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Volume 4 Issue 3

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ISSN 2222-0313

INFANTS KiLLED iN TAXi SMASH

RCP

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ABANDONED BABY FOUND iN DUSTBiN

LAKEWEST

RCP

9 May 2011

7 10 Rynfield is under attack

There is no doubt that crime in the Rynfield/ Morehill areas is out of control. April has seen a further increase in the number of housebreakings reported to our Control Room (15). This figure can be more than doubled, once you take into account housebreakings reported to other security companies in the area. The statistics are frightening. Despite the numerous arrests that have been made in the RCP area, the criminals just keep coming. Theft out of motor vehicles has decreased dramatically, but there have been 4 incidents

of armed house robberies during April, which does not bode well. Although there have been no hijackings reported, there were 2 attempts reported. The map below indicates in red the ‘hotspot’ streets during April, with a further armed robbery taking place in Pretoria Road on 2nd May. Although we do not have full details at time of going to press, we have been advised that there was a housebreaking in Van Rooyen Street this week involving 2 suspects, one of which was arrested in the area. About an hour later the SAPS received a call from a groundskeeper at

Benoni Country Club, reporting that there was someone hiding in a tree. This turned out to be the second suspect, who was subsequently arrested by members of the SAPS. Well done guys. Patrols in the area have been stepped up, not only by our two patrol vehicles, but also the Sector Police vehicles, in an effort to deter the criminal element. It has once again become apparent that empty houses are a major cause for concern. Criminals identify houses that are obviously vacant, and these houses are broken into

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several times, with the criminals removing all fittings and fixtures that are in the house, making it virtually impossible for the house to be sold in its current condition. These empty houses are also used to store goods stolen from other houses until such time as the criminals can sell them. We have identified many empty houses in the various suburbs, and we take this opportunity to thank residents who have brought these to our attention. If you are aware of a house in your area that is vacant, please notify the Control Room.

Are Are you you safe safe under under your your roof? roof? Be sure with Mannys! Timber Supplies

PCN 9 May 2011

From the Editor Now that we expect to publish the PCN on a weekly basis, we hope to be able to cover a wider range of issues of concern to the community, as and when they arise. We now have our own Reporter, Logan, who will be going ‘out and about’ to ensure our ‘news’ will be current. We would like to ask you, our readers and members of the community, to let us know of any specific issues that you would like us to mention or bring to the attention of the rest of the community. Do you have any pertinent questions you feel should be asked? Do you have a story to tell? We’d love to hear from you, so drop us a line by email to info@thepcn. co.za or by fax to 086 683 7228, or even drop it in at the Control Room. Winter has certainly arrived, and we believe it is time to spare a thought for those less fortunate than ourselves. There are so many people out there without proper heating or shelter from the cold at this time of the year, particularly our elderly. The Precinct Womens’ Support Group is therefore appealing for donations of winter clothing and blankets, so that we can help ease the plight of other community members. If you have something to give, no matter how small, please contact Margaret on 011-578-5674. Every little helps.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! WEDNESDAY 18 MAY 2011 OUR FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS!

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THE PRECINCT COMMUNITY NEWS Tel : 011-578-5652 Fax : 086 683 7228 Email: info@thepcn.co.za www.thepcn.co.za Editor Margaret Dalglish Tel : 011-578-5674 Journalist Logan Green Design & Layout Dylan Fourie Tel : 011-578-5624 Brent van Zyl Tel: 011-578-5668 Advertising Marc Lombard Tel: 074-338-1439

The Precinct Community News is published by The Joint Precincts, all letters, articles & comments must be emailed/received by the 18th of each month to be featured in that month’s edition. Contributions are submitted at the sender’s risk. The Joint Precincts do not accept responsibility for material lost. The Joint Precincts reserve the right to make changes to any material submitted for publication. All rights reserved. All crime statistics are those logged by the community control room and are used with permission of the Joint Precincts. The views & opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the newspaper. Reproduction without written permission of the Editor is strictly prohibited. To enquire about reproduction of any material contained in this publication please e-mail info@thepcn.co.za.

PCN 9 May 2011

MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy) Does your child’s school MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamin is once again becoming popular. MDMA can induce euphoria, a sense of intimacy with others, and diminished anxiety. MDMA is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world. It is commonly associated with dance parties (raves). After effects Effects reported by some users once the acute effects of MDMA have worn off include: Psychological • Anxiety and paranoia • Depression • Irritability • Fatigue • Impaired attention, focus, and concentration, as well as drive and motivation (due to depleted

serotonin levels) • Residual feelings of empathy, emotional sensitivity, and a sense of closeness to others (afterglow). Physiological • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo • Loss of appetite • Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea or constipation • Insomnia • Aches and pains, usually from excessive physical activity (e.g., dancing) • Exhaustion When they occur, these effects are typically reported to last up to 3 to 7 days, with the exception of depression, which in some cases has become chronic.

have a drug policy? We have mentioned in the past that drug use was rife in our schools. What is of increasing concern is that drug use is now becoming more and more prevalent in our primary schools. Child drug abuse is a parent’s worst nightmare. The earlier they start using, the more likely they will proceed to abuse and become addicted, the tougher it will be to quit. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable. The adolescent brain centres for judgement and self-control are still developing, making them less than careful about decisions they make and more open to risk taking. Kids think they’re immortal and nothing can kill them, hence they take risks. Kids are notoriously conformist, so they may well want to do what other kids are doing. Doing drugs makes them look cool. It has been said that every child in South Africa will have come into contact with drugs by the time they leave secondary school, and one in three will have taken them. What is drug abuse? It is the repeated and excessive use of a drug in order to escape reality, despite its destructive effects. Even a small amount of an illegal or improperly consumed substance can alter how your brain works. If you can’t function normally under the influence of that substance, its use constitutes abuse. Taking drugs is dangerous, causing euphoria, giving the user extra energy, sensory enhancement and heightened performance. The drug takes over the user’s life, disrupting his/her relationships, work and peace of mind You cross the line from drug abuse to addiction when using drugs stops being a choice and becomes a necessity. It controls you and not the other way around. You become convinced that the drug is necessary for you to have a feeling of wellbeing, even just to get through the day. Pursuit of the drug becomes the most important thing in your life. You need to get high. Nothing else will do, not your job, kids, family. It becomes so important that users are willing to sacrifice all these, and even deny they have a problem. Your brain and body get used to the substance, then you need a larger dose to achieve the same high. Drugs are one of the most easily accessible commodities in South Africa today, particularly for teenagers. Drugs are readily available to young people, at shopping malls, flea markets, schools and, of course, night clubs. Dealers quite often, in an attempt to recruit new business, give out a “free sample”, in the hope that you’ll come back for more. Many teenagers want to experiment, be “part of the crowd”, see what it’s all about, try it out for themselves. Peer pressure also plays a major role, and those with a low self-esteem are particularly vulnerable. Luckily not all of them get “hooked”, but for those who do, it’s the beginning of the end. It may start out with an innocent “joint” of dagga, but once they’re hooked, they will often

want to try something “stronger”, and there are a lot of different drugs out there. They’ll do anything to feed their “habit”, usually starting with petty theft – often from their own home, and can easily escalate to becoming involved in a crime syndicate in order to pay their dealer. Some become dealers themselves in order to subsidise their supply. Many dealers operate a “pawn shop”, which gives addicts the hope that they will be able to buy back the item they have stolen, but they are rarely able to do so, as they find they need to pawn something else to get more money for their next “fix”. They’ll lie, beg and steal, just so they can satisfy their habit. Being “high” makes them feel good about themselves, they can temporarily forget about their worries. When things get really bad, when they’re feeling very low, they could try to commit suicide. How well do you know your child? Do you know where your son or daughter spends his or her spare time, especially at weekends? The teenage years can often be a difficult and trying time for both the parents and the child, and it is easy to put behavioural changes down to “just a phase they’re going through”. You think you have a good “relationship” with your child, but are they being honest with you or just telling you what they think you want to hear. Most parents believe that their child would never take drugs, and are often the last to know – only finding out when their child is well and truly addicted. Many families have been totally financially and emotionally destroyed trying to get help for their loved ones, without success. Rehab is expensive, and can work if the addict truly WANTS to kick the habit, otherwise all the time and money in the world will be to no avail. Frequently, parents think they can solve the problem themselves, being reluctant to admit to anyone outside the family that there even is a problem. Think again. Drug addicts need professional help. You need to exercise “tough love”. There are many professional organisations out there that you can contact for advice and assistance. Don’t leave it until it’s too late. This is a multi-million dollar business. These “fat cat” dealers get rich at our children’s expense. Drug dealers are smiling all the way to the bank because the demand is there. We need to eradicate this ‘demand’ and force these dealers to go elsewhere. There are guidelines in place, as part of the South African Schools Act, 1996, on how to conduct random search and seizures/drug testing at schools. The problem will not disappear on its own. If we ignore it, it will not go away. Whether we like it or not, the problem is there, right under our noses, and there it will stay if nothing is done to eradicate it. We need you, as parents, to ensure that the school your child attends has an effective drug policy in place and actually enforces it. Maybe the schools need to relook at their drug policy. If it was effective – we wouldn’t have such a huge problem.

PCN 9 May 2011

Infants killed in taxi smash

A two-month-old baby girl was killed and a twoyear-old girl hospitalised when a minibus taxi ploughed into the wall of a Lakewest Residents’ Association member’s home on May 4. A resident on the property, Ridwaan Salajee, contacted the Precinct control room and informed us that the taxi had smashed into the wall bordering the N12 Highway West and his family’s property. It is believed that the vehicle, with eight occupants, was travelling at an excessive speed of 150 km/h in an 80km/h zone between the Tom Jones Road on-ramp and the Atlas Road off-ramp, at about 3.50pm. It is understood that one of the taxi’s tyres had burst causing the driver of the taxi to lose control, veer off the road and smash through the Salajees’ wall. All passengers ,including the driver, were hospitalised for the treatment that they required, while a two-year-old girl, who was critically injured, was airlifted to the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital as a result of the serious injuries she had sustained, she died the following morning in the hospital. “It is quite a tragedy,” said Salajee. “I was in shock when I heard a tyre burst followed by a big bang.” He added that he went outside and saw the taxi and all the injured people. According to him this is the second time that a vehicle has crashed through the wall of the property. He also said that he was impressed with the quick response from the patrolmen and ER24 paramedics. “We received a very good service.” We urge road users to travel at the designated speed limit when driving on the N12 Highway and to be aware of the construction work currently being done between the Snake Road off-ramp and the Jet Park off-ramp. Please be aware that the speed limit on this road is 80km/h.

LAKEWEST

The scene along the N12 Highway where a minibus taxi smashed through a wall of a Lakewest Residents Association member’s home on May 4. A two-month-old baby was killed in the wreckage.

Empty house goes up in flames An empty and abandoned house in Calderwood Street, The Stewards, Lakefield, caught on fire on May 5. Our patrolmen responded to the call at around 4.45pm and discovered that the house was empty and that fortunately no-one was inside the building. Fire-fighters from the Benoni Fire Station, however, only arrived at the scene an hour and a half later to douse the flames.

Adam Ahmed, treasurer of the Benoni Community Police Forum (CPF) and chairman of the Sector 6 Sector Crime Forum, was on the scene and told the PCN that he was terribly disappointed with the response from the fire department, who he and other neighbours had tried to contact on numerous occasions. “We are very lucky that no-one was in the house,” he said.

For the last few months there has been great concern over the number of vehicles being stolen from the parking area of shopping centres within the GNCP area. 9 incidents have been reported to our Control Room, but we believe the actual figure is more than double that. The majority of cars being stolen are the older type models, and many of these belonged to our elderly citizens. However, we are hopeful that theft of motor vehicles will decrease, thanks to the management of Northmead Square installing 10 additional cameras at the centre, to beef-up security and make the centre a safer place to shop. Criminals often think twice when they see that an area is under surveillance. To the best of our knowledge, no vehicles have been stolen there since the

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installation of the cameras. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. Theft out of motor vehicle seems to have moved from Rynfield to Northmead, with 8 incidents reported to our Control Room during April. We once again urge our residents not to leave any personal items, such as laptops, handbags and wallets etc, lying on the car seats in plain sight. Our crime stats also show that there were 3 armed robberies, 2 hijackings and 7 housebreakings. While we do not wish to scare members of our community, we need you to be aware that the majority of hijacked vehicles recently have been Audi’s. This is not only in the Northmead/Airfield area, but applies to all Precinct areas. We once again urge everyone to be alert when approaching their driveway. Check if there’s a vehicle behind you. If in doubt, drive round the block. Be aware of cars parked in the street as well as pedestrians.

A firefighter tries to douse the flames of a fire at an empty house in Lakefield.

Matric pupil robbed on the way to school It is not the first time that we have reported on incidents where school pupils are held-up and robbed on their way to and from school. It seems as if our youngsters are easy pickings for criminals. In the most recent case, on May 6, Roger Cook, a matric pupil at Wordsworth High School, was walking to his school from his home in Rynfield, when he was held-up with a firearm by a man in Whitley Street, Airfield, in the Greater Northfield Community Precint. Cook claims that this is not the first time that he has been held-up by the same man and said that this particular robber was wearing the same attire as he had on the previous occasions. He said that the man was wearing a black and blue beanie, a black top and blue pants. “He pulled my bag and stopped me while I was walking,” said Cook. “He said give me your possessions and when I gave him the R50 that I had in my wallet he said that I was lying and cocked his gun.” When the youngster informed the criminal

that the money was all he had (Cook had hidden his cellphone in his school bag) the man tucked his firearm in his pants and proceeded to withdraw a knife. “He took a swing at me with the knife and I managed to catch him by the arm.” The suspect then fled. It is vital that we educate our school children about the dangers of walking alone; however, it is a sad situation as sometimes walking is the only mode of transport to school for our students. Cook believes that he has learned his lesson and offered the following tips for any school pupils who walk to school: • Do not carry large amounts of money on your person. • If you have a cellphone it is best to keep it hidden. • Try travel in a large group. We urge learners and their parents to take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming victims of similar crimes.

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PCN 9 May 2011

BNCP Benoni North Community Precinct (BNCP) first began in the late 1990’s and once membership grew to a reasonable level, a Section 21 Company was registered in 2003. BNCP is made up of 3 areas, namely Brentwood Closure, Northvilla Closure and the remainder of the BNCP area, mainly the Plots. Over the years, committee members have come and gone, but the objectives are still the same: • To identify, in consultation with the community, the causes of and to seek solutions to crime and criminal activities, together with any other problematic issues within the Precinct. • To provide a medium of communication, liaison and interaction between the community and all necessary forums, in pursuit of the common goal of a safer environment and more peaceful society. • To maintain open channels of communications between the Precinct and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. It is necessary to have a community structure in order to deal with 2 main issues, namely crime and council related matters. To this end, BNCP has, on its committee, a CPF (Community Police Forum) representative, who in turn attends the monthly CPF meetings. This enables us to discuss crime related issues with him, and he then brings these matters to the attention of the SAPS. The Benoni North area is covered by 2 Ward Councillors (Andre du Plessis and Benno Robinson), both of which attend our monthly committee meetings on a regular basis, at which we bring to their attention issues such as potholes, faulty street lights, long grass, illegal businesses etc, that we are aware of or have been reported to us. Unfortunately, after the election, Benno Robinson will no longer be with us as he has been moved to a different area. We take this opportunity to thank Benno for his assistance over the years and his overall involvement with BNCP. We look forward to welcoming his replacement, Refiloe Ntsekhe and feel sure we will receive the same dedicated service to the community. With the closure of both Northvilla and Brentwood, a sub-committee was set up in each of these areas, made up of residents within these communities. We also have a recently formed sub-committee for the plot areas, thus ensuring that each section of the community has a representative who lives in that particular part of the BNCP area. One of the outstanding issues from Northvilla is the installation of traffic lights at the corner of Stokroos and Celia Nestadt Streets. Anyone coming from Stokroos Street will know how difficult it is to get out of that street, due to the almost blind corner on Celia Nestadt going towards Great North Road. Turning left from Stokroos St is a nightmare because of the traffic coming quickly around that corner. We sincerely hope that it doesn’t take a major vehicle accidents before traffic lights are installed.

The Committee

Back row: Wilma Strydom (plots) Benno Raven (Brentwood) Robert Brons (Treasurer) Johan Vandekeere (CPF Rep) Front Row: Jean Nel (Chairman) Margaret Dalglish (Secretary) Toni Da Matta (Northvilla) Mervyn Manning (Vice Chairman/Plots).

If you need to know more about BNCP or wish to become a member, contact Wilma on 082-370-0117

Laerskool Brentwoodpark is 85 jaar Iemand het eendag gesê: “As mens iets in die lewe bereik het, wees dankbar vir die verlede” Laerskool Brentwoodpark herdenk vanjaar sy 85ste bestaansjaar. Ja, in 1926, in April is die skool gestig ... in ‘n ontspanningsaal met 2 personeellede! Eers 7 jaar daarna, in 1933, is ‘n sogenaamde “nuwe skool” opgerig, met sink en ‘n paar ou asbesklasse. Uit die vroeë geskiedenis van die skool kan afgelei word dat hierdie gemeenskap moeilike tye beleef het. Ons lees in die joernale van ‘n oueropstand agv swak akkomodasie, van onooglike sinkgeboue en onhigiëniese toestande. Na ‘n lang stryd, is die huidige skool se hoeksteen in 1955 gelê. Sedertdien het die skool gegroei en ontwikkel en van krag tot krag gegaan. Die skool-gemeenskap van Brentwoodpark het deur

die jare baie hard gewerk om ons skool te kry waar dit vandag is. Dit is omskep in ‘n veilige opvoedkundige omgewing met fasiliteite wat voldoen aan die vereistes vir deeglike onderrig en opvoeding. So, as ons dan na al die wonderlike prestasies van die afgelope jare kyk, vra ons ons dan die vraag af: “Het ons iets bereik? Die antwoord spreek vanself! Ons handhaaf onsself in alle opsigte en is ‘n skool om mee rekening te hou. “Laerskool Brentwoodpark, die skool wat omgee en bou aan jou kind se toekoms”. Hierdie slagspreuk het oor die jare spontaan ontwikkel. Die volgende opmerking word dan ook telkemale gemaak: “We could feel the love and care for each child throughout in the school!” Dit beeld die karakter van die skool uit.

PCN 9 May 2011

Murder accused cop bail denied

gt Manape Kgoale appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on 4 May, on a charge of murder. The 38-year-old Kempton Park policeman is accused of shooting and killing Jeanette Odendaal in the parking lot outside the Kempton Park police station. Media reports claimed that the officer had shot the 45-year-old victim in the left shoulder and that the bullet had exited through her chest. Reports claimed that the woman was on her way to the cop shop to report a case of disturbing the peace and had found it difficult to park. She subsequently pranged the rear of a police vehicle and reversed into a private vehicle behind her. It is believed that a car guard who witnessed the incident notified officers inside the police station. An officer apparently came outside in full uniform and shot the victim at close range without warning.

Kgoale chose to remain silent throughout the court proceedings, while his defence attorney, Riaan Louw, presented his case to the Magistrate. The Magistrate was informed that the accused had a history of alcohol abuse and had previously been charged for the negligent discharge of a firearm. In a statement read to the Magistrate, Kgoale said that he was on duty when the security guard alerted officers that a vehicle was in the process of being stolen. Kgoale said that he immediately exited the charge office and heard a loud bang which sounded like a gunshot. He added that he had seen the car going backwards and forwards and bumping into cars, including the stationary police vehicle. The officer said that he approached the vehicle and in the bad light saw the silhouette of a person in the window. He said that he saw the person move its right hand and was holding an object that he assumed was a firearm. Kgoale added that the driver did not respond to his calls to stop the vehicle and this is when he shot Odendaal. He claimed that he had feared for his safety and acted in self defence. The State opposed bail due to the fact that the officer had checked himself into rehab for an alcohol abuse problem and because he had received counselling for emotional stress through the SAPS’s employee assistance services. The Magistrate said that the accused could not be trusted with a firearm and therefore his application for bail had been denied. The case has been postponed to 23 June for further investigations. Although our Precincts are not directly involved with this incident it is clear that something needs to be done to ensure the safety of innocent people in our communities and to bring incidents of police brutality to light.

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‘When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.’ Rebecca- age 8 ‘When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.’ Billy - age 4 ‘Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.’ Karl - age 5 ‘Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.’ Chrissy - age 6 ‘Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.’ Terri - age 4 ‘Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.’ Danny - age 7 ‘Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss’ Emily - age 8 ‘Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.’ Bobby - age 7 (Wow!) ‘If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,’ Nikka - age 6

(we need a few million more Nikka’s on this planet) ‘Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.’ Noelle - age 7 ‘Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.’ Tommy - age 6 ‘During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.’ Cindy - age 8 ‘My mommy loves me more than anybody You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.’ Clare - age 6 ‘Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.’ Elaine-age 5 ‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.’ Chris - age 7 ‘Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.’ Mary Ann - age 4 ‘I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.’ Lauren - age 4 ‘When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.’ (what an image) Karen - age 7 ‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross.’ Mark - age 6 ‘You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.’ Jessica - age 8

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What Love means to a 4-8 year old: A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, ‘What does love mean?’ The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined See what you think:

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PCN 9 May 2011

Abandoned Baby found in dustbin within the black community. Some of these babies are lucky and are found while they are still alive and taken to the nearest hospital, where they are looked after by loving and caring staff until either their family is located or arrangements made with social services. There are any number of reasons why a mother would do this, such as: • Certain cultures frown upon adoption and abortion. • Pregnancy was unplanned. • Poverty. • Alcohol/substance abuse.

Be careful at ATMs On Wednesday 19 January 2011 at around 8pm, the ABSA bank ATM outside Modderbee Prison, Benoni, was damaged by an unknown African male. The camera system which monitored the ATM was damaged, and it is believed that this was done so that video footage would not be recorded during robberies at the ATM. This would allow criminals to operate freely, with the knowledge that there would not be any evidence from the relevant bank to support their case in court. We urge members of the public to be extremely alert and careful when using an ATM and never allow any stranger to assist you.

Any person with information can contact D.Const. Jeanette Sogcwayi on (cell) 083 672 4604.

Armed Robbery Suspects Wanted The Benoni Police are looking for two suspects who were involved in an armed business robbery that took place on Tuesday 12 April 2011 at 12h00 in Benoni Central. Both these men were armed with pistols when they entered a business and held up the owner at gunpoint. Several items were taken as well as an huge sum of cash. Any person with information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects should please contact D/Const Christian Popela on 076 083 2066.

Crime Statistics

• The mother may be HIV positive. • Victim of rape. • No family member to turn to. Some babies are abandoned and left to die in dustbins or open veld, although there are many young mothers who seem to feel that their baby would be better off with a family who can care for them and will leave the baby where it can easily be found. In this day and age it should not be necessary for a mother to abandon her child in this way, but it seems to be happening all too often. There are organizations that can help, one

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of these being Life Link Pregnancy Crisis Centre in Kempton Park 011-394-8560. Life Link provides: • Free Pregnancy testing • Clarity on life before birth • Pregnancy crisis counseling • Pre and Post adoption advice • Support for single mothers • Friendly and understanding assistance. If you aware of anyone who is pregnant and seems to be having difficulty in dealing with their situation, talk to them and try and persuade them to seek help.

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The Prayer we should all pray

Anyone, Anywhere, Any time, in His service

orkers at Lakeside Mall, Benoni, were horrified when they uncovered a baby inside a plastic bag which had been placed in a dustbin on the rooftop parking area on Thursday 28 April 2011. It is believed that the baby was approx 2 months premature. An article in the Kempton Express on 26 April 2011 indicated that abandoned babies are brought to Tembisa Hospital on a weekly basis by the police and members of the public, with some of them still wearing armbands from the hospital. The number of abandoned babies appears to be increasing at an alarming rate, particularly

F a t h e r, I have a problem. It’s weighing heavy on me. It’s all I can think about, night and day. Before I bring it to you in prayer. I suppose I should pray for those who are less fortunate than me. Those in this world who have hardly enough food for this day, and for those who don’t have a roof over their heads at night. I also pray for families who have lost loved ones in sudden death, for parents whose children have leukemia, for the many people who are dying of brain tumours, for the hundreds of thousands who are laid waste with other terrible cancers, for people whose bodies have been suddenly shattered in car wrecks, for those who are lying in the hospital with agonizing burns over their bodies, whose faces hare been burned beyond recognition. I pray for people with emphysema, whose eyes fill with terror as they struggle to breathe, merely to live, for those who are tormented beyond words by irrational fears, for the elderly who are wracked with the pains of aging, whose only “escape” is death. I pray for people who are watching their loved ones fade before their eyes through the grief of Alzheimer’s disease, for the many thousands who are suffering the agony of AIDS, for those who are in such despair they are about to commit suicide, for people who are tormented by the demons of alcoholism and drug addiction. I pray for children who have been abandoned by their parents, for those who are sexually abused, for wives held in quiet despair, beaten and abused by cruel and drunken husbands, for people whose minds have been destroyed by mental disorders” for those who have lost everything in floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. I pray for the blind, who never see the faces of the ones they love, or the beauty of a sunrise, for those whose bodies are horribly deformed by painful arthritis, for many whose lives will be taken from them today by murderers, for those wasting away on their death beds. Most of all I cry out for the millions who don’t know the forgiveness that is in Jesus Christ, for those who in a moment of time will be swept in to hell by the cold hand of death, and find to their utter horror the unspeakable vengeance of eternal fire. Oh, God, I pray for them. Strange ... I can’t seem to remember what my problem was! In Jesus Name I pray. Amen. Please pray for our Patrolmen, Chaplains, Paramedics, SAPS and all Emergency Services Personnel who are committed to helping the community in their time of need. For those who are interested in assisting with Pastoral care and joining the community Chaplaincy, please contact Tracey on 072 549 3189.

Contact the Precinct Chaplaincy on 0861 425 493

April 2011

PCN 9 May 2011

Break the silence on sexual offences

exual offences involve sex without consent, unwanted sexual touching or being forced to engage in humiliating sexual activity.

PREVENTION OUT THERE Vulnerability increases: in dark and deserted places at night; if you look vulnerable (e.g. walking alone in desolate areas); if you appear uncertain, for example, if you do not know where you are going’ if you do not lock your car doors and close your windows; if you talk to strangers; if you stop for stranded vehicles or people; or if your vehicle is faulty and you have to stop for help. WHAT TO DO Be aware of your surroundings. Be alert at traffic lights and stop streets. Walk close to the curb and face the oncoming traffic. Try and keep to well-lit areas or where there are people. Do not hitch-hike.Do not pick up hitch-hikers. Keep a whistle with you, and blow it if you need help AT HOME Do not allow a stranger into your home – even if he is delivering something or providing a service. Ask for an identity document or phone his/her office to check his/her identity. Invest in the best locks and security you can afford. Never tell anyone that you are alone at home, and make sure the children also know not to do so. Know your neighbours, and together plan ahead for how you will respond in a crisis. Know your local posiice station, and discuss safety matters with the police. Become involved with local crime prevention efforts with the community police forum or police. ON A DATE Do not allow anyone to touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable – be firm and clear and say NO! Do not leave a party or social event with someone you do not know or have just met – say NO! Ask friends for help if someone ignores you when you say NO! Remember: most rape victims know the rapist. You have the right to say NO!

APE, for many is a dirty word. Something that should not be spoken about, as Dr. Judith Herman writes in her book “Trauma and recovery”. The normal response to atrocities, is to banish them from consciousness - this is the meaning of the word “unspeakable” (1997:1) It is this silence that is so deafening in response to sexual violence. Jane Raphaely writes that “Rape violates women in the innermost of their souls; it is a pain that will stay with them forever.” To many it is the memory and the pain that remains. A challenge that is faced by survivors of not only rape and sexual violence, but many survivors of traumatic incidents, yet it is in the recognising, naming and understanding of trauma that survivors begin to find healing. Perhaps, a starting point for this article would be to take a step back in time, in order to truly understand trauma. Although trauma has been with us throughout history, (war, disaster, violence) the concept of trauma or traumatic stress has only been acknowledged or named as such in the last 150 years or so. According to Friedman, clinical attention only began to focus on the psychological impact of war among veterans in the 19th century. Here the focus was on cardiovascular (soldiers heart) or psychiatric symptoms (nostalgia, shell shock, combat fatigue, war neurosis) (Matthew Friedman, 2006, p. 3) Judith Herman writes that “Trauma has a curious history- one of episodic amnesia.” Periods in our history, where there is “active investigation alternating with periods of oblivion” (Herman, 1992, p. 7) the field of trauma has a “rich tradition... But has been periodically forgotten and must be periodically reclaimed.”

IN A CASE OF RAPE Try not to panic. Common sense is your best defence. You cannot always defend yourself and your resistance may cause serious injury. If the attacker is dangerous, co-operate and try to negotiate. Submission is not consent. Try and remember what the attacker looks like – his age, race, height, hair colour, scars, tattoos, clothes, voice, jewellery. Scream, yell, blow your whistle or run away if you possibly can. Do not bath or change your clothes after an attack. Keep all the evidence so that it can be used by the police for further investigation. Report the crime to the Police Service straight away: go to the police station or phone 10111. AFTER A RAPE Every victim of rape responds differently, but it is likely that you will benefit from help. You may feel: dirty and want to wash repeatedly; scared and afraid to go out; that it is your fault and that you are guilty; or you cannot sleep, have nightmares, cannot eat, cannot stop crying or that you want to forget it as quickly as possible and get on with your life. None of these responses are unusual or unnatural. Remember that there is always someone to help you. Victim Support programmes, psychologists, counselors, health care or social workers, employers, friends, family or church members – ask the police official dealing with your case to recommend someone to help you. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU REPORT A RAPE (or other sexual offences)? The Police official will take your statement. You need not be alone – a friend or family member can be with you while you make your statement, as long as he or she is not a potential witness in your case. If you later feel that your statement is wrong or incomplete, you can make another statement. You can make your statement in your own language (if it may be translated). You have the right to copy your statement. It may

sometimes not be possible to get a copy immediately, but then you will get it later. The Police official will give you a case number and you must use this number whenever you want information about your case. If necessary, the investigating officer will make sure you are examined by an accredited health case worker, who will complete a medical report and collect medical evidence. You must make sure that the investigating officer knows how and where to contact you at all times, including when you move to another location, but it is a victim’s responsibility to notify the police official of any changes in address. The investigating officer will let you know: when the suspect is arrested; if the suspect is released on bail’ if you need to attend an identification parade; the date of the trial; when you will have to give evidence; and the outcome of the case. A victim must have the responsible police official’s telephone number so that he/she knows where to get information about his/her case. The police investigate the case and then hand it over to a state lawyer, called a prosecutor. The service is free to you. Both the police official, the investigating officer and the prosecutor will be able to give you information about your case. Get a telephone number from the investigating officer so that you know where to get information about your case. WHAT CAN WE ALL DO TO HELP? Join community-based victim Support initiatives; be trained as a Volunteer. Report rape – and help others to report rape. Do not protect rapists – do not hide them in your home or community – tell the police about them. Bring up your boys to be real mean – real men respect women and real men do not rape. You have the right to say NO! No-one has the right to force you into sexual activity, not matter what your relationship with this person is. This means no-one can force you to have sex, or touch you in a sexual way without your consent, or force you to perform sexual activity you find unpleasant or humiliating. REMEMBER – a sexual assault is NOT your fault.

Understanding Trauma Part 1 It is interesting to read of the story of Sigmund Freud and Jean-Martin Charcot and their study of “hysteria” amongst the women of Vienna, this study captured the imagination of the public: “a venture into the unknown” (Herman, 1992) the women being studied had been victims of rape, violence and exploitation and who found refuge in the Salpetriere (a modern hospital dedicated to studying neurology and psychiatry) It was here that Freud released his Theses “The aetiology of Hysteria” a study of 18 case studies, concluding with a thesis that “ at the bottom of every case of hysteria, there are one or more occurrences of premature sexual experience” (Herman, 1992, p. 13). A startling conclusion for the people of Vienna, for the inference was that there were “perverted acts against children” not only among the people of Paris, but also the bourgeois families of Vienna. Freud within a year “privately repudiated the psychological origins of hysteria” and so, the study of trauma relapsed into another period of amnesia until the First World War, when the study of the impact of war on veterans began as mentioned above. This study of war neurosis and shell shock reached new heights after the Vietnam War with the development by anti-war veterans of “rap groups”, meetings where veterans relived and retold their experience of the Vietnam War. (Herman, 1992, p. 27) Within these groups, a sense of legitimacy was lent to the experience of the Vietnam veteran. They were allowed “the dignity of their distress”. A marine veteran, Michael Norman wrote: Family and friends wondered why we were

so angry. What are you crying about? They would ask. Why are you so ill-tempered and disaffected? Our fathers and grandfathers had gone off to war, done their duty come home and got on with it. What made our generation so different? As it turns out, nothing. No difference at all. (Herman, 1992) Through their political consciousness, awareness about the psychological effect of war was raised. A third wave of consciousness in the history of traumatic stress that began to rise up was during the 1970’s with the beginning of an acknowledgement that “violence is a routine part of women’s sexual and domestic lives” as the women’s liberation movements grew in strength. Itisinterestingtonotethatthisacknowledgement took place in groups that provided a sense of intimacy, confidentiality and truth telling. This sense of safety allowed for women to overcome the “barriers of denial, secrecy and shame that prevented them from naming their injuries” (Herman, 1992) As we move from the international context and history of traumatic stress, and turn our attention to South Africa and its history fraught with violence and brutality, at times legitimized by a uniform, policy, and regime, we need to be telling ourselves: “There is a wave of consciousness that needs to rise, in South Africa that questions our violent history and asks whether we have healed, are healing or still need to heal. Perhaps, the answer or solution lies with those who are trauma practioners and counsellors who must continue raising awareness about

the effect of trauma and the healing value of “the truth must out.” It is when the truth comes out, that we as survivors begin to find healing. When the truth is finally recognized, survivors can begin their recovery. But often, secrecy prevails, and the story of the traumatic event surfaces not as a verbal narrative, but as a symptom.” (J. Herman) It is the brief, momentary intervention by trauma support workers and counsellors that starts the survivor on the path to recovery by re-instilling within him/her a trust and confidence in humanity. The new connection you develop with the survivor may possibly be his/her first connection post-incident. And it is in this first connection we make with a survivor to be, that establishes safety and offers solace, support and encouragement as the sexual violence survivor begins the arduous journey to recovery, yet this time not alone. I remember back in 2003, when I stood in a hospital and observed a lady who had been violated, being taken home. She could easily have been my mother. As I looked at her, I saw a person who was broken, a person numb with pain. My thoughts were, “Will she ever recover? My answer? Yes, because we as a community care, and we are there for not only her, but many others to provide support as they undertake their journey to healing. Philip Stoneman iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre 209 Elston Avenue, Benoni Tel: 011-422-4107 Help Line: 0861 HOPE 4 U (0861 467 348)

PCN 9 May 2011

Hobbitech 2011 “Hobbitech is now into its 10th year as an annual event. Initially it was called HobbiSports but about three years ago we decided the technology component would have appeal and be more topical. The purpose of the event has two primary objectives. The first is to give the people of Benoni and the East Rand a glimpse of the huge variety of hobbies available and to see people practicing then in a public forum – our exhibition. Secondly the Rotary Club takes the modest entrance fees charged to the public as trust funds for our support and running of charitable work; some small examples: this year we will refurbish the dining hall at the Salvation Army buildings in Benoni, we will invest in the training of a guide dog for a blind person, we will continue our work in feeding needy children, we’ll help with the development of facilities in a crèche in Etwatwa, an informal settlement in Daveyton. There is a never ending set of opportunities to improve the lives of people in our local communities, regardless of race or creed and the Rotary movement in South Africa and round the world is on a constant lookout to get involved with some of these opportunities. The Hobbitech Exhibition is run completely by volunteers and has become a very popular show place for hobbyists, clubs, societies and retailers who support these avenues to show their work, their skills and the results of their endeavours. Most of the exhibitors are set up to sell their wares so it’s a great shop window. There are more than 140 separate exhibitors and over the two days of the event we enjoy more than 2000 visitors.

The event is held at the John Barrable Hall in Rynfield, Benoni and is open from 9 o’clock to 4 o’clock on Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th May. The entrance fee is R25 per person and school children accompanying their parents are free. Pensioners will pay R20 each. Children on their own will pay full price”.

Wacky TOONS

Know your rights as a Consumer The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) came into effect on 1st April 2011. However, this Act does not apply to financial institutions as they fall under the National Credit Act. Although the Act covers many aspects, the area that affects most of us relates to fixed term contracts such as your cellphone, gym contracts etc and even alarm monitoring. In the past it was often difficult to get out of this type of contract, but not any more. In accordance with Chapter 2, Section 14 of the CPA: The consumer may cancel the agreement upon expiry of its fixed term, without penalty or charge, but subject to subsection (3)(a); or at any other time by giving the supplier 20 business days’ notice in writing, subject to subsection 3(a) and (b). The supplier must give the consumer notice in writing, or in any other recordable form, of the impending expiry of the fixed term contract, and such notice must be given between 40 and 80 business days prior to expiry of the fixed term contract. Included in this notice, the supplier must indicate to the consumer: Any material changes that would apply if the agreement is to be renewed or may otherwise continue beyond the expiry date; and the options available to the consumer in terms of paragraph (d). (d) On expiry of the fixed term consumer agreement it will automatically continue on a month to month basis, subject to any material changes of which the supplier has given notice as indicated in (i) and (ii) above, unless the consumer expressly: Directs the supplier to terminate on the expiry date; or Agrees to renewal of the agreement for a further fixed term. If you give notice before the expiry of the fixed term: Sub Section 3(a): the consumer remains liable to the supplier for any amounts owed to the supplier in terms of that agreement up to the date of cancellation; and

Sub Section 3b): the supplier may impose a reasonable cancellation penalty. If the consumer does not cancel the agreement, it will automatically be continued on a month to month basis, subject to any material changes. In other words, the contract cannot be automatically renewed for a further fixed term without your agreement. Gift Vouchers Just for information, if you purchase a gift voucher after 1st April 2011, to give to friends or family, this gift voucher will now be valid for three years. Warranty on repaired goods All new or reconditions parts installed during repairs or maintenance work, as well as the labour involved, are automatically warranted for three months after installation. This does not apply to goods that have been abused or been subject to ordinary wear and tear from usage.

PCN 9 May 2011

Paws Page... Why do dogs eat grass?

All of us have seen our dogs happily grazing in our gardens, especially enjoying the uncut long grass on the edges - just to see a pile of slimy grass on the living room carpet moments later. So why do our dogs eat grass? There is no certainty why dogs eat grass. Many studies have been carried out to link grass eating with illness (to induce vomiting), vitamin or mineral deficiencies and lack of roughage in the diet, but none of the studies found any significant evidence. Most say it is very normal behaviour for dogs. There are three main theories: • Instinct. Dogs are omnivors, meaning they eat meat and plants. Although your dog shouldn’t need extra nutrients if he is eating a balanced diet, he might eat grass for its nutritional value. • Dogs eat grass to vomit. Many times you will note that your dog vomits after eating grass. But, veterinarians still aren’t sure if dogs eat grass because their stomachs are upset or if their stomachs get upset after they eat grass. However, many vets suspect it’s because their stomachs are

upset, because dogs who are energetic and perky seem to be able to eat grass without getting sick afterward. It seems likely that there is something in grass that does stimulate the urge to vomit. If your dog eats grass then vomits and seems fine, he’s probably taken care of whatever was bothering him. If he keeps retching and is unable to throw up or keeps eating grass and carries on vomiting, you should take him to the vet. • Some dogs eat grass because they like the taste. Is it harmful? • Grass is harmless unless consumed excessively. • Don’t let your dog eat grass that has been treated with pesticides, fertilisers or any chemicals. Most lawn-care products will indicate whether or not they’re safe for pets. Even if using “pet friendly” products you should keep your dog away from the grass soon after chemicals have been applied. Most products break down fairly quickly, but they can be quite dangerous if your dog eats them while they are fresh.

How to look after your aging cat •

•

• Felines can be quite a handful when they reach old age and should be well cared for in order to make them feel comfortable. Improving your cat’s quality of life when it is old, is the best thing you can do for it. Here are some tips and guidelines to care for your aging cat:

• Your cat’s diet can greatly enhance their lifespan. Make sure their food contains sufficient levels of antioxidants, protein, vitamins, minerals, and high levels of fibre. • Watch your cat’s weight. Older cats

• •

•

usually experience an extreme growth spurt and either become exceedingly fat or thin. Take them for a visit to the vet if you are worried about their weight. It is recommended that your ageing cat has a veterinary check-up and receives its vaccinations every six months as older pets tend to be more susceptible to disease. Periodontal disease is very common amongst older cats. This is when inflammation occurs on the gums and problems with the teeth arise. It can result in ulcers and severe inflammation of the mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, including bad breath, take your cat for an examination. Check your cat’s eyes for any discharge. Gently clean them with a dry tissue. Check your cat’s ears. If you notice a nasty smell, it could be an infection. Take your pet for a visit to the veterinarian. Trim your cat’s claws on a regular basis. The older cats get, the more inactive they become. Their claws get longer and the possibility of them becoming ingrown is high. Make your pet feel extra comfortable. Perhaps treat him/her with a luxurious pillow to relax on. Keeping your cat happy in its older years plays a major role in their well-being.

Dog Poisoning

DEFINITION The wrongful and unlawful administering of poison to an animal, which would constitute the crime ‘malicious injury to property’ if death or damage resulted. FILING OF A COMPLAINT File a complaint under:  Regulation R1716 as published in the Government Gazette No. 13424 of July 1991 for handling of poison.  Regulation R181 as published in the Government Gazette No. 24329 of 7 February 2003 for fertilizers and farm feeds.  Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act 36 of 1947)  Animal Protection Act (Act 71 of 1962), sections 2(1)(d)(n)(q)(r) and section 2(2) POISONING OF DOGS Depending on one’s personal circumstances, the subject of dog poisoning is either boring or it generates considerable debate and emotion. There is little room for sentimentality when dealing with this problem. The first question that needs to be asked is: “Why are dogs poisoned?” The answer is quite simple: with the dog out of the way it is easier to gain access to properties! The second question is: “What can we, as dog owners, do to prevent our dogs from being poisoned?” By asking this question, you are on the right track. The answers are:  I must prevent my dog from being poisoned, and  I must combat the circumstances that cause my dog to be poisoned It must be understood that no person is allowed to carry poison other than in its original container. The container must be accompanied by a certificate issued to a specific identified person. One should guard against an attitude that poisoning of dogs is difficult to prevent, combat, investigate, prove or prosecute, resulting in an approach that there is not much one can do. On the contrary, there is much that can be done, both proactively and reactively. The first is to understand that the poisoning of dogs is a reality, and it is wrong to think “it will not happen to me”. Second is the education of dog owners on how to combat and prevent dogs from being poisoned. Third is the training of dogs to not eat food offered to them in the incorrect manner. (Their food should always be given in a bowl at a particular location.) Training dogs not to take any form of meat offered is very difficult and will be an ongoing process that needs to be done regularly, physically and patiently.

However, one must accept the fact that very few dog owners train their dogs. The mere fact that a dog is not trained makes it so much more difficult to condition it when training the dog to ‘leave’ offered food. Another factor is that many dog owners prefer to leave their dogs outside at night, making them more vulnerable to poisoning. REPORTING OF DOG POISONING By phoning the Community Control Room, your Community Precinct can assist you on this issue.  Quick response to a dog poisoning incident is very important.  In order to gain as much detail of incidents as possible, records of every dog poisoning must be reported to the Police. WHAT IS REQUIRED TO OPEN A CASE  When filing a complaint, use the abovementioned definition as the type of complaint you are lodging, and quote the relevant acts and regulations.  A detailed sworn affidavit has to be given in order to get a case reference number.  Evidence needs to be gathered from the site of the dog poisoning. Should you suspect your pets have been poisoned, notify the Control Room immediately. DO NOT touch the poisoned meat or granules. DO NOT place it in the dustbin. It needs to be disposed of correctly, and your community precinct has procedures in place to deal with this. Keep everyone, including other pets, away from the area, to prevent further contamination or poisoning. If your skin comes into contact with the poison, wash the affected area immediately and seek medical attention. Don’t take chances! Your community patrolmen can assist in the gathering of evidence.  Visual signs of poisoning need to be recorded by making notes and taking photographs. (NB: the owner should be part of each photograph in order to prove the legitimacy of the photographs.)  Rubber gloves need to be used to collect poison samples, if any, (one per plastic bag). Each bag needs to have a marked tag/label, and the outside of the plastic bag should also be marked. Data to be recorded on the tags to include: Name of specimen; date; locality, name and details of collector; name and details of Police member.  The plastic bag(s) must be sealed with tape and the tape and bag marked to ensure the specimen cannot be tampered with. To ensure everything is done correctly, we encourage residents to call the community control room on 0861 425 493.

PCN 9 May 2011

The Girl Guides Association and the Scout Association of South Africa Because of demands placed on families, many children are left in the care of day mothers, crèches, and nursery schools and many primary school children stay at aftercare. These options aren’t available to older children who are generally left to their own devices. What can we, as a community, do to encourage the spiritual, mental, social and physical development of girls, boys, young women and young men so that they may play a responsible and constructive role within our community? The Girl Guides Association of South Africa (GGASA) and the Scout Association of South Africa (SASA) have both recently celebrated their centenaries and we have looked back and acknowledged what a difference we have made to the children of South Africa. The propulsion power of 100 years and many million alumnae is awesome. We are now challenged to look forward to better days, more volunteers and the power to change more lives with our Promise and Law. Who Are We? We are members of international youth Movements (WAGGGS – World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and WOSM – World Organisation of Scout Movements). We exist to actively develop the full potential of our youth to enable each one to take a meaningful place in society. What Do We Do? Our programmes follow the learning by doing principle and include adventurous, exciting and thought provoking activities based on the interests of young people. These activities develop their character, train them in citizenship, develop their personal fitness and promote their spiritual, mental and physical qualities. Each member is able, at their own pace, to realise their potential and positively contribute to their community while meeting loads of new people and having a great experience that they'll never forget! The Promise & Motto GGASA Teddies: I promise to care and share Motto: Teddies always try. Brownies: I promise to do my best To do my duty to my God and to my Country To help other people And to keep the Brownie Law Motto: Lend a Hand Guides & Adult Leaders: I promise to do my best To do my duty to my God and to my Country To help other people And to keep the Guide Law Motto: Be Prepared Rangers: I promise to do my best To do my duty to my God and to my Country To help other people And to keep the Guide Law Challenge: My challenge as a Ranger is to render service by taking my Promise out into the wider world and by being aware of my responsibilities as a young adult Motto: Look Wide SASA Cubs: I promise to do my best To do my duty to God and my Country To keep the Law of the Wolf Cub Pack And to do a good turn to somebody every day Motto: Do your Best Scouts: On my honour I promise that I will do my best To do my duty to God and my Country To help other people at all times And to obey the Scout Law Motto: Be Prepared Rovers: On my honour I promise that I will do my best To do my duty to God and my Country To help other people at all times And to obey the Scout Law Motto: Service The Law GGASA Brownies: A Brownie is Truthful, Obedient and Cheerful A Brownie thinks of others before herself Guides, Rangers & Adult Leaders: 1. A Guide is to be trusted 2. A Guide is loyal 3. A Guide is helpful 4. A Guide is friendly 5. A Guide is polite and considerate 6. A Guide cares for the earth and living things 7. A Guide is obedient 8. A Guide is brave and cheerful 9. A Guide is thrifty 10. A Guide respects herself and others SASA Cubs: The Cub gives in to the Old Wolf The Cub does not give in to himself Scouts: 1. A Scout’s honour is to be trusted 2. A Scout is loyal 3. A Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others

4. Scout 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other A Scout is courteous A Scout is a friend to animals A Scout obeys orders A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties A Scout is thrifty A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed

Membership is open to everyone irrespective of colour, class or creed. GGASA Teddies for the youngest members - girls 4½ to 7 years of age – learning to explore their world and grow in confidence Brownies - girls 7-10½ enjoy a wide range of exciting activities as individuals and in small groups while having fun! In addition to the advancement programme, girls can earn Interest Badges which encourage them to discover rewarding pastimes. Guides – girls 10 to 14 years of age are introduced to choice and decision making, within a patrol/group and individually. The advancement programme is supplemented by Proficiency Badges designed to encourage girls to broaden their abilities whilst gaining an understanding of their own communities as well as national and international co-operation. Rangers -14 to 25 years of age are introduced to choice and decision making, within a Committee system. They enjoy active involvement in community issues, self discovery and social interaction. The Ranger programme prepares the girl to take up positions of responsibility with her peers and challenges her to take her skills out into the wider world. Opportunities to participate in decision and policy making forums at all levels are encouraged and supported. SASA Cubs is the entry level branch for 7 ½ to 11 year old, is based upon a world of adventure, make-believe, storytelling, play-acting, and above all, games. It may be described as a coordinated harnessing of children’s activities into a progressive whole. Scouts – boys and girls 11 – 18. This programme endorses a Code Of Living which encompasses a spiritual dimension, seeking the value of life beyond the material world; a social dimension through participating in the development of society, respecting the dignity of others and the integrity of the natural world as well as promoting local, national and international peace, understanding and cooperation. The personal dimension develops personal responsibility and stimulates the desire for responsible self-expression. This is done though a progressive badge system, including Advancement Badges and Interest Badges. Rovers – young adults 18 to 35. Rovering is a natural follow-on to Scouting for young adults who are on the way to finding themselves and who are prepared to express themselves through service.

Arbor Primary School Wednesday 15h00 – 17h00 65 Van Rooyen Str, Rynfield Guides: Thursday 17h00 – 18h30 65 Van Rooyen Str, Rynfield Rangers: Monday 14h30 – 16h00 Various Thursday 14h30 – 16h00 Wordsworth High School, Farrarmere Friday 14h30 – 16h00 Willowmoore High School For more information, contact: benonigirlguides@gmail.com www.girlguides.org.za Facebook: Girl Guides South Africa For more information on Scouting on the East Rand, contact eastranddistrict@gmail.com http://www.scouting.org.za Facebook: South African Scout Association

The journey of a little girl into the Girl Guides lifestyle

In all branches, members proceed with chosen activities at their own pace in a non-competitive environment while doing their personal best and building self-confidence. They develop their own imagination and creativity and also learn to interact successfully as part of a group. Advancement Members of the branches of Guiding and Scouting work towards special badges which recognise achievement within a particular advancement programme.

Teddies: The Honey Pot Cubs: The Leaping Wolf Brownies: The Golden Hand Scouts: The Springbok Badge Guides: The Chief’s Challenge Rovers: The BP Award Rangers: The Protea Award The Outdoors An important ingredient of the programmes is contact with nature, traditionally gained through boating, camping and hiking activities. Living out-of-doors encourages self-sufficiency and determination and helps members discover the tranquillity and harmony of nature for themselves. An appreciation of the natural world is essential at a time when our environment is under threat and the environmental theme is strong in many Guiding and Scouting activities such as the Save Our Planet Challenge, Global Action Theme, African Scout Day, and National Cub Challenge. Adult Leaders Although Guiding and Scouting are youth Movements, encouraging self-development and teamwork, adult guidance is essential at all stages. For the youngest members, adult participation will mean supervision, for the older members a more experienced person to turn to for advice and mentoring. Volunteer adult leaders invest in the future of our youth by guiding them in both indoor and outdoor activities while they make new friends and have loads of FUN. Do you want to make sure our youth are really in the lead? This is where you come in - we want to hear from you! It's about commitment. It's about personal growth. It's about life – and it's GREAT

In Benoni, meetings are held: Teddies: Wednesday 15h00 – 16h30 Arbor Primary School Brownies: Wednesday 15h00 – 16h30

The journey of a little girl through the Girl Guides movement: It all started at the tender age of 9 with me standing in the court yard with my ‘I Love Brownies’ bag after my enrolment into the Girl Guides movement. This career started off the same as with every little girl, wanting to get as many badges as possible, and as quickly as possible. Going from silver hand to golden hand, and finally getting my golden link when I could move up to Guides to be one of ‘the big girls’. Here started all the adventures from camps, to hikes, to an amazing introduction to the outdoors, and as with Brownies you always wanted to be the little girl with the most interest badges. Some including the all famous Flower Arranger and the Animal Lover badges. Then finally moving onto the ultimate, Rangers. This is where my true passion came to the fore. Rangers offered me so many opportunities that I will treasure forever. Starting with the all famous Kontiki, where we were finally able to stay up late and make one of our awesome rafts. Other opportunities included the regional meetings where we were able to meet many influential people, attending the Patrol Leaders Training Unit (PLTU) and of course all of our awesome adventures. Finally after a long journey, I received the highest award for Rangers, the Protea. The Girl Guide movement has been a part of my life for so long that I honestly don’t know where I would be without it, and it has played a major part in moulding me into the young lady that I am today. The Girl Guides movement has also taught me a lot about myself, our environment, the world we live in, it has given me confidence, taught me kindness, given me an outgoing nature and strength of character, with these being just the cherries on top of the cake! I encourage you to get your children in the movement, whether it be Scouts or Girl Guides. I would welcome the opportunity if there is anything that I can do for you by taking the time out to share with you my journey. You will never regret the decision and I am very grateful that my parents gave me the opportunity. Catherine Watts