small business vendors

WHOLESOME FARE UNDER ONE ROOF: Knysna Indoor Market offers opportunities for small business vendors like cheese producers, bakers, coffee millers, fresh fish suppliers and local craft suppliers - call Alan Evans on 083 308 2595 for more information

T

HE old Builders Express building on Waterfront Drive in Knysna has been revamped and developed into the exciting new Knysna Indoor Market.

Extensive improvements to both the interior and exterior of the premises have been effected and it is now a first-class commercial building, according to Seeff Knysna Commercial specialist Alan Evans.

The 1’200m² building also includes first-floor office space and open areas.

Located on the site is a heritage building comprising two semi-detached houses built in the early 1900s and occupied by personnel of the old Thesen sawmill. These houses were later converted into offices and the rest of the building was constructed in the 1970s.

Evans was tasked with and recently concluded a three-year lease with tenants that are Ger-

man nationals, headed by Adelheid Schmid. Having recently arrived in Knysna, Schmid previously owned an organic shop with the focus on food and cosmetics and was the biggest tenant in a venture called Nurnberg Market Halls.

“She was also partner in a 600-year-old restaurant serving exclusively organic food. Now Adelheid will produce pasta from the grain milling stage through to the serving of pasta in a bistro on site,” explains Evans.

“Equipment for the pasta production has been imported from Germany and high quality grain will be imported initially until a local producer is found.”

Seeff Commercial has been retained by the anchor tenant to source sub-tenants that would complement the main activity of pasta production, such as local cheese-makers, bakers, coffee-millers, fresh fish suppli-

ers, and locally-manufactured crafts.

“Markets of this type, especially those offering organic and fresh produce, is a growing phenomenon and the focus will be on providing a wide variety under one roof,” says Evans.

Stall sizes range from 7m² to around 25m² and prices range from R60/m² to R100/m² depending on the size and location, so traders can expect to pay upwards of around R700 per month. The market is set to open on November 28 ahead of the holiday trade period.

Evans concludes that this is a wonderful opportunity for small business operators and entrepreneurs to participate in what is set to become a popular retail and leisure venue in the town of Knysna.

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Social Scene

November 20 - 2013

People, places & events LAST CHANCE TO SEE! A scene from ‘Secondary Cause of Death’ - a whodunit comedy by Peter Gordon, currently being performed by the Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) in Plettenberg Bay. From left are lady Isabella Pollock (Anne Beale), captain Henrietta Woolmer-Cardington (Kim Seiler), Lily Tuthill (Chrissy Anderson), count Pavel Puchlik (Rodney Grosskopff), Inspector Pratt (Roger Davis), colonel Charles Craddock (David Hall-Green), nurse Ann Parsley (Clyne Lederle), and Cynthia Maple (Nita Davis). ‘Secondary Cause of Death’ runs until November 23 and tickets may be purchased at the Market Square information kiosk or by phoning 044 533 3219.

Photo: Timothy Twidle

MERRY BAND OF PENSIONERS: As part of the Rotary Anns’ Community Service Programme, the ladies invited members of the New Horizons Pensioners Forum to a function at Plett Angling Club on November 12. No less than 46 seniors were entertained to tea, delicious eats, and music generously provided by Graham Bezuidenhout from Knysna, while Sylvia Christian led the guests in a happy sing-along session. Says Ann, Carole Damp: ‘For many years our club has had a close relationship with the Forum - a particularly dynamic group of senior citizens who meet three times a week. They knit and sew and generally work towards improving their own situation and that of their community. This busy and happy band has, for many years, been doing their good work under the guidance of the legendary Shirley Harker - pictured at left above with Plett Anns president Beryl Winter. We thank the Angling Club’s Alan Farquhar and Christa Lilford for availing their lovely venue.’

ROSES AND DAVID FOR ROTARY: Knysna Rotary Anns’ annual fundraiser ‘Morning Tea & Roses’ at Bosky Dell Farm on November 7 drew 130 guests who were all in awe of the roses in full flush. Guest speaker was Plett’s own David Hall-Green who held the audience spellbound with stories of his oh-so-interesting life. Barbara du Plessis, right, was the much envied winner of the lucky draw prize - a generous bunch of personally selected fresh roses from farm owner Rae Gilbert, left. Proceeds from the event went towards the Knysna Rotary Anns’ community service projects.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Sedgefield Moth (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) Barrie Hardie sent this pic and wrote: ‘On November 3 we held a dedication service for the new Moth Memorial in Sedgefield. Many of the community turned out to watch 60 members of the Order from Plett, Knysna, Sedgefield, George and Mossel Bay march to the dedication service. The beautiful mosaic work was done by local crafts people and took two months to complete.’

Social Scene

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Photo: Timothy Twidle Photos: Petra Quinlan Photography

People, places & events BITOU PETS GAIN FROM PRETTY GARDENS: As part of this year’s successful Open Gardens for PAWS (Plett Animal Welfare Services), a raffle was held for an original watercolour painting by David Hall-Green. Bitou mayor Memory Booysen did the draw and announced Ann Moore of Nature’s Valley the lucky winner. Pictured at right with the mayor is Marsja Hall-Green, organiser of the event, holding a copy of last year’s winning painting done for Lindsay Hatz, of her dog Shilo. Says Marsja: ‘The second open garden day exceeded our wildest expectations, raising more than R38’000. We are very grateful for your generous support. While this is an important contribution to our coffers, few people are aware of the substantial monthly costs associated with providing primary health care to Bitou’s neglected and abused dogs and cats. Ongoing fundraising is an essential part of our activities and with the help of our kind community we will continue to present a variety of fundraising events to meet these needs. We are entirely dependent on your goodwill for success in our efforts.’

LITTLE BOXES ON THE QUAYSIDE: Christmas arrived early at St Boniface Catholic Church in Knysna recently, when more than 400 Santa Shoeboxes were donated to the ‘Joy of Giving’ project by residents of Plett, Sedgefield and Knysna.

The gift boxes will make a lot of little hearts happy this festive season when they are distributed among needy kids in the area. Pictured at left is Amy Rautenbach who, along with her creative colleagues at Jam Factory, delivered 45 gift boxes. Above, Santa Shoebox Plett volunteers Laura Snyman, left, and Sharon van Huyssteen are hard at work at the Drop Off event, when each box was carefully checked to ensure that it was securely packed, wrapped, and ready for distribution.

SUNNY SUNDAY CONCERT DELIGHTS: The South Cape Symphony Orchestra gave an outdoor concert at The Lost Plot on Knysna’s Brenton Hill on November 10 in still, clear weather. Under the baton of Niall Jack the 30-piece orchestra played a programme entitled ‘Masters, Movies and Musicals’ that included pieces from the classical canon, the soundtracks of motion pictures and time-honoured musicals. A crowd of some 500 people of all ages basked in glorious sunshine and thrilled to the music played against the magnificent backdrop of Knysna Lagoon. Knysna Education Trust ran a stall for refreshments, beverages and scrumptious homemade pies, pizzas and cakes that did sterling business throughout the afternoon.

Enjoying the event were, above from left, Gerrib ten Velde, Jan & Auke Ramondt, Bep ten Velde, and Ina van de Weerd - all of whom hail from The Netherlands, although Gerrib and Bep now reside in Rheenendal.

PARTIAL TO PONIES: Rhythms Riding School held two pony camps during the previous school holidays, one for primary school kids and one for high schoolers. At back in the pic with Rhythms instructor Chenda Parkin, right, is Catelin, and in front from left are Amrita, Emma, Julia, Leah and Andrea. Everyone, including the ponies, had a great time and the culmination was a fun gymkhana for the young ‘uns, who dipped for apples and had flour-covered faces after hunting sour worms. The older riders had their first jumping lesson and mini jump competition. Two further camps will be held during the Christmas holidays, and Rhythms also offers riding sessions for disabled children twice weekly. Helpers are always needed for this purpose, so please call Chenda on 072 535 4433 if you could lend a hand.

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Interval

November 20 - 2013

I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it.

Why old men don’t get hired

Human resources manager: “What is your greatest weakness?”

Old man: “Honesty.”

Human resources manager: “I don’t think honesty is a weakness.”

Old man: “I don’t really give a damn what you think.”

I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman: “Where’s the selfhelp section?”

She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

I love you, sweetheart

A

group of women attended a seminar on how to live in a loving relationship with their husbands.

The women were asked: “How many of you love your husbands?”

All the women raised their hands.

Then they were asked: “When was the last time you told your husband you loved him?”

Some women answered “today”, some “yesterday”, some “can’t remember”.

The women were then told to take their phones and send the following text: I love you, sweetheart. Then the women were told to exchange phones and read the responding text messages.

Here are some of the replies: • Who is this?

• Eh, mother of my children, are you sick?

• I love you too.

• What now? Did you crash the car again?

• I don’t understand what you mean?

• What did you do now? I won’t forgive you this time.

• ?!?

• Don’t beat about the bush, just tell me how much you need.

• Am I dreaming?

• If you don’t tell me who this message is actually for, someone will die.

• I asked you not to drink anymore. I’ll leave if you are tired of me.

Dear Father, please absolve these war-time sins

A

retired Italian winemaker went to the village church to make his confession for the first time in many decades.

When the priest slid open the panel in the confessional, the man said: “Father, during World War II, a beautiful woman knocked on my door and asked me to hide her from the enemy.

I hid her in my attic.”

The priest replied: “That was a wonderful thing you did, my son! You have no need to confess it.”

“It’s worse than that, Father,” he continued, “she quickly started to repay me with sexual favours.”

“People in wartime sometimes act in ways they wouldn’t under normal conditions. If you are truly sorry for your actions, you are forgiven.”

“Thank you, Father. That’s a great load off my mind. May I ask a question?”

“What, my son?”

“She is pretty old now, should I tell her the war is over?”

A few familiar words insightfully described • ECSTASY: A feeling when you feel you are going to feel a feeling you have never felt before.

• CIGARETTE: A pinch of tobacco rolled in paper with fire at one end and a fool at the other.

• COMPROMISE: The art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybody believes he got the biggest piece.

• LECTURE: An art of transmitting information from the notes of the lecturer to the notes of students without passing through the minds of either.

• CONFERENCE: The confusion of one man multiplied by the number present.

• CONFERENCE ROOM: A

place where everybody talks, nobody listens and everybody disagrees later on.

• CLASSIC: A book which people praise, but never read.

• SMILE: A curve that can set a lot of things straight.

• OFFICE: A place where you can relax after your strenuous home life.

• YAWN: The only time when some married men ever get to open their mouth.

• DIPLOMAT: A person who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.

• POLITICIAN: A person who shakes your hand before an election and your confidence thereafter.

Entertainment

November 20 - 2013

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Wish you were (t)here...

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collection of South African stories of love and learning by Dinah Eppel, as witnessed by ‘Nobonke’ (aka Tos van Tonder), will be staged in Plettenberg Bay at the end of the month.

Says Dinah of her work: “A source of inspiration, these stories tell of when we were creating the country we had dreamed of, worked and fought for; times of our nation’s greatest celebration. My life is richer for these experiences of wisdom, courage, humanity, joy and sa-

cred graces.

“If we keep quiet and listen, and believe that there is something of value here, in South Africa, we will get it.”

Cape Town-based novelist and poet Dawn Garisch lauds the show and its creator thus: “Dinah brings vignettes with verve, compassion and humour.

She is a modern day Herman Charles Bosman, sharing stories not from the Groot Marico, but from contemporary African townships.

“She has a big heart and a

strong voice. Her stories illustrate the kind of insight and attitude we need more of in our country. I was captivated. Do go and see it.”

The show, called Ykuj" {qw" ygtg" *v+jgtg, will be staged in the Music Factory at Plett Hub at the top of Odlands Street (just down from Plett’s dolphin traffic circle) on Friday November 29 at 7pm and on Saturday the 30th at 2pm. Tickets at R25 include entry, refreshments, and a donation to deserving Bitou community members.

Plett = Destination Freedom for Ragers

P

LETT Rage, the premier student music and lifestyle festival in the Western Cape and arguably the largest student festival in the Southern Hemisphere, is this year set for November 29 ‘till December 8.

The road to independence starts right here, in Destination Freedom, and with 10 days, six epic festival venues, amazing activations and explosive headline acts by SA’s top DJs and artists, Plett Rage will again be a rite of passage where matriculants get the opportunity to celebrate the end of an era with their friends.

Exciting activations by sponsors like Adidas, Red Bull, SAB, Distell, Lipton and Stimorol are complemented by the musical talents of Roger Goode, Goldfish, Haezer, Niskerone, Goodluck, Die Heuwels Fantasties, DJ Fresh, Jack Parow, Pascal & Pearce, Gareth Cliff, Mi Casa and many more.

A festival that never sleeps, Plett Rage focuses not only on partying but on lifestyle, too.

Central Beach will burst its

TURN IT UP! Plett Rage 2013 promises the sizzling experience of a lifetime

seams as students flock to soak up the sunshine and get heart rates pumping by participating in daily beach sports like soccer, 360 Ball and volleyball.

Safe transport. Check. Designated drivers. Check. Dedicated safety officers. Check.

Says account manager Jen Almendro: “Plett Rage has al-

ways been about having fun in a responsible manner, and the safety and security of students is our number one priority.

“We work closely with Plett’s council and law enforcement as well as local groups like the Red Frogs - volunteers who act as designated drivers, ensuring students return safely to their accommodation.”

After its successful launch last year, the Rage 4 Good campaign will again afford the opportunity for students to give back. R4G, in partnership with the Bitou 10 Foundation will extend on the educational legacy projects implemented last year, this year hosting a Christmas party for kids in the most critical educational phase, Early Childhood Development.

Freedom Passes can be bought through the school ambassador network, or directly through Jen at sales@plettrage. co.za - these allow access to every venue, with guaranteed access every night. Visit www. plettrage.co.za for more festival information.

TELLING IT LIKE IT WAS: Dinah Eppel was a well-known and community-minded Plett resident until a decade or so ago, and has now returned to share her stories of ‘wisdom, courage, humanity, joy and sacred graces’ with local audiences Photo: Dex Goodman

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Food & Wine

November 20 - 2013

PeeBee’s Wine Column

Peter Bishop

Let them eat bread ... and a host of other traditional delights

Meet Hermann Kirschbaum of Buitenverwachting

A

recent guest of WOSA (the marketing arm of South African wines) was one Tim Atkins, who enjoyed Cape hospitality so much that he played the tune of praising the crop of new young winemakers begin-

ning to abound, while almost breathing the swansong of those whose hair starts to silver.

Modern young winemakers have the huge advantage that either at their own cost or that of their employers, they can do

NOTHING SMALL ABOUT THIS WINE: Tasting the 2013 Petit Verdot with the legendary Hermann Kirschbaum, left, rendered PeeBee very, very happy

harvests overseas. But to insinuate, as I heard at a formal meeting, that older winemakers were falling off the pace, is very much offside.

The present silver-haired were emerging youngsters three decades ago - Kevin Arnold, Jeff Grier, Beyers Truter, Johan Malan, Giles Webb - the guys just older than them being Etienne le Riche, Jan Boland Coetzee, Achim von Arnim, Walter Finlayson, and others.

These were the young guys who launched the Cape Winemakers Guild 30 years ago.

Joining them for tastings was a young Hermann Kirschbaum.

Born in Worcester, he went to Stellenbosch University to study Forestry but was so taken by a tasting given by professor Joel van Wyk that he turned to winemaking. He soon showed himself to be a master at direct speech, with a growing awareness of what particular sites could yield and how they could be nursed in the cellar.

In those days, winemakers did not travel overseas. In his time, Hermann worked at Nietvoorbij Research Centre and had a spell at Gilbey’s on what had been the Finlayson estate Montagne (Hartenberg), where he started his love affair with Cabernet Sauvignon. He moved to KWV, learning much about assessing wines from Willie Hacker.

When Jean Daneel left Buitenverwachting in 1992, Hermann was appointed to the coveted position he has held for 20 years since. Lars Maack, son of owner Christine Mueller, oversees the farm and has created a relationship with the straighttalking Hermann.

“Lars leaves me to hang myself, but that drives me to work harder and to build that very same confidence in my working staff.”

One million bottles - white (80%) and red - are produced each year. The top barrels of Bordeaux varieties are devoted to producing the textured Christine blend.

He tells of a vertical tasting he

had with wine writers where he wept in joy and humility at seeing the evolution of the farm’s icon wine. The 2009 Christine currently on sale is an enduring wine.

Tasting the component Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot of 2013 straight from the barrels is a rare privilege. It makes one want to survive the sere and yellow leaf of life, just to be there when that wine is released.

Young Brad Paton is in his eighth year as winemaker to Hermann, and is permitted as much freedom of expression as the master - particularly as he pursues his dream of a Buitenverwachting Pinot Noir now in barrel.

Hermann does not favour wines that “shout at you” with their heavy extract, but wants the delicacy and distinctiveness of the nose to carry through to the palate and the finish. To him a perfect day ends with a wine that matches his mood, food that fits that mood, and people that do the same.

Not that the aggression is not a mood - on the contrary. He wants to get to the soul of the wine rather than to thousands of market-driven descriptors.

Those who meet Hermann either know him as a shy, sensitive gentleman who loves nothing better than a game of golf, or having you enjoy the balance in the wine. But some might know him as one who can fight back. He is a survivor of distinction.

Wife Adrienne runs a lawn picnic in season for a maximum of 50 persons. A foreign magazine listed this experience as one of ‘Hundred Must Do’s Before You Die’. The coffee and deli shop adjacent to the sales room is becoming a popular haunt for those wanting to learn a bit more on coffee.

Anyone wanting to write a book on the highs and lows of the Cape wine industry would do well to be regaled by stories of “guava, cat’s pee, and green pepper flavours” - but also of the excitement Hermann got as youngster on tasting panels with the venerables of the industry in his day; where, if he did not stand by his opinion, he would be slated.

Thus, with the man, as with his wines, what you see is what you get: just the solid truth.

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When COMIC & ANDRIE COMBRINK bought land on Rietvlei Road 12 years ago, they could not foresee its future as venue for Plett’s newest niche eatery - this is the story of how ‘Brokwa’ was born

O

UR first six months as owners of the smallholding on Rietvlei Road was spent taking out wattles and other invaders, and then we cut down the huge pine trees. Only then could we start remodelling the old, unrehabilitated sand quarry on the property and create a beautiful indigenous garden.

In 2011, we started building a barn for all kinds of activities we’ve been enjoying on the land, but on completion it was such a special place that we decided to open a restaurant specialising in traditional food.

First we built a dcmqqpf (oven) and started buying chairs and cutlery, while making the tables ourselves. We decided to call our new restaurant Brokwa - the Griekwa word for ‘bread’.

So of course our guests will be treated to warm bread fresh from the wood-burning oven, served with a variety of homemade preserves.

We specialise in traditional dishes like itqgpdqqpvlkgdtgfkg

(green bean stew), oxtail, bobotie, chicken pie, mutton stew and curried mutton offal, with sides like cinnamon pumpkin, samp and okgnkgrcr.

Those with a sweet tooth can look forward to homemade vetkoek, red jelly and bread pudding, which can be enjoyed with coffee brewed on the black stove - and much more.

Apart from the butter we make, cook and bake everything ourselves, especially for your enjoyment. We offer a unique South African eating experience, so come along and enjoy a meal in the homely ambiance of Brokwa.

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THE REAL THING: Andrie Combrink, pictured at top, invites readers to experience the truly South African ambience of Brokwa, which opens for business on Rietvlei Road off the Plett N2 on Saturday December 1

Home & Health

November 20 - 2013

CXPRESS

ISSUE 377

17

Everything you should know about diabetes - Part II In this second article on the subject, DR GIOVANNI COCI deals with the various aspects of managing diabetes, including self-care, education diet, exercise and monitoring, while types of medication available will be the topic of the final article in this series, which will appear in CXPRESS of December 4

D

IABETES mellitus is a chronic disease, for which there is no known cure. Untreated or poorly treated, many serious complications can occur, affecting quality of life as well as life expectancy.

However, with proper management and treatment most of the complications can be prevented, improving greatly the quality of life and the life expectancy of sufferers.

Self-care is vital, but it requires that patients do much for themselves and assume more responsibility to prevent ill health, rather than treat it.

To achieve good self-care, it is essential to have a team of qualified health care professionals who can offer counselling, education, advice on treatment and lifestyle options, support and motivation.

In addition to a doctor, the team should include a diabetes educator, dietician, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, pharmacist, biokineticist and psychologist (among others).

The objective is to have patients that are physically and psychologically well.

Diabetes associations play a vital role in providing support where most of diabetes care occurs and is needed most: the community.

The key to successful management of diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Normal sugar levels are referred to as euglycemia; low levels cause hypoglycaemia, and high sugar levels cause hyperglycemia.

The objective of maintaining euglycemia is achieved by the following steps: • Diet • Exercise • Education of the patient • Education of the patient’s family • Motivation • Medication (insulin in the case of Type 1 diabetes; oral medications, as well as possibly insulin, in Type 2 diabetes).

Medication is at the bottom of the list because it will not work well if the other steps are ignored. Conversely, if the other steps are followed scrupulously, one may need less medication or no medication at all.

Other health problems often coexist with diabetes and tend to aggravate the condi-

tion. These include elevated cholesterol levels, obesity and high blood pressure. Correcting these problems is very important, and an essential first step is to stop smoking.

FKGV A full discussion of diet in diabetes would be an article on its own. Suffice to say, it is important to reduce the amount of carbohydrates (starch), sugar (cakes, chocolates, ice-cream, sweets) and alcohol. One beer has as many calories as six slices of bread!

I believe that a consultation with a qualified dietician is an integral part of diabetes treatment. Besides what to eat, it is also important to know when to eat. Basically it is better to spread the intake of food over five smallish meals rather than three large ones.

Meals should also be adjusted in terms of one’s activities, particularly in Type 1 diabetes. For example, one should eat more before vigorous exercise, which will drop the blood sugar. Insulin-dependent diabetics should always have a snack before going to sleep to prevent hypoglycaemia during the night.

GZGTEKUG Your doctor will advise what types of exercise you can do.

Before starting any exercise programme, it is very important to have a complete medical check-up, including a stress ECG. Jqy"owej"gzgtekugA Many experts agree that the average diabetic needs 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day to stay in good health.

V{rgu"qh"gzgtekug • Endurance activities (aerobic exercise): These strengthen the heart and lungs and improve the circulation and should be done three to five times per week, e.g. walk briskly (80 metres per minute for 20-30 minutes), cycle (10 kilometres in 40 minutes), swim (about 30 laps), run (150 metres per minute).

• Strength activities: These build muscles and bones, improve posture and balance, and prevent osteoporosis, and should be done two to three times per week, e.g. weightlifting, sit-ups and push-ups, climbing stairs.

• Flexibility activities: These keep muscles and joints relaxed

and mobile and should be done on a daily basis. Patients with severe retinopathy and/or nephropathy should avoid strenuous exercise.

OQPKVQTKPI"FKCDGVGU • Keep the blood sugar at euglycemic levels - the importance of this cannot be over-emphasised.

One can only know what the sugar level is by measuring it.

I have often had patients telling me that they “know the blood sugar is fine” and when you measure it is actually very high.

That is why it is important to monitor the blood sugar levels to make sure that the diabetes is well controlled. This can easily be done by using the fingerprick glucometer test. Most medical aids will cover the cost of the glucometer (in the region of R250), the diagnostic sticks and the disposable lancets.

One should aim at a fasting blood glucose of 6.0 milli osmoles. After a meal the blood sugar should not go above 10.0 milli osmoles and should return to 6.00 milli osmoles within two hours.

It is also important to avoid hypoglycaemia.

Fortunately, most diabetics will know when the blood sugar is too low.

• Monitor HbA1C levels.

HbA1C is best explained thus: The red blood cells contain a molecule, haemoglobin. Glucose sticks to the haemoglobin to make a glycosylated haemoglobin called haemoglobin HbA1C. The more glucose in the blood, the more haemoglobin HbA1C will be present in the blood.

Red cells live for eight to12 weeks before they are replaced by new ones. By measuring the HbA1C, we can determine the average blood glucose over the last eight to 12 weeks. A normal non-diabetic HbA1C is 3.55.5%. In diabetes, one should aim at an HbA1C of about 6.5% The HbA1C test is currently one of the best ways to check that diabetes is under control.

It is a laboratory test (not finger-prick glucometer test). The HbA1C is not the same as the glucose level. It is an estimate of the average blood glucose level over the past three months.

But how often should the HbA1C be tested? If the diabetes is well-controlled (basically an HbA1C lower than 7%), then test it six-monthly.

Take the sugar test - it could save your life

I

T’S a fact that one in five people over the age of 35 has Type 2 diabetes, and what’s frightening is that more than half of that number doesn’t know it.

The good news is that 80% of potential cases of this type of diabetes can be prevented through simple but effective lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.* Being overweight or physically inactive, having a family history of diabetes or having diabetes during pregnancy can increase your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood is too high.

This is either because your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or doesn’t use what it does produce effectively.

Insulin carries sugar from your bloodstream to your body’s cells, where it is used

for energy.

When there is too little insulin to do the work, quantities of glucose remain in your blood and your sugar levels rise. Type 2 diabetes tends to develop over time in adults and is much more common than Type 1.

The latter affects younger people, who become dependent on insulin to control it.

A quick finger-prick blood test can provide a snapshot of your glucose level. For a normal non-fasting (eating and drinking is allowed prior to the test) reading, a level of 4-10mmol/l (millimoles of glucose per litre of blood) is acceptable.

If your levels fall outside of this range, you will need to have a fasting (a nil per mouth restriction for eight to 10 hours before the test) blood glucose screening done by your doctor, where a level greater than

seven mmol/l would be used as a diagnosis for diabetes.

To support the Diabetes Awareness Month campaign running in November, and thereby helping to build a healthier nation, Mediclinic hospitals will be offering free blood glucose finger-prick screenings to all members of the community throughout the month. The next testing at Mediclinic Plettenberg Bay takes place on Friday November 22.

Contact Sr Annelie Barnard at Mediclinic Plettenberg Bay on 044 501 5100 or at annelie. barnard@mediclinic.co.za or visit www.mediclinic.co.za for more information. *Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas (fifth edition - www.idf.org/atlasmap/atlas map). These statistics apply to South African and Namibian residents.

But if the reading is above 7% a lower level has to be achieved, if possible, and the next reading should be sooner. This assumes you will make changes to improve your control.

HbA1c does predict the likelihood of diabetic complications • Other important parameters to be monitored are weight, blood pressure, lipid (cholesterol and triglycerides) levels, kidney function (including the presence of micro albumin in the urine), cardiac function, eyes (annual ophthalmologist examination), and feet (daily self-check and annual podiatrist examination).

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 377

Read CXPRESS online @ www.cxpress.co.za

November 20 - 2013

Classifieds

On the Soapbox

November 20 - 2013

Letters to the Editor

CXPRESS

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

Robberg to boast SA’s smallest, highest lighthouse!

Plett aircraft enthusiast John Larter shared these pics and wrote: ‘I was flying on a photographic mission the other day and took the photo of Salt River, left, which I thought might be of interest to your readers as very few Plett residents or visitors ever see it from this angle. Also, I don’t know if your readers are aware that a new lighthouse is being installed on the crest of Robberg. All equipment has been airlifted out by helicopter - the photo at right shows the lifting of cement blocks for the foundations.’ A quick call to Henk Nieuwoudt of CapeNature - the custodians of Robberg Nature Reserve - confirmed John’s lighthouse news. ‘Now that the foundations are in place, the rest of the equipment will be flown in parts to complete the structure. An environmental study preceded the work to ensure that a small footprint is impacted by the work, and the Cape Town-based contractor, Chopperworx, was instructed to fly strictly over the ocean when carting the loads. The rest of the lighthouse, built in parts by PortNet in Mossel Bay, will arrive by the truckload to complete the brand new solar-powered automatic (i.e. unmanned) beacon, which at 8m tall is about 2m higher than its predecessor. The old lighthouse was in place for 29 years, thus far exceeding its lifetime expectations, and started out as a gas-powered beacon before switching to solar power. Once completed, Robberg will boast South Africa’s smallest but highest lighthouse, at 129m above sea-level!’ - Photos: John Larter - 083 427 3728

Let’s curb insanity on our roads

Margaret Gould of The Crags sent this photo of a Cape Town car overtaking on a blind bend with double solid lines on the N2. She wrote: ‘So often when driving around our area I am confronted with maniac drivers - check the pic out. I am going to do this more often in an attempt to bring home to the public the insanity of irresponsible driving.’

Your support has adopted many a keen little swimmer Thanks to our sponsors, we have been able to take on 34 new kids, now part of the Adopt a Swimmer clan, in the last month alone - 29 kids from Born in Africa and five from Cecilia’s shelter.

We now total 37 children swimming weekly as part of our programme.

This is a substantial journey in a child’s life, and its funding a significant challenge. Thanks to the generosity of Jacqui Bodley and Jean at Plett Gym, both of whom have offered reduced pool fees, we are able to announce on a reduced donor fee of R375 per child per month. As such our annual cost per child

is R4’500.

We are targeting R150’000 per annum for our current number of children, so every cent counts, and with this in mind thank all sponsors for their contributions to our golf day on October 30 at Plett Country Club, and the players for their participation. Your support of our NGO is much appreciated by the many little swimmers in its care.

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Just ‘DNA’, nuke the ‘the’ Thank you CXPRESS and Bob Hopkin for publishing such a great article regarding the DNA Project’s awareness workshop I presented in George on October 21 for the Conville community members of Sector 1.

It’s always a real pleasure reading a wonderfully written article regarding this important awareness campaign. *Xkukv" yyy0ezrtguu0eq0|c" cpf" tgcf" flRtkxcvg"FPC"vtckpkpi"c"ujqv"kp"

vjg"cto"hqt"nqecn"etkog"kpxguvk/ icvkqpu‚" qp" vjg" Pgyu" (" Xkgyu" rcig"qh"kuuwg"5980+ I just have one minor correction to make with regards to the DNA Project’s website address.

The article incorrectly states the address as www.thednaproject. co.za but www.dnaproject.co.za is the correct address.

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THUMBS DOWN TO DROWNING: Instructor Louise Auersperg, at left, with a gaggle of Bitou youngsters who love honing their water skills, thanks to your support of Adopt a Swimmer

ISSUE 377

19

Stormsrivier hou kerkbasaar met woema

D

IE klein gemeente van St Andrews StormsrivierWes het hul tweede jaarlikse basaar gehou op Saterdag 9 November, en het bo alle verwagtinge besonders goeie ondersteuning van die gemeenskap geniet.

Dit was ‘n kerkbasaar in die ware sin van die woord - regte egte basaar-poeding, melkterte, soutterte, afvalpotjie, kerrie en rys, breyani (absoluut heerlik!), gemmerbier, kerrievis, vars groente… en bowenal die gedreun van stemme soos die koop en verkopery verskeie vlakke van uitbundigheid bereik het.

Die organiseerders sê groot dankies aan alle gemeentelede vir hul mildelike bydrae, en sien reeds uit na volgende jaar se basaar wat, met hul ondersteuning, nog groter en beter gaan wees.

In besonder bedank hulle WARE FEES: St Andrews het kerkbasaar gehou met hartkos, gebak en groente wat die verkoopstafels laat kreun het Foto: Watty Watson

die volgende mense en besighede vir donasies: Colin van die kruidenierswinkel, Oom Sewes van die hardewarewinkel, Oom Nicky & Tannie Annatjie van die Koffiepot (daai koek was ‘n treffer!), Ashley & Anneline van Stormsriver Adventures, en Rhemes & Rina van die drankwinkel.

Seg St Andrews gemeentelid Eva Augustus: “Ons is Amanda Stalbach dankbaar vir haar advies en die leen van haar poedingbakke, en waardeer ook die hulp verleen deur Christa en Tannie Koek van die Koekhoekie.

“Laastens lewer ons spesiale dank aan Mev Read, Maria en Diane - julle was wonderlik agter daai tafels - en aan Mnr Read wat vir die behoeftige kinders koepons gekoop het, dit was baie spesiaal. Tot volgende keer!”

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CXPRESS

ISSUE 377

Sport & Adventure

November 20 - 2013

Plett riders shine at Eastern Cape eventing champs A

handful of Plettenberg Bay horse riders hit the road to Port Elizabeth recently to take part in the Eastern Cape eventing championships held at the Arlington Race Course on November 2 & 3.

They all did exceptionally well, proving that Bitou’s riders are becoming serious contenders in this equine discipline.

The results were indeed something to write home about: Savannah Gierke riding Dream Prince won a first place in the

Junior Eastern Cape 1m eventing class, taking home the title of Junior Eastern Cape Eventing Champ for 2013.

Melissa Davies on Lt Samson gained a first place in the Junior Eastern Cape 80cm eventing class, and Emily Caithness on River Dancer won the adult Eastern Cape 60cm eventing class while, on African Mirror, she scored a second place in the 1m category.

Well done to these lasses and their horses.

DREAM RESULTS: Savannah Gierke and her super horse Dream Prince are pictured here on their way to winning the 2013 Junior Eastern Cape eventing champs - Photo: Anke van Wyk

Nail-biter in George goes Plett bowlers’ way On Saturday November 2 Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club (PBBC) players Truter Willemse (second), Ivan Mason (skip) and Ron ScottBrown (lead), pictured from left, took on a power-packed home team at George Bowling Club in the trips final. After trailing 9-1 on the seventh end, the Plett bowlers clawed their way back to go 18-17 in front with three ends to play. It was a nail-biting contest in which the Plett Bowling Club boys finally won 25-17 - well done, team! It is to their credit that for the last 20 years, PBBC has not missed out on winning one or other major Southern Cape bowls competition. The club also have the honour of counting two Springbok bowlers among its ranks, namely Louis Jackson and Leonie de Randt. Visit www. bowlssc.co.za for more info on the S-Cape bowling scene.

District’s top cross country athletes honoured

A

THLETICS SWD and DECTI Raising-the-Bar recently honoured a group of 17 athletes for their excellent achievements at the SA Cross Country Championships held in Potchefstroom in September.

The athletes, their team management - Elise Hermanus, Reggie Mitchell, Mandy Mitchell, Wessel van Brakel, Francois Benadie and Edwin Stander - and ASWD Cross Country Commission members gathered on November 8 to give thanks for commitment and hard work during the past season.

ASWD will honour the district’s road-running and roadrace walking athletes on December 7 in Mossel Bay. PGYUHNCUJ! Last week it was announced that ASWD will host the SA Cross Country Championships 2014. Athletics SA has set the

TOP ACHIEVERS: Athletes Mercha Jooste (gold), William de Wee, Henriëtte and der Horst and Melvin Visser - all of whom won bronze medals – are backed in all senses of the word by, from left, ASWD president Moses Gericke, Johan Streuderst of DECTI Raising-the-bar, and ASWD Cross Country chairperson Joe Arendse - Photo: Mark Boonzaier

date for this tournament, held in George, on September 13.

Athletes need to compete in four of the seven leagues and participate at the ASWD Cross Country Championships on August 16 next year to be selected for the final team to participate in the Nationals.

League dates are: May 13 Mossel Bay (Trial 1), June 7 - Beaufort West (Trial 2), June 14 - Mossel Bay (Trial 3), June 21 - Oudtshoorn (Trial 4), July 7 - Knysna (Trial 5), July 26 - George (Trial 6), August 2 George (Trial 7).

For more information regarding cross country events, contact Michélle Jacobsz on 044 873 0023 or email swd@ athletics.org.za or visit www. aswd.co.za for the latest entry forms, results and fixture lists, and the ASWD Facebook page for weekly updates.