Issue 206 - FREE
14
DECEMBER 2018
Community News. Original - accurate - first
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
Murdered for fuel Members of Delta1 Rescue Diving and GMM Fire department discussing ways of recovering the body
In a bizarre twist of fate Vukani Thulani Kubheka lost his life for no more than fuel. Thulani stopped next to the road near the old Bracken mine to rest. This was a big mistake unbeknownst to him. Five suspects that were traveling together in another vehicle stopped close to him as their car ran out of petrol. They allegedly approached his car and tried to open the door. Thulani was sound asleep and did not wake up when they tried to open his door. The suspects allegedly decided to break a window to get inside. As Thulani woke up they overpowered him and pushed him into the boot of his car.
The suspects allegedly towed their own car to eMbalenhle where they left it and continued to Emzinoni (near Bethal) to pick up one of their girlfriends. According to our sources they allegedly proceeded to the graveyard near Emzinoni where they killed Thulani by stabbing him. They also drove over him and threw a large rock on him. Thulani’s body was dumped in the nearby sewer dams. The suspects allegedly continued to use Thulani’s car and drove to Delmas with it. It was here that they were discovered and two were arrested. The suspects allegedly confirmed and
indicated the scenes to the police. The other suspects are still at large. The Bulletin visited the scene where the body was discovered and found it easily accessible and secluded. The Fire Department were called in to help Delta1 Rescue Diving recover the body. The body was in the early stages of decomposition and taken to the morgue for a post mortem investigation. Thulani was reported as missing on 2 December and discovered on 10 December. The Bulletin would like to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Thulani Kubheka.
Vukani Thulani Kubheka
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NEWS
14 December 2018
Taxi violence erupts! Taxi violence erupted on Tuesday when rival taxi factions clashed over a territory dispute. The Zamokuhle Taxi Association from Leslie recently obtained a court order allowing them to transport people from Secunda to Leandra. The court order was not accepted by Vukanini Taxi Association. On Tuesday, 4 December, Vukanini (Vukta) Taxi Association decided, in a show of force, that they are not in agreement with the order and blockaded streets in the Secunda CBD. Unfortunately, a taxi from the Zamokuhle Taxi Association was caught in the traffic jam and was set alight in the parking area across from the theatre. There was a large police presence but the violence did not escalate any further. The Taxi was totally destroyed in the fire. GMM Fire department extinguished the fire. The Bulletin received word that Vukanini Taxi Association will be moving to Leandra in confrontation. It also became apparent that Zamokuhle Taxi Association, in retaliation to Vukta’s burning of one of their taxi’s, wanted to burn a Vukta Taxi in Leslie. When the Bulletin arrived in Leandra, action had already been taken and a Vukta taxi had been set alight in the main street in front of the police station. Taxis from Vukta arrived a few minutes later and
everybody on the streets started to scatter to get out of the way. The taxis blocked off the main intersection just to move into Lebohang. In Lebohang they gathered for a few minutes before moving back to Secunda. In the mayhem a truck driver panicked and tried to move out of the way and damaged a Police vehicle. The Vukanini Taxi Association will strike on Tuesday, 11 December 2018, to voice their disapproval of the court order.
NEWS
14 December 2018
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The Graceland road under the spotlight The past few years have seen a drastic increase in accidents on the Secunda/ eMbalenhle road. This road is better known as the Graceland road. One area is particularly dangerous and is known as Boom 3. It is at the turnoff to the old goldmine. The volume of cars has increased to overflowing and it increases the risk and chances of accidents. Road users get frustrated by the slowmoving traffic and take chances when overtaking. Calls have been made on a number of platforms but to no avail. The IPD (Integrated Development Programme) of Govan Mbeki Municipality reflects the road but has been relegated to a lower priority. The population of Secunda and eMbalenhle has expanded tremendously and that is reflected in the number of vehicles on that particular road. It is against this background that DA District Councillor Thembha Mlotshwa tabled a motion to the district council to have the road upgraded.
“That road was built many years ago. During that time the population of both towns was minimal. Over the years the surrounding areas have blossomed massively and yet the roads infrastructure does not reflect this change. This road is inadequate to cater for the increase in volume of the vehicles using it on a daily basis” said Thembha before the meeting, “The DA is going to ask the GSDM to call on the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to help and develop this road into a highway or an equivalent, as a matter of high priority.” “The Democratic Alliance in Gert Sibande District Council, tabled a motion on 6 December 2018 to have the road between Secunda and Embalenhle upgraded to a highway. I am pleased to announce that the motion was carried and a third resolution was added that Govan Mbeki Municipality must add this proposal to their revised IDP.” Said Thembha, “Many people have died on that road and a lasting solution is
needed to address that problem. I can now only hope and pray that the powers that be take this matter up with the urgency it deserves.” The upgrade of the road will be a major factor in curbing the accident rate on that road. The Evander/ eMbalenhle road should also be considered as it is also a very dangerous road, especially at the Brendan Village turnoff. The number of accidents on the roads of GMM is unacceptably high. We will keep you updated as we continue to monitor the situation. Here is the full motion as tabled by Cll Mlotshwa MOTION TO GSDM COUNCIL The town of Secunda was formed in 1974, shortly after the construction of Sasol Two. And the town of Embalenhle was also formed on the South-western side of Secunda. During that era, the population of both towns was substantially less, compared to what it is now. The infrastructure was able to accommodate the people who
Drowning: A real danger A little boy (10) drowned on 7 December afternoon at Lebohang (Leandra). A group of friends swam in a quarry when the little boy struggled with his swimming. His friends decided to return home leaving him to fend for himself and did not report the incident to their parents. His younger brother also didn’t say anything. The story only surfaced when the family inquired about his whereabouts. The Police Inland Waterwing and Delta1 Rescue Diving searched for the little boy on Saturday 8 December and found him around 12:30 in 1, 5 meters of water. The rainy season is here and it could be expected that there will be more pools that the children will play in. It is also hot during summer and the pool is a popular place for kids to play around. The Bulletin recently reported about a little boy that fell into a pool and the quick response from both Secunda 911 and Secunda 911 assist 24/7. Follow the rules and better enjoy your time in and around the water. 1.Always swim with a buddy. 2.Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child. 3.Don’t assume that a child who knows how to swim isn’t at risk of drowning. 4.Know how to identify swimmers in need. 5.Learn CPR. Starting CPR immediately, rather than waiting for emergency personnel, can help reduce the chance of brain damage. 6.Children should never be in or around a pool alone. 7.If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count! 8.Avoid distractions when supervising children around water. Facebook can wait. 9.Check the water depth. If you can’t swim, it’s best to stay in the shallow water until you’re a more confident, stronger swimmer. 10.Don’t take risks. 11.Remind your children not to run near the pool. They may slip and fall, which could not only cause serious injuries but could also cause a fall into the water. 12.No diving in the shallow end of the pool. The American Red Cross recommends 9 feet as a minimum depth for diving or jumping. 13.Formal swimming lessons and water-safety skills training can start at a young age. 14.Never swim during a thunderstorm. Exit the water
immediately when you hear thunder. 15.As fun as it is to swim with friends or family, refrain from horseplay such as dunking, hanging on to someone or allowing them to hang on to you while in the water. 16.If you have a residential pool, install a pool fence. 17.When you’re at the beach, It’s a good idea to swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard. 18.When using water slides, always go feet first. 19.Teach kids not to drink the pool water. To prevent choking, never chew gum or eat while swimming, diving or playing in water. 20.Watch out for the dangerous “too’s” – Don’t get too tired, too cold, too far from safety, exposed to too much sun or do too
much strenuous activity. 21.Never push others into the pool. Keeping yourself and your kids safe makes swimming more fun. Follow the rules and better enjoy your time in and around the water.
were staying in these towns, mostly who were not permanent residents of the area. The sewer, electricity and other infrastructure was adequate to sustain such a populace. Further noting that these areas have doubled, if not quadrupled in size, and yet some of the infrastructure which was built then remained unchanged. Specifically, the road that links Embalenhle Township to Secunda Township, commonly called Embalenhle Road/Secunda Road or Graceland Road. That road was built in 1972 to link both towns, and 46 years later it is still the same. The traffic and other road users have increased a hundred times. Also, that the road is no longer adequate for the current traffic, and there have been accidents on this road, some were fatal. Which is causing government a lot of money. I therefore move that: 1. That this municipality, Gert Sibande District Municipality request the Mpumalanga Provincial government to upgrade this road to a highway or equivalent. 2. That GSDM include this upgrade into the IDP as a priority.
News
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So is die lewe
• 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845 Wie is ons / Who are we: Redaksie / Editorial 017 631 1903
Encee van Huyssteen 082 554 7589 encee@thebulletin.co.za admin@thebulletin.co.za Ané Prinsloo 082 576 8279 ane@thebulletin.co.za news@thebulletin.co.za
Bemarking / Advertising 017 631 1845 Mariëtte Prinsloo 083 476 2860 mariette@thebulletin.co.za Lizette Groenewald 076 138 8807 lizette@thebulletin.co.za
Produksie / Production Kerry Bird 017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 artwork@thebulletin.co.za
Finansies / Finances Elmarie van Huyssteen 017 634 8312 elmarie.vh@telkomsa.net Bulletin word deur Paarl Coldset Printers gedruk in Johannesburg. Bulletin is printed by Paarl Coldset Printers in Johannesburg
Distribution: We pride ourselves in delivering a Bulletin to businesses in Secunda, Trichardt, Evander and Bethal and Kriel. We also distribute additional copies to several points of business in Kinross and eMbalenhle. Should you have a delivery enquiry or complaint, send us an email containing your name, contact details and home address to admin@thebulletin. co.za. COPYRIGHT All rights of reproduction of all reports, photographs, drawings and other materials are hereby expressively reserved in terms of section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act No 96 of 1978 and any amendments thereof. Banking details: The Bulletin Absa RBB Commercial Secunda Branch code: 637256 Account number: 408 499 2285 Checque /Current account
COMMUNITY NEWS ORIGINAL ACCURATE FIRST WE SET THE TREND OTHERS FOLLOW
14 December 2018
Ds Marius Britz Deesdae sien jy dit oral: mense wat in restaurante, op partytjies, gradeplegtighede, skoolkonserte, waar ookal, hulle selfone uitpluk en hordes foto’s neem. Selfs kruideniersware word in die winkel afgeneem en dan huistoe gewatsapp om by mammie te hoor of dit die regte seeppoeier is. Alhoewel selfone die nuutste tegnologie is, is dit ‘n baie ou gebruik om vir mense te vertel van jou familie en vriende. Selfs die ou Jode het dit gedoen. Daarom wys Matteus heel aan die begin van sy evangelie die babatjie Jesus se familiealbum vir sy lesers. Daar is gewilde, algemene gesigte wat ons dwarsdeur die Bybel raakloop in die bloedfamilie van Jesus. Kyk, hier is Abraham, Dawid, Hiskia, sterk, forse voorvaders op wie mens trots sal kan wees, sê Matteus. Maar daar is ook ‘n paar kiekies van Jesus se voorgeslagte wat mens nie oor sou wou praat nie, veral nie voor die kinders nie. Goddelose konings wat verdrae gesluit het met die vyandige nasies en afgode aanbid het. En dan, die ondenkbare: foto’s van vrouens!. Dit was ongehoord, ‘n vrou is eenvoudig nie genoem nie. Maar Matteus wys hulle foto’s in Jesus se album. Tamar wat haar skoonpa verlei het, Ragab die prostituut, Rut, die Moabitiese vrou, Batseba, die vrou van Uria, wat nie eers op haar naam genoem word nie, en Maria, die ongetroude meisie wat swanger geword het. Skandevrouens in die lesers se oë! En dit is duidelik: Jesus se lewenshouding was totaal anders as die van gewone mense. Hy het ‘n gewone Joodse naam gehad, Hy het hom met gewone mense vereenselwig, soos tollenaars en prostitute. Hy het homself met gewone dinge besig gehou, soos om in die skrynwerkerswinkel ‘n ambag te loop. Maar hy was anders as alle mense. Soos ‘n koning het hy oor die vlaktes van
Palestina geloop en wondere gedoen. Met deernis het hy na sy naaste gekyk. Hy het een met die wêreld geword, sodat die wêreld een met hom kan word. Jesus het gekom vir mense soos Ammon en Ragab en Tamar, die verleidster. Jesus het gekom ter wille van mense soos jy en ek. Kersfees is die fees van gewone mense, mense met hulle vrese, maar ook mense met hulle vreugdes. ‘n Fees gevul met vrede wat alle verstand te bowe gaan. Daardie vrede loop op die voetpaadjies van jou alledaagse lewe, dit bring vir jou ‘n rustigheid. Jesus het vele mense aangeraak in sy 33 jaar met liefde, met wonderwerke, met deernis. Die een vir wie daar nêrens plek was in Betlehem toe hy gebore is nie. En vandag, tweeduisend jaar later, staan ons in die stippeltjie tyd wat God ons gegun het om te leef, en ons kyk deur Matteus se foto’s. Die kersverhaal het alles wat nodig is om ‘n groot verhaal te vertel: politieke intriges, konflik, afwagting, verraad, die drama van ‘n geboorte, vrees, en verbasing. Die een saak van die kersverhaal wat werklik by jou bly, is hoe eenvoudig dit werklik is. Die kersverhaal se grootste element is die betekenisloosheid rondom Christus se geboorte. Sommige mense mag protesteer teen die woord betekenisloosheid. Maar kyk hoe word oënskynlike betekenislose mense en plekke in die kersverhaal verander. Die groot wêreldstede was Rome en Sirië. Dit was die New York en Londen van daardie tyd. Wêreldheersers het daar gewoon, en politieke swaargewigte het daar saamgetrek. Niemand het veel omgegee vir Palestina nie, ‘n klein onbeduidende landjie met min inwoners wat weggesteek is iewers in die midde-ooste. En Jesus word hier gebore in die klein stadjie Betlehem wat slegs maar bekend was omdat dit ook die stad van die groot koning Dawid genoem is. In ‘n krip. Nie in ‘n hospitaal nie, ook nie in die kamer van ‘n bekende vroedvrou van daardie tyd nie, maar in ‘n voerbak in ‘n stal. God se ingrype het betekenislose plekke op die kaart geplaas. Maar nie net betekenislose plekke het verander nie. Gesiglose, eenvoudige mense het bekend
geraak regdeur die wêreld vir 2000 jaar alreeds toe God ingegryp het. Die belangrike mense van die tyd toe Christus gebore is, was Keiser Augustus en Sirenius. Hulle het opdragte gegee en wette gemaak. Maar God kies ander rolspelers vir die geboorte van sy Seun. Daar was ‘n arm, eenvoudige Joodse paartjie met die naam van Josef en Maria. Hulle was nie eers getroud nie. Onbekende en niksbeduidende mense. En mense soos Ragab en Tamar en Batseba. Hulle name is deur God verewig vir 2000 jaar alreeds. Naamlose skaapwagters in die oop veld. Klein, betekenislose mensies het skielik saak gemaak die dag toe God ingegryp het. Ek en jy ook. Kom ons deel in
hierdie feestyd kwistig God se gawes aan mekaar uit. Maak Hom vir wie daar nie plek in die gastehuise was nie, tuis in ons lewe. Kom ons vier Jesus se koms met gasvryheid, en gooi ons hart se deure vir mekaar oop en vul die mense naby aan ons se lewe met betekenis. Sê: Hier by my is daar skuiling teen die winde van die lewe. Kom staan hier by my, dat ek bietjie van jou seer op my kan laai, dat ek bietjie van my vreugde op jou kan laai, jou kan vul met liefde, jou bestaan betekenis kan gee. Maak hierdie jaar kersfees die fees van betekenis, om vir mekaar God se liefde te wys. Mag jou kersfees geseënd wees. En mag jy almal met wie jy in aanraking kom, se kersfees geseënd maak.
Tannie Poppie se: Variasiekoekies (lewer 96 koekies) My ouma het graag hierdie koekies gebak. Jy kan die basiese koekieresep gebruik om vier verskillende soorte koekies te maak: kaneel, suurlemoen, klapper en amandelkoekies. Basiese koekies 500 ml koekmeelblom 2 ml sout 125 g botter of margarien 125 g strooisuiker 5 ml vanieljegeursel 3-4 eiers, liggies geklits Variasies 10 ml kaneel 10 ml suurlemoenskil 125 ml klapper 125 ml fyngemaalde amandels 5 ml amandelgeursel Berei die basiese koekies 1. Voorverhit die oond tot 180 oC (350 oF). 2. Sif die koekmeelblom en sout saam. 3. Vryf die botter of margarien met jou vingerpunte in tot dit soos broodkrummels lyk. 4. Voeg die strooisuiker, vanieljegeursel en eiers by die meelmengsel. 5. Meng met ʼn vurk om ʼn stywe deeg te vorm. 6. Plaas die deeg op ʼn meelbestrooide werkoppervlakte en knie liggies tot goed gemeng. 7. Draai die deeg in kleefplastiek toe. Plaas 30 minute lank in die yskas. 8. Rol die deeg dun (3-5mm) uit, en sny vormpies uit. Plaas
Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee
op gesmeerde bakplate. 9. Bak 12-15 minute lank. 10. Haal uit die oond en laat afkoel op ʼn draadrak. Berei kanneelkoekies: 1. Sif die kaneel saam met die koekmeelblom en sout. Voeg die res van die resep soos beskryf. Berei die suurlemoenkoekies: 1. Rasper die suurlemoen by die meelmengsel, voeg die strooisuiker by en volg die res van die resep. Berei die klapperkoekies: 1. Voeg die klapper saam met die strooisuiker, vanieljegeursel en eiers by die meelmengsel. Volg die res van die resep soos beskryf. Berei amandelkoekies: 1. Voeg die amandels saam met die strooisuiker en eiers by die meelmengsel. 2. Vervang die vanieljegeursel met die amandelgeursel. Volg die res van die resep soos beskryf.
14 December 2018
The past few years saw a number of gender based murders in eMbalenhle. There were two this year and two last year. 2016 also saw a murder but the girl is still unidentified. All of these murders were conducted in the area around ext. 17, Embalenhle and members of the SAPS, NPA, supporting agencies and members of the public gathered at the Methodist Church, ext. 17, eMblalenhle, to lay flowers and stones at the scenes where the victims of gender-based violence were found. The Bulletin reported about two girls that were found in the area. One in May and one a few weeks ago. The day started at the Methodist church in ext. 17. A large group of
SPORT News
Murders retraced! people gathered. After prayers and a short sermon the residents were all issued with whistles. Residents are encouraged to carry the whistles with them at all times and to whistle three times very loudly if they are in trouble. This would alert nearby residents that something is wrong. It is a very effective way of alerting people and calling for help. The children present were also told about people touching them inappropriately and what to do as well as how to deal with strangers. As the group gathered around every scene where the bodies were dumped it became clear that the murderer new the area very well. It was very strange to retrace the steps to every scene. It
was extremely humbling and sad to think that where the crowd stood a young girl was dumped. Please take a moment to remember the four identified girls: Mihle Zinganto, Cynthia Masilela, Leranto Nkutha and Nokulunga Nkutha. Let their names be remembered as they died an untimely death. The initiative by all involved needs to be applauded. It is very special indeed. Some of the family members of the murdered girls also joined in the parade. A number of pastors from eMba prayed at each scene and for the people. Tracy from NPA explained that there is a task team that have been working these cases continually.
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“We will not rest until justice has been done.” Gender based violence is real and around us every day. It affects everybody and is especially severe for children. The following is an excerpt from a World Health Organisation publication: “Sexual abuse, including sexual assault or rape, of children and adolescents is a major global public health problem, a violation of human rights and has many health consequences in the short and long term. The physical, sexual, reproductive health and mental health consequences of such abuse are wide ranging and need to be addressed. Data from several settings show that children and adolescents are disproportionately represented among the cases of sexual abuse that are brought to the attention of healthcare providers. “ The community recently (The Bulletin dated 16 November) assaulted a young man that they believed to be involved in the murders. The police rescued him from the angry crowd and took him into custody for his own safety. The crowd burned down his house in anger. This was a setback for the investigation as crucial evidence could have been destroyed. The police is working very hard to solve the cases and anyone with information is requested to phone the child line at 08001111 or to contact eMbalenhle police.
News
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14 December 2018
The Viva Las Vegas annual tournament concluded on Thursday, 06 December 2018. The main prize - a trip to Las Vegas in the USA was won by Mr Mbusi Mkhize. Mr Mkhize plans to take his trip in March 2019. The runner up was Kayla van Rooyen who won herself an Experience Package at Emperors Palace valued at R10 000. She was quite excited to receive this prize and will be taking it up soon. (Photo) Duo Sapphire dancers with General Manager, Willem van Rooyen.
This is our last edition for 2018 Our next edition will be dated Friday, 11 January 2019. It feels strange to write next year’s date. It seems that the year just flew by too fast, but as reality dawns upon us, let us reflect on the past year and maybe say something of the year to come. 2018 has been a tremendous year for the Bulletin. We have grown to be the leading paper on social media in GMM! This is all due to the support that we have received from you, our readers.
The Govan Mbeki Municipal area has kept us busy with a number of issues. The ones that stand out the most are the horrific road accidents that happened on our roads as well as the burning of eMba Mall. The protest actions at the time of the burning of the mall presented huge challenges in reporting the facts as well as bringing the news fast and accurate. We have been inundated with readers that thanked us for the reports and it is heart-warming to think that we could make a difference
in people’s lives with our reporting. Thank you all for taking time to talk to us. Strangers have stopped us in the streets and shops, just to say a word of thanks or to give a lead or just to chat about an issue that they read in the Bulletin. Some of the stories that we reported on were controversial, some were heart wrenching and some were just gruesome. We have taken a decision that the Bulletin will bring you the news as we would like to see it and all indications are that it is what all our readers wanted. It has been quite difficult to report on some issues. Accidents in the middle of the winter (and night) with temperatures below zero degrees made typing very difficult and our spelling and tenses were ridiculed a number of times. It made us very aware that our reader base was expanding and that we should improve. We did and we owe it all too you. Please continue to leave comments on our Facebook page, Instagram account and to send us messages. 2019 will also see some new features on our web page that hopefully will cater for everybody. Please remember to visit it regularly to see the new features. We will not let the cat out of the bag yet. May we, as the Bulletin Family, take this opportunity to wish you all a very blessed Christmas. May those that travel, show caution and arrive home safely. But most of all, let us not forget why we celebrate Christmas.
The New Year will bring new challenges and we will meet them head on. We will continue to bring you news that is Original, Accurate and First.
Visit our website: www.thebulletin.co.za and like our Facebook page: The Bulletin, for more news, photos and video clips.
14 December 2018
Merry
Christmas
Encee van Huyssteen
Elmarie van Huyssteen
Kerry Bird
Mariëtte Prinsloo Ané Prinsloo Lizette Groenewaldt
Aart Reedijk
Jan Ferreira
Ds Marius Britz
Tannie Poppie Pieter Wahl
Merry
Christmas
O This is great for your aunt and uncle, or even your in-laws. They can use it as winter decor for years to come. So, you can mark that headache of finding the perfect gift for extended family off the holiday list.
Let’s not forget the true meaning of Christmas
ne of the most interesting things about this time of the year is that in the shops, the media and everywhere else so many people’s attentions are focused on happiness. People travel far and wide to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. There seems to be a build-up to Christmasday, and malls and shops play Christmas music endlessly. Maybe that first Christmas was something like what we see today! They had the angels singing, so the air was filled with Christmas music. They had the shepherds visiting, like local friends dropping by. And they had the wise men coming in from out of town; they did not make it in time for Christmas, but they got there for the same reason! Like when we go to visit family in other cities, and we are not there for Christmas, but we do show up around this time of year! But let’s not forget the real meaning of Christmas. Luke 2:20 records for us that after the shepherds had visited the baby, they returned! In fact, if you think about it, for almost everybody life got back to normal after that first Christmas day! The angels silenced their singing. The wise men made the long trip back home. And it seems like everybody forgot about that Holy night! So much so, that we do not even know for sure what day Christ was really born! The shepherds returned as did everybody else! When Christmas has passed this year, will you simply return to life as normal, perhaps praising God for the chance for a short
opportunity to celebrate Christmas, and return to your routine life none different than you were before? Or will you, like Mary and Joseph have your lives radically changed by Christmas? A person can never be the same after they have had a child born into their family! And when a baby is born, many people come to see the little child, visit the hospital, bring some flowers, or perhaps a small gift, and hug the little thing a second or two, but then go home. When we consider our visit with Christ this Christmas, will we go away more like those who stop by for a few minutes to see the baby and then go on with life as normal? Or will we be more like a parent, whose life is never again the same because of the birth of Christ? For Joseph and Mary, Christmas was more than a once a year celebration, It was a day by day reality! While everyone else went away from Bethlehem. The same is true with our relationship with Christ. Christmas is almost here, and what kind of crowd we all are? Are we like the shepherds, and the wise men, who came to see Jesus, but then returned to their own lives? Or are we like Mary and Joseph, for whom Christmas was only the beginning of a radical new way of life? Let us not only hand out Christmas presents but also take with us the presence of the Baby that was born in Bethlehem, back to our everyday lives. Peace, hope and love! A Merry Christmas to you, for 364 days of the year, besides Christmas, as well!
Merry
How to See the Real Meaning of Christmas
W
hen we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want to study, ponder and apply in this season of preparation? First, rejoice in the birth of our Saviour. We celebrate the birth of the Son of God, the Creator and our Messiah. We rejoice that the King of kings came to earth, was born in a manger and lived a perfect life. When Jesus was born, the joy in heaven was so great it could not be contained (see Luke 2:8–14). Second, ponder His influence in our lives today. Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude and of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and
recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honour Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts or parties. Third, look steadfastly for His coming. While the Christmas season is typically a time for looking back and celebrating the birth of our Lord, it seems to me that it should also be a time of looking to the future. Let us look forward. Let us prepare for that blessed day when He will come again. Let us be as wise as those ancients who watched for His coming. I pray that during this season and always, we will see the purity of the story of the Saviour’s birth and feel sincere gratitude for His life, teachings and saving sacrifice for us. May this gratitude cause us to renew our determination to follow Him? May it also lead us to draw closer to our family, our church and our fellowmen? And may we look steadfastly forward to that blessed day when the resurrected Christ will walk the earth again as our Lord, our King and our blessed Saviour. Dieter F. Uchtdorf
These snowman handprints are a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday cards. They are inexpensive, and they give the kids a chance to get more involved in the gifts they are giving.
Christmas
Merry The origin of Christmas
C
hristmas is a popular December holiday celebrated by large numbers of people all around the world. Christmas (or “the Mass of Christ”) has long been known as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the celebration first began to be observed in the early fourth century. However, some traditions associated with Christmas actually began as a part of Pagan culture; these were “Christianised” and given new meaning by the church. The exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown, as the Bible does not give specifics as to the dates of either His birth or conception. But in the second century AD, a Roman Christian historian named Sextus Julius Africanus, calculated Jesus’ birthdate to be December 25 (nine months after Jesus was conceived, according to Africanus). In spite of the assumptions made in Africanus’ line of thinking, the date of December 25 was widely accepted. At the time of Christ, Roman culture already celebrated a holiday in December: Saturnalia honoured the god Saturn and was celebrated from December 17 to about December 24. Later, the Romans began celebrating Sol Invictus or the “Unconquered Sun” associated with the winter solstice and observed on December 25. When Rome eventually instituted Christianity as the state religion in the fourth century, the Roman church converted Saturnalia and Sol Invictus to a Christian holiday,
the Feast of the Nativity, in order to commemorate Jesus’ birth, thus providing a spiritually positive alternative to a Pagan celebration. The sinful customs and debauchery associated with Saturnalia were “cleaned up” and some of the customs were absorbed into the celebration of Christmas. Christians have “redeemed” December 25 and have celebrated it as the birth of Christ ever since the fourth century. Given the association Christmas had with the ancient Pagan calendar, the question then becomes, “Since Christmas shares a date with a Pagan holiday, is it acceptable for Christians to celebrate it?” It is important to note that Christmas, Saturnalia, and Sol Invictus were all distinct holidays; they were never identical to each other. Also, although some elements of Christmas celebrations (e.g., bells, candles, holly and yule decorations) are mentioned in the history of Pagan worship, the use of such items in one’s home in no way indicates a return to Paganism. Christians simply celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Celebrating Christmas is a matter of conscience (Romans 14:5 NIV: One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.). https://www.gotquestions.org/ Christmas-origin.html
Christmas The traditional fruit Christmas cake recipe! INGREDIENTS 250g fruit cake mix 50g mixed citrus peel 50g halved red glace cherries 50g flaked almonds 100g butter 125ml orange juice 5ml brandy essence 100g brown sugar 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1/2 tsp mixed spice 1 extra large egg 1/4 cup sherry 1/4 cup milk 100g cake flour INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 180C and line a 15cm x 7cm deep cake tin with wax paper. In a large pot, combine the fruit cake mix, citrus peel, cherries, almonds,
butter, orange juice, brandy essence, sugar, bicarb and mixed spice. Mix together well and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, stirring continuously. 2. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. 3. Beat the egg with the sherry and milk and then fold the flour into the egg mixture. 4. Add the fruit mixture and mix well to combine. 5. Spoon into the cake tin and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the end of a metal or wooden skewer comes out clean when inserted into the middle of the cake. 6. Decorate as desired. (We used icing sugar, walnuts, pecan nuts and whole cherries to decorate)
SPORT NEWS
14 December 2018
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The "Stranger" Danger As scary as it may be, parents must talk to their children about people who might want to hurt them. The best way to protect your children from harm is to get them involved with their own protection. Parents must be extremely aware of the dangers of possible paedophile predators. Typical signs may be: someone who seems too good to be true, someone who goes out of his way to help your family and especially the children. Someone who knows too much of your children's departures and arrivals. The individual who knows everything about children but have no children themselves. You should know and be aware of whom and which adults may have contact with your child. Have a discussion with your children as soon as possible about the "Stranger Danger" as soon as they can understand. Children 3-5 years old are already susceptible to the identification of
Janelle Huis word bederf Saterdag, 8 Desember, is die kinders van Janel Huis lekker bederf by Fortis Hotel in Evander. Buite by die swembad was daar ‘n braai vir middagete en die springkasteel is oorval deur die kinders wat hulle ortollige energie daarop kon uitput. Met giggels en skaterlag in die lug het die weer ook gedraai en die wind gaan lê. Die kinders kon lekker speel en Kersvader het ook kom kuier! Elke kind het ‘n rugsak gekry met skryfbehoeftes, seep, haarborsel en ander benodighede, inkleur boek en potlode en nog meer. Die borge het ook ‘n groot televisie geskenk aan die huis. Baie dankie aan die volgende borge: Jan Grobler van Luger, Frans van der Berg van Parklifting, Anne Botha en Elmarie Scullard van Nissan NTT en Zanel Berg van Fortis Hotel in Evander. – Ané Prinsloo
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the dangers, especially when children commence to interact with the world around them. Remember a child trusts unconditionally, and can therefore be an easy victim to the "friendly uncle or aunty!” Make sure your children realise and believe that you love them, no matter what happens. Remind them time and time again that they can tell you anything and everything and you will still love them with your whole heart and soul. Do not be afraid to talk to your children regarding the lurking dangers. Talk to them in their age-appropriate language and give them instructions on what to do. They will feel empowered and feel good by knowing how to protect themselves. Children must know that they have the right to say NO, to scream, or to ask for help. This may be a contradiction with regard to “respect for their elders”, but
if they feel threatened, they have the permission to respond to it with the necessary words, screams, or to run away to a public place. And they need to know they will not get into trouble if they might be wrong. Let them know that NO ONE ever has the right to hurt them. Teach your child to call you when a stranger comes to the door and there are no other adults around. Make sure your children know what acceptable behaviour is and what the limits to such conduct are. Make sure they understand that there are private areas of their bodies that nobody else can or may touch. Also identify the areas to your children so that there is no misunderstanding regarding the clarity of such zones. Practice your child's response to danger. If he or she does not exercise the retort to danger, your child will not know what to do. For your child to cry for help may not
be enough. In the face of danger, a child can forget, therefore, exercise through role play, and explain what your child should do in threatening situations. Remind your children that the dangerous uncle or auntie does not necessarily look dangerous. A dangerous person may look like the person next door, a friendly shop owner, or even someone they know intimately, a family member? Do not put your heads in the sand like the ostrich and make yourselves believe that it is a whole lot of nothing. It will not happen to my children! As parents, you have the ultimate given task to protect your child and other children. Remember that they are borrowed to you for safe keeping from the ugly society we live in. Keep in mind, the "Stranger Danger" is a reality. Act now before your child becomes a victim of the ever increasing statistics, by then the twilight has dawned.
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14 December 2018
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Silwerjare geniet Kersfunksie Op Donderdag, 6 Desember, het Silwerjare Tuiste vir Bejaardes hulle Kersfunksie gehou en die wenner van ‘n skildery wat uitgeloot is, is bekend gemaak. Die oggend was vrolik en die saal was ‘n see van glimlagte, geluk en vrolikheid. Die oggend is ingelui met gebed en ‘n paar woorde deur die dominee en nadat die formaliteite verby is, het die feesvieringe begin. Die eerste groep bejaardes wat opgetree het was meeste van die bedlêende, blind en terminale bejaardes, maar die gehoor is mooi vertel dat dié skete en kwale hulle glad nie terughou nie en dat mens
elke dag hoor hoe daar gesing word in hulle saal. Hulle het ingekom met groot glimlagte op hulle gesigte en toe hulle besef hoeveel mense daar in die gehoor is om na hulle te luister, het sommige van hulle skaam begin lag soos stout kinders. Hulle het twee liedjies gesing vir die gehoor. Die eerste een was “Wie wil saam gaan na die Here toe” en daarna het hulle ‘n Engelse liedjie genaamd “Walk in the light” gesing. Van die personeel wat na hulle omsien, het saam met hulle gesing. Die gehoor was baie verbaas om die harmonieuse stemme te hoor wat die hele lokaal gevul het met vreugde.
Daarna is die personeel van Silwerjare bedank en het die personeel die “verhoog” oorgeneem om die gehoor te vermaak. ‘n 1… ‘n 2…. (vingers begin klap) en drie! Die dames begin sing en die hele gehoor word stil. Die melodie raak elke person in die gehoor en die agt vrouens sing uit hulle harte en volle bors “Praise the Lord”. Hulle wieg saam met die melodie van die liedjie en klap hande op die ritme en die gehoor voel hulle passie deur die liedjie. Hulle sing ‘n volgende liedjie, Zulu en Engels, en die gehoor geniet dit net so. Die dag was ‘n groot sukses en almal het dit baie geniet. – Ané Prinsloo
SADFA hosts last breakfast for 2018 The South African Defence Force Association’s Sector 1 Cosmos, based in Secunda concluded its 2018 projects with the last, for 2018, regular monthly held breakfasts at the Kruik Café on Saturday. The get-together was opened in the customary tradition with Scripture reading and prayer. Henry Buÿs, the chairperson, presented to those in attendance, a short account of the successes and the not so successful of the year passed. “Significant was the joy, we as an organisation, supported by several donors, we could bring to the children accommodated in the hostel at Trichardt Primary School and the Janelle House in Evander”. “Several more
beneficiations contributed to the upliftment and joy of others in need.'' “The “two comma four” held at Lake Umuzi was certainly one more highlight of the projects undertaken during 2018,” Henry said.
Sector 1 Cosmos wishes all the donors, members and the public that made a contribution during 2018 towards the joy of those less fortunate, a truly Christ feast and a blessed 2019.
14 December 2018
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Suicide: The unseen reality of the festive season ‘Tis the blessed season of joy and happiness. The season of giving and not expecting anything in return. It is Christmas time… but yet in this joyous time, the suicide rate sky rockets. The pressure of getting the perfect gifts for your loved ones or your children is immense. If your child does not get the latest iPhone, PlayStation or laptop what would their peers think of them? One forgets that not everyone can afford the expensive luxuries in life and having to keep up with the Joneses can be very stressful. Unfortunately, that is what the world has come to: aesthetics and unnecessary luxuries. The complete opposite of what Christmas is about: family. In recent statistics, released by SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group), it has been revealed that as many as one in six people in South Africa suffer from depression, substance abuse problems or anxiety. This excludes the bigger mental health problems like schizophrenia, bipolarity etc. So why is it that people do not talk about their problems and keep it to themselves? A well-known fact is that, as South Africans, at one point or another, you have been told “Man up!”. As a society we ignore these problems until it is too late and then there is always the “I should’ve been there” or
“I could’ve helped had I known.” The truth is that as a society we do know and we do see, but yet we turn a blind eye. Hand in hand with the statistics released by SADAG are the statistics of suicide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), South Africa is ranked sixth in the world when it comes to suicide and first in Africa. The shocking realisation that approximately 800 000 people take their own lives every year with the average age being between 15 – 29, should be a wakeup call to all. Also, to think that 11.6 out of 100,000 people in South Africa attempt suicide is very disconcerting. In Secunda in the past week there have been six suicide attempts since Saturday, 1 December, according to an anonymous source. Out of the six attempts none have been successful because of the quick response of the emergency services. Another anonymous emergency response worker said the following: “Most people see suicide as the only option left. They feel that their family wants nothing to do with them and the easy way out would be suicide. Most, if not all of the suicide attempts that I attend are also drug related. It all depends then what has been used. If it is a scheduled medication it should be treated as soon as possible, normally
within the first hour. It is also critical for the emergency response team to know whether or not the patient has medical aid or not. This is normally told to us by a family member or friend. This lets us know where to transfer the patient e.g. private or public institutions. Attempted suicide patients then get put on a 72 hour hold for suicide watch.” When the fear of not being able to cope with one’s personal life becomes unbearable and one feels that there is no way out, remember, there is always a choice! Those people who are left
behind will never understand the reasons and also wonder what could have led up to the point where the only way out is taking your life. There are many helplines and people that can assist with whom one can speak to without anyone knowing. The biggest gift anyone has is life itself. Make the right choice.– Ané Prinsloo Sources: https://www.who.int/ countries/zaf/en/ https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/ counselling/mental-health-south-africa/ http://www.sadag.org/
Media treated by Sasol The media was in for a big surprise on Friday, 7 December, when Sasol hosted a media engagement session at the Sasol Recreation Club Guesthouse. The media was entertained by Mabuto from Sasol Biodiversity educating the media about the environment and how many species of animals live amongst us that we are not aware of. He also spoke about the different ecosystems and how each one depends on the other. After the presentation everyone got into a bus and the adventure into Sasol’s game camp started. The camp is 800 hectares with various species of antelope, a breeding pair of Secretarybirds and two rhinos. Some of the antelope include: Oryx, Springbok, Red hartebeest and Sable. The two rhinos are extremely tame and walked up to the bus and seemed as if they wanted to join everyone inside the bus!
During the game drive Mabuto was constantly explaining to the media about the different ecosystems too. He also informed the media about trapping and putting a GPS collar on the animals to track the animal’s movements and the locations they roam. The day ended with an amazing meal at the Guesthouse at Sasol Recreation Club. Everyone enjoyed it and had a spectacular time! – Ané Prinsloo
The Suicide Tree by unknown artist
Supa Quick Secunda het onlangs vir Hoërskool Secunda nuwe veld handelsmerke geborg vir albei die skool se rugbyvelde asook nuwe dryf- en paksakke vir die rugbyspanne. Hier is Adrian Leahy (Eienaar van Supa Quick Secunda) en Paul vd Berg (Direkteur: Bemarking & PR, Hoërskool Secunda).
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14 December 2018
Step up 2 a start up 2018: Young entrepeneurs competition Congratulations to Mmamokgele Mphokane and Caitlin Murray from Hoërskool Secunda for achieving overall third position in South Africa at this prestigious entrepreneurship competition sponsored by Primestar Marketing (formerly known as Primedia). They were among thousands that entered for this competition and were the only participants selected from Mpumalanga. They have both won the following prizes: 1. R 15 000 each. 2. A bursary to study any BA or Bsc degree at Richfield college once they have finished Gr 12. 3. An incubator (funding opportunity) programme for their business idea from Raizcorp. 4. A business development and marketing support programme from The Small Enterprise Development Agency.
Afrikaanse Ekspo bevestig Oosterland se hoë akademiese standaard! Tydens die jaarlikse Afrikaans Ekspo het Oosterland 18 toekennings ontvang vir Afrikaanse bydraes ingedien. Die leerders kon opstelle met verskillende temas, prosa en poësie indien. Die Gr 12 leerders het skoonskip gemaak – almal het goue toekennings verwerf, 7 daarvan met ‘n persentasie bo 90%. Vanaf Gr 8-12 is daar in totaal 2 brons, 4 silwer en 12 goue medaljes verower. Nadine Jansen van Vuuren (Gr 10) spog met ‘n pragprestasie van 98% - goue medalje vir haar beredenerende opstel: “Behoort universiteite in Afrikaans te doseer?” Mev Denien Ferguson, Afrikaanse onderwyseres, was uiters trots op die hoogstaande gehalte van werk wat ingehandig is en sê dat die leerders se uitstekende gebruik van die taal bewys dat jongmense by Oosterland nog nie Afrikaans afgesterf het nie, maar ‘n liefde daarvoor aanleer!
Jaco van der Westhuizen: Gr 12: 92%, 92% en 76%
Carla Purves Gr 12: 92% & 86%
Dano Sadie Gr 11: 92%
Nadine Jansen van Vuuren Gr 10: 98%
Brian Marais Gr 12: 92%
Elané Kruger Gr 12: 92%
Johanne van Niekerk: Gr 12: 90%
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14 December 2018
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Champion year for Jacobus Le Roux 2018, the year Jacobus Le Roux has claimed 3 more cue sport titles. Hendry Erasmus co-owner of Panda’s Cue Sport said that Jacobus has won over 30 Mpumalanga titles over the past 25 years. From Snooker, 10 Ball, 9 Ball, 8 Ball, Doubles Eight Ball, Eight Ball, Chinese 8 Ball and Blackball titles. Jacobus Le Roux (40) has won 3 titles in the 2018 Season. He won the Snooker Puma Cup by beating Hendry Erasmus (Panda’s) in the final 4-1. He then went on to play in the Chinese 8 Ball Championships. He dominated the event and beat local Mandi Mente (Panda’s) in the final 7-6. Jacobus Le Roux played on the 5 December 2018 in the final of the 9 Ball Puma Cup, again his opponent was Mandi Mente (Panda’s). This time Jacobus Le Roux beat him convincingly 7-2.Hendry Erasmus said: “Panda’s Cue Sport dominated Mpumalanga Cue Sport in 2018, with the type of performances athletes like Jacobus Le Roux and Mandi Mente have accomplished in 2018, we could only expect more titles in 2019.” Hendry said that the new VIP room at the New Panda’s Cue Sport complex will be named after Jacobus Le Roux. Jacobus have spent hours and hours over the years in cue sport and this will be a small token of appreciation “The Jacobus Le Roux VIP Room”. Jacobus represented
South Africa at the World Eight Ball Championships over the years and represented TEAM SA at the World Cup of Pool earlier this year. Hendry Erasmus and Timothy Vermeulen will open the doors of the largest cue sport venue in Africa. Hendry said “the school’s program will benefit the youth of Govan Mbeki and Mpumalanga.” With the launch of a bursary for athletes who participate in the Panda’s Cue Academy program. Details to follow in January. For any Cue Sport enquiries please contact Hendry Erasmus 083 280 4712.
Congratulations to Zanele Priscilla Nkosi. She won a Red Nissan NP200 in the OK “Win a Bakkie” competition! With her is Carlos de Gouveia of OK Grocer in Bethal.
14 DECEMBER
2018
Bulletin
From left: Stefan “The Bezerker” Diedericks, Paul “Piksteel” Ronge, Cedric “The Dominator” Doyle, Vince “His Majesty” Nkosi and Smit “Malboer” Steyn
Dominator’s Den struck but not down Friday, 7 December, the day all MMA fighters had been waiting for arrived and everyone was mentally and physically prepared. Everyone was getting ready for the big event of the night: Fightstar 37. Alas the time had come but wait… The cage the fighters had to fight in had not yet arrived! Unfortunately, the cage equipment was held up at customs. This little setback did not deter any of the fighters or the organisers. It was agreed that the battles would commence the next morning, Saturday, 8 December, at 09:00. When the first ever Brave Combat Federation kicked off, the fighters from Secunda’s Dominator’s Den did nothing but impress in the first ever international MMA event in South Africa. They went to represent not only themselves, but also Secunda and they did brilliantly! The bouts kicked off and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation as each of the fighters entered the cage. They were ready to
rumble and show off their steel, skill and training. They had been preparing for this for a long time. Stefan “The Bezerker” Diedericks kicked off for the Secunda boys in a three-round war with Christopher Matukane. In these three rounds Stefan dominated and came out victorious! The bar was set and Stefan achieved what he had set out to do. Vince “His Majesty” Nkosi graced Chukwuma Okoli with his presence in the cage and stood his ground, but through a unanimous decision once again by the judges, Chukwuma was the victor in this three-round bout. Smit “Malboer” Steyn was hard on his opponent, Peace Nguphane. With a split decision from the judges, Peace walked out victorious. Even though Peace won the bout, Smit did not make it easy for him. The international cards were next and Paul “Piksteel” Ronge stepped into the cage first. Paul fought out of his weight division taking on a huge Francois “The Business” Meyer.
The strength advantage Francois had was clear but that did not deter Paul, nor did it intimidate him at any point. Paul fought bravely but succumbed to an Anaconda choke in the first round. Paul might not have been victorious but he kept his title as Featherweight Champion and is looking forward to defending this title early next year. Cedric “The Dominator” Doyle did exactly what his name says… Dominated! Gareth Buirski was struck down and kicked down, but unfortunately Cedric received a shocker of a left hook on the chin and shot into him reactively to take down his opponent. Before he could react, he Stefan “The Bezerker” Diedericks in the cage with Christopher Matukane.
found himself in a guillotine choke and was forced to tap or say good night. Cedric said: “I feel that there was a protective hand over all of us that day and night. What happened, happened and was destined to happen. These losses normally pull a team apart, but we came back stronger and closer than ever. We shall bounce back from this! We would like to thank the whole of Secunda who backed us and never stopped believing in us! We take our losses on the chin like champs and do not shy away from defeat!!! This is an unforgiving sport and the smallest mistake can cost you dearly.” – Ané Prinsloo