TOTT 14 February 2019

February 14, 2019 ADVERTISING / NEWSDESK: (046) 624 4356 Find us on Facebook
Talk of the Town 9
N E I G H B O U R LY NOTES
E-mail Rob Knowles at knowlesr@tisoblackstar.co.za or fax (046) 624-2293
or drop in at 29 Miles Street from 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
ROMANCE IN THE AIR: Congratulations and best wishes to Renee Chan
and Travis Dell who were married last Friday at Shepstone Gardens in
Johannesburg. The couple travelled to Johannesburg from Hong Kong for
their wedding where their many friends and family joined them from all
over the world to take part in the joyous occasion. Travis is the elder son
of John and the late Phyllis Dell, and grandson of Lyn Charter of Port
Alfred. Wishing you both health, happiness and abundant love always
THERE’S no point in attempting to avoid the
subject, load-shedding is the topic on
ever yone’s lips as we head toward the end of
the first week of power cuts. According to
Eskom the need for load-shedding will continue
until at least April, perhaps as late as July. In
parliament the minister of state-owned
enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, said that the
problems were mainly caused by failures in the
Hitachi designs as well as the construction of
the coal-fired power stations at Medupi and
Kusile. Existing power stations produce around
34 gigawatts of power and the addition of these
two new power stations will only increase that
figure to around 42 gigawatts. But consumption
of electricity is only around 30 gigawatts, so the
existing infrastructure is enough to supply the
countr y’s power requirements. While the
appalling lack of insight and control of the new
power station are being held as main culprits,
the real problem lies with incompetent
management, an overmanned workforce and
engineers who should have spotted and
rectified design flaws years ago, not at the end
of the project. Can we really trust anything that
comes out of a politician’s mouth?
JUST to stay with national news, Cosatu
marched in major cities in South Africa
yesterday (except Cape Town where the march
is planned for next week) and held a nationwide
strike to protest… you’ve guessed it… job
losses at Eskom. While no right-thinking person
could deny that trade unions have a place in
society to protect worker’s rights, Cosatu are
behaving in a somewhat similar manner to the
luddites of the late 18th and early 19th
centuries, smashing the machines that would
ultimately replace jobs in the workforce. But
there is no use acting Canute-like, attempting to
hold back the tide. Eskom could probably lose
half its workforce and still operate efficiently
(and that includes most of the senior
management). Job creation in the public sector
just means that the taxpayer is left footing the
salary bill. Privatisation is the only way forward,
so the unions had better learn to adopt a more
conciliatory attitude toward private business as
these will and should be the main employers,
not the public sector. And calls for
nationalisation of the banks and other
institutions is clearly ridiculous given how
incompetently the government has managed all
of its parastatals.
ONE last point is the debate on President Cyril
Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation address that
happened on Tuesday (although most South
Africans didn’t get to see it because the
electrical power was off) seemed to be focussed
on Eskom. Someone should perhaps point out
to EFF leader (I find it difficult to call him the
commander in chief) Julius Malema the irony of
him referring to the lie, “white monopoly
c a p i t a l i st s ” when this is a phrase made up on
behalf the Gupta brothers in order to steal from
the country.
TONIGHT (Thursday), don’t miss the Port Alfred
Country Club cheese and wine Valentine’s Event
and, on Sunday it’s another Classics at the
Castle with flautist Malane Hofmeyr-Burger and
marimba-player Magdalena de Vries. For these
and other events in our area, so our Diarise This
section, below.
WATER woes continued this week when a mains
water pipe burst in the CBD, adjacent to FNB.
The leak is now repaired but this leads to the
question as to how many more pipes are going
to burst with so many fluctuations in the
electrical power supply? The recent power
outages were blamed for the dearth of water in
the town and it is hoped that Ndlambe
Municipality has learnt from this and is able to
feed dams and reservoirs while the power is on
so that we don’t experience concurrent
electrical and water shortages in the area.
H A P PY birthday greetings to everyone
celebrating a birthday in the coming week. We
hope that the year ahead will bring you all good
health and happiness, especially to Anelisa Yoli,
Cornelle Coetzee, Ryan Heathcote, Sylvia
Gwebile, Jenny Louw, Harold Bodill, Val
Williams, Matt van Eeden, Chelsea van Eeden,
Ashley Bamber, Joy Smith, Carl van Heerden,
Herma Purdon, Sally Thompson, Marizka
Burgess, Tiffany Gudzman, Gillian Rautenbach,
Jill Dickie, Bess Radue, Don Wood, Arthur Haig,
Lindsay Drew, Marilyn Michau, Mandy Pretorius,
Debbie Duncan, Edmund Hall, Grant Keeton,
Brendan Welsh, Karel de Jaeger, Peter Lear,
Joyce Webb, Hendrick Koekemoer and Russell
K e a r n e y.
BUSINESS anniversary congratulations, plus
further success and good wishes to Fresh Stop
at Andy’s Service Centre, DP Engineering and
Pic-Kwick’s Restaurant in Bathurst.
A M A Z I N G LY , it appears that the current
electricity supply problems have not yet
adversely affected the markets, and the rand is
still holding its own against the major world
currencies. However, this situation is
unsustainable. With over 27% unemployment
(at least, according to government statistics),
inflation is projected to reach 5.27% by the end
of 2019, with even higher projections in
subsequent years. And, if load-shedding
continues, investors will pull out of the country
leaving us with no option but to attempt to sell
our state assets. But then, who will want to buy
into a country that cannot even maintain a
steady power supply? With last year’s figures in
brackets to compare against, and at the time of
going to press, the Rand was trading at R13.75
to the US Dollar (R11.85), R17.74 to the British
Pound (R16.43) and R15.57 to the Euro (R14.64).
Gold was trading at $1,312.39 per fine ounce
($1,331.33), Platinum at $792.85 per ounce
($974.75) with Brent Crude Oil at $63.01
($62.49) per barrel.
SPECIAL thoughts and prayers are with all those
folk who are not well, having or have already
had tests, operations and treatments. ‘Sterkte’
to Roy Potter, Andrew de Vries, Jenny
Groenewald, Rowena Collin, Malcolm Cock and
Brenda Shelton.
WITH the hint of romance in the air and the
celebration that another year of marriage is
lovingly added, it’s congratulations to all
couples on their anniversaries. Ken and
Margaret Schroder, Mark and Jacquie Kieck,
Rodney and Myrna Keet, Jona and Mel Arnott,
Simon and Clare du Plessis, Devon and Kelly
Brittle, John and Lodene Pohl, James and Lindy
Robinson, Malcolm and Kathy Robinson, John
and Karen Fletcher.
TO all romantics – have a wonderful Valentine’s
Day. To those who are not (romantics) – enjoy
all the special offers provided by the many
businesses, who are trying to make the world a
more loving place!
THOUGHT for the week: “The whole point of
being alive is to evolve into the complete
person you were intended to be.”
BEST regards as always,
The Team.
DIARISE THIS
OUR ENTRIES ARE OPEN FOR FEBRUARY, MARCH and APRIL
E-mail houzetj@tisoblackstar.co.za or fax (046) 624-2293 or drop in at 29 Miles Street from 8am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Albany Vintage and Classic Motor Club Museum
opens on the last Saturday of each month – 9am-12
noon – Hawkins Industrial Park, Alfred Road, Port
Alfred.
Alzheimer SA East Cape Support Group meets the last
Thursday of each month at 3pm at Brookshaw Home at
9 Donkin Street, Grahamstown. The Support Group is for
family, friends and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s
Disease or any form of Dementia. There is usually a
speaker followed by discussion and tea. Contact Dr
Heather Rauch 081-350-8079 for information and to get
on to our mailing list.
Bathurst Farmers Market – Every Sunday rain or
shine at Yesterday Today and Tomorrow Nursery, Kowie
Road from 9am-12.30pm.
Birdwatching Tours and Three Sisters Saunter. Book
with Anne (046) 675-1976 or 083-719-4950.
w w w. a n n e s b i r d i n g . c o . z a
Bonsai Club meets once a month on a Saturday. For
more information please contact David Brewis on
076-457-3218. Or e-mail d a v i d b re w i s 7 7 @ g m a i l . c o m
Cricket Club – Practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays at
the Port Alfred Country Club, French Street from 5pm.
Contact Rob Nel on 076-394-4067.
East Cape Shotokan-Ryu Karate, Port Alfred –
Mondays and Thursdays: 4.30pm for beginners. 5.15 for
intermediate class and 6pm for the advanced cl;ass.
Contact Gary Grapentin on 073-346-0059 for more
i n fo r m at i o n .
Healing Horses Therapeutic Riding Centre –
Therapeutic and recreational horse riding activities for
people living with disabilities. Mondays at 09.30am and
10.30am, Wednesdays at 10am and 11am, To book a ride,
or find out about volunteering, call Jann on
078 - 3 4 6 - 5 41 2 .
Hockey Club – Practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 5pm at the Port Alfred Country Club, French Street.
Contact Chris Pike on 082-350-0900.
Kenton Garden Club meeting second Wednesday of the
month at 9.30am. For info visit
w w w. k e n t o n g a r d e n c l u b . c o . z a
Kenton Pub Quiz– 6.30pm – first Sunday of each
month at Kenton Bowls Club. Cash bar available. Cash
and other prizes. Teams of four to six. All welcome.
Kleinemonde Morning Market on the first Saturday of
every month, from 8.30-10am. Kleinemonde Community
Hall. Enjoy breakfast and browse the stalls selling
wholesome farm chickens and home produce, including
quality meats, vegetables, pancakes, frozen meals,
quiches, bread, rusks, gingerbread houses, home baked
cakes, doggy treats, candles, gifts and more.
Knit and Knatter Crafters club at Holly House, every
Wednesday at 9am. All welcome. Contact Kathy on
(046) 624-4452 for further information.
Kowie Auctioneers – monthly auction every last
Thursday of the month at 35 North Street. Entries for
the auction need to be in on the Tuesday before the
auction. Viewing day prior from 2pm. For more
information call Colin Maclachlan 083-521-3623 or Peter
Charter on 082-569-3478.
The Kowie Camera Club monthly meeting, the last
Monday of every month (except December) at 7pm in
the Settlers Park Retirement Village hall. Contact
Herman Groenewald 078- 428-9551.
Kowie History Museum, at The Old Railway Station,
Pascoe Crescent. Open 9.30am-12.30pm
Tuesday-Saturday. Closed Sunday/Monday and public
h o l i d ay s .
Kowie Striders time trial – every Tuesday at 5.30pm at
the Port Alfred Country Club. Distances of 3, 5 or 8km.
Runners and walkers welcome. Contact Sticks Stiglingh
on 071-612-7339 or Alan Robb on 082-495-6842
Kowie Striders casual long run from the Duck Pond –-
every Sunday at 7am . Runners and walkers welcome.
The route will be determined on the morning of the run.
Lower Albany Historical Society meets third Thursday
of the month – some meetings in Don Powis Hall,
Settlers Park, others, outside trips. Call Avonne on
083-473-6823 for details.
Lower Albany Woodworkers’ Guild, meets first Tuesday
of each month. Call Brian Edwards on (046) 624-2945
for more information.
Memory Book Scrapbook Club meets twice a month
on a Thursday afternoon. All welcome. Contact Cheryl
(046) 624-2733 / 083-556-7562.
M OT H S – Old soldiers never die – Calling all
ex-servicemen “Ou Manne” and their ladies for a
get-together on the first Sunday of every month at 12
noon and the MOTH Hall (next to the Ski-boat Club) for
a light lunch and some memories. RSVP MOTHS at
082-537-9033 for catering purposes.
National Sea Rescue Institute practices every
Wednesday at 5pm. To join the NSRI visit the base in
person to undergo an evaluation.
Port Alfred Art Club welcomes new members, both
experienced or wanting to learn. We meet weekly
offering a monthly DVD from leading artists, giving
excellent tips and guidance on how to draw and paint.
Contact Jenny (083-292-2650) or Paddy
(083-226-5254).
Port Alfred Bowling and Croquet Club invites you to
try your hand at lawn bowls and Croquet,free coaching
and equipment available. Situated next to the Nico
Malan Bridge. Enquiries: Rod Wilson at: 082-375-2968
or (046) 624-5671. Croquet enquiries: Rodger Darkes at
082 373 8181 See our website at: www.pabcc.co.za and our
Facebook page.
Port Alfred Bridge Club – Now meets at the Eddie
Grant MOTH Hall (next to the Ski-boat Club) every
Monday and Thursday – 1pm for 1.30pm start. All bridge
enthusiasts and persons wishing to learn to play bridge
are most welcome.
Port Alfred Community Police Forum meets on the
third Tuesday of each month at the Port Alfred Police
Station at 2.30pm.
Port Alfred Floral Art Group (PAFAG) meets on the 3rd
Saturday of the month at Settlers Park hall at 2.30pm.
For more information please phone 082-464-4606
(Hennie de Bruin). All welcome.
Port Alfred Park Run, Civic Centre. Every Saturday
8am-9am.
Probus Club of the Kowie meets on the second
Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Port Alfred River
and Ski-boat Club.
Rocky Ridge Farm Market opens every Saturday and
Sunday from 9am with a variety of home made delights,
“egg-cellent” free-range eggs, honey, biltong, droewors
as well as its very popular morning breakfast. Contact
Desia Holmes on 083-589-0765 for more information.
Rosehill Mall Art and Crafters Market, the first
Saturday of every month, from 9am-4pm. A true art and
craft market. Only handmade items available by our
local crafters. Large selection of goods.
Scrapbook workshops and classes: Bcreative offers
monthly workshops, night classes, social classes and a
whole lot more. Call (046) 624-3096 to book or for more
i n fo r m at i o n .
Self Drive Heritage Map: All the historical sites in Port
Alfred, Bathurst and surrounding areas. Available at the
tourism office.
Sunshine Coast Women’s Forum meets every fourth
Tuesday in the Don Powis Hall, Settlers Park at 2.30pm.
Come and join us. Visitors welcome. For more
information contact Tosca Spenceley (046) 624-4339.
U3A – Port Alfred Branch meets on the fourth Thursday
of every month at 9.30 for 10am at the Don Powis Hall,
Settlers Park village. All welcome.
Thursday February 14
PA Art Club – 9.30am – Painting at Paddy Beeby’s
home, 24 Vroom Road. Phone (046) 624-1065 /
083-226-5254 for details.
Port Alfred Country Club Cheese and Wine Valentine’s
Event – 6.30 for 7pm – at the Club. R60 per person,
tickets for sale at club. Contact Foxy 076-992-7660 or
Sonai Owsley 081-211-0901.
Saturday February 16
Port Alfred Floral Art Group monthly meeting –
2.30pm – Settlers Park Hall. Demonstration: Teaching
demo by ECFAA judges – Elements and Principles of
Design in Floral Art. Homework: Any design of your
choice - “Fun with Foliage” as demonstrated by Carol
Taggert. Inquiries: Hennie de Bruin 082-464-4606. All
welcome.
Va l e n t i n e ’s Summertime Bash – CANCELLED DUE TO
LOAD SHEDDING.
Sunday February 17
Classics at the Castle – Flautist Malane
Hofmeyr-Burger and marimba-player Magdalena de
Vries will be entertaining the audience at the first
Classics at the Castle performance of the year. Starts at
3pm sharp. Tickets available from KNA at R90 each.
Wednesday February 20
PA H S U9A, U11A, U13A cricket vs Kenton-On-Sea Primary
on the PAHS fields.
Diaz Cross Bird Club talk at the Port Alfred
Presbyterian Church at 7pm for 7.30pm. The talk will be
about the trip to Hwange in Zimbabwe undertaken by
the Arnotts, Hodkinsons and Lardner-Burkes.
Thursday February 21
PA Art Club – 9am – Catholic Hall. A change in format
as month-end meeting will be the AGM. Enjoy a social
time. DVD and book exchanges, tea, coffee and snacks.
Bring paintings for review.
Lower Albany Historical Society – 9.30 for 10am - Don
Powis Hall, Settlers Park. Trevor Webster will present a
talk entitled “A historical Journey from Hogsback to
Healdtown - with anecdotes”. All welcome. Contact
Avonne 083-473-6823.
Friends with Compassion – Caring for those who are
mourning a loved one. Presbyterian Church Port Alfred,
at 3.30pm. All welcome- Join us for a cup of tea and a
chat. Contact Cheryl (046) 624-2733 / 083-556-7562.
Friday February 22
Steak Braai – 5pm – Port Alfred High School
clubhouse. Tickets R50 plus weigh and pay for your
steak. Includes salad, baby potatoes, mushroom sauce,
pap en sous. Cash bar. Tickets available from the sports
office, sport@pahs.co.za, (046) 624-2440. A fundraiser for
the Westering tour.
Sunday February 24
Diaz Cross Bird Club outing to the Webb’s farm,
Tharfield. We will meet at Robbies at 6am and Heritage
Mall at 6.30am. Visitors welcome (R10 per person to
DCBC). Bring a picnic brunch. For more details contact
Tim Cockbain (046) 624-8483.
Thursday February 28
PA Art Club – 9am – AGM, St James Catholic Hall.
U3A meeting – A newcomer to Port Alfred, David Rose,
will be speaking on “The escalating dichotomy between
science and religion.” He is a practicing Catholic who
questioned the conflict of these two.
Port Alfred Scrapbook Club – 2pm-5pm – P r e s by t e r i a n
Church Port Alfred. All welcome. Contact Cheryl (046)
624-2733 / 083-556-7562.
Friday March 1
Port Alfred High Carnival and Food Fair, 3pm-6pm on
the school fields, R10 entry. To book a stall or for more
information call Laura Guest 084-607-6174 or
lguest@pahs.co.za
Saturday March 2 to Saturday March 9
The 115th Pineapple Cricket Tournament – the world’s
oldest club cricket tournament of its kind will take place
at various locations around the Ndlambe area.
Tuesday March 12
Soup Kitchen / Kowie Striders annual Fun Run
sponsored by Adviceworx. Start 5.30pm at the Country
Club. Donations welcome.
Friday April 5 to Sunday April 7
Bathurst Agricultural Show – at the showgrounds.
Friday April 19 to Sunday April 28
The 2019 Amanzi Challenge.
Friday April 19
Good Friday.
Sunday April 21
Easter Sunday.
Monday April 22
Family Day
Saturday April 27
Freedom Day.