The Bulletin Newspaper - 15 February 2019

ISSUE 211 - FREE

15

FEBRUARY 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST

017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)

Oom Piet, a true inspiration Pieter Marais or rather “Oom Piet” as he is fondly known by all has been without a leg for a number of years.

Evander residents will know Oom Piet as the friendly guy in the wheelchair that is often moving about in the streets. Oom Piet moves backwards in his chair as his left arm cannot really propel the wheelchair as it should.

Oom Piet had an accident when he was working for a security firm and he fell into a big hole. He received very little help if none at all from the security firm that employed him at that point in time. They stopped paying his salary and one day just casually informed him that he was not working for the company and has not been working for them for a very long time.

The Bulletin has vowed to pursue the matter. He also did not receive any workman’s compensation for the loss

of his leg. The impact that this has made on his life was tremendous but still Oom Piet chose to make the best of it. He stayed in a small home build dwelling near Evander club for a while until the premises were sold. He built that dwelling with his own hands. Oom Piet had to supplement his income by selling sand and stone and anything else that he could lay his hands on.

He would sit flat on the ground while filling the heavy bags for customers.

The one thing that Oom Piet always wanted is to walk again. This yearning is now a reality. Oom Piet received a leg! The Bulletin received a call in January from a Doctor that said she lost Oom Piet’s number but kept the Bulletin’s article (Dated: 22 September 2017, Oom Piet oorstelp van vreugde) on file and thought that the Bulletin might still have contact with Oom

Piet. The Workman’s Compensation Commissioner approved a leg for him.

Wheels were set in motion and Oom Piet was told to dress up, the Bulletin wanted to surprise him with a nice lunch at one of the local restaurants.

His surprise turned to tears of joy as they entered the Medforum building and he saw Hannelie de Jager and Elmarie van Huyssteen waiting for him. In his true fashion he made a lot of noise as he entered Pieter Botha’s practice. He was shaking like a leaf in anticipation. “Look at my hands” said Oom Piet, “I can’t hold them still.”

The first two meetings were used to measure the part of the leg that was left and to make a mould of the stump.

Then came the big day, to fit the leg and walk his first steps in a number of years. On the way there he asked, “Can’t we rather leave it?” Oom Piet

was scared! It was D-day. Once the leg was fitted and the big moment came.

“Stand on your own,” said Pieter, “leave your crutches’” Oom Piet responded with “I’m scared!” The effort to walk was strenuous. Oom Piet persevered and gave the first steps. Everybody was crying. It took Oom Piet a long time to build up courage enough to leave the crutches but he finally did to take a few steps. Oom Piet was sent home with the leg to practice and will receive the final leg in a few weeks’ time. The road ahead is still full of obstacles as Oom Piet would need therapy for the leg and enough practice. One thing is for certain, Oom Piet will continue to be seen in Evander. He will continue to prove to people that a disability does not necessarily mean the end of the road and as he says it “YOU must make the best of it!”

NEWS

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Quick response by police leads to arrest of woman and three accomplices A quick response by members of the South African Police Service in Nelspruit as well as the White River Flying Squad led to the arrest of four suspects, a woman and three men on Monday, 11 February, around 08:30.

Police received a tip off of a business robbery in progress at a butchery in Bester Street. The members reacted swiftly cornering the suspects, aged between 26 and 33, inside the butchery. The suspects are reported to have stormed the butchery and held members of staff at gunpoint before packing some meat packages when the police surprised and arrested them. The suspects are facing business robbery and possession of three firearms without licences.

A police investigation is underway to determine whether the suspects are not involved in other villainous activities. The suspects will appear at the local magistrate’s court soon.

Meanwhile an operation carried out by members from various units from the station as well as the City of Mbombela Local Municipality’s Law Enforcement Officers on Friday, 8 February, led to the arrest of four suspects and recovery of some suspected stolen items as well as illicit goods.

Amongst the recovered property are TV sets, music systems, electrical appliances, cell phones, watches, gold necklaces, bolt cutters and many others. During the arrest, more than 90 Khat plants were also seized.

Attempts are afoot to determine and identify owners of the recovered stolen property. Among the arrested, is a 42-year-old man believed to be the receiver and mastermind behind the spate of burglaries at residential places as well as theft from and out of motor vehicle cases which have been plaguing the city in recent months. All the suspects aged between 36 and

42 are appearing at the same court.

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Mondli Zuma applauded the members for their swift response

15 February 2019 as well as the cooperation from the community. He said that the community needs to engrave and keep records of their invaluable property’s serial numbers.

Police looking for farm attackers

Crime snippets

Members of the South African Police Service in Witbank are looking for three unknown men who attacked a couple at the gate of their farm, apparently trying to hijack their vehicle on Friday, 8 February around 21:40. Information at police disposal revealed that the couple and their three children were in their vehicle, a Toyota Hilux bakkie, at the gate of their farm (Seekoeiwater farm), near the N4 highway. The victim, a 45 year old man, reportedly alighted from the vehicle to open the gate when suddenly the trio emerged from nowhere and one of them shot him in the thigh. His wife tried to get on the driver’s side of the vehicle but was also shot by the same suspect in the arm and back. She somehow managed to get her husband back in the car and they all drove away from the scene. The suspects also fled the scene on foot.

The couple was admitted to hospital where the woman who was highly pregnant, had to immediately give birth.

Police have opened two counts of attempted murder and attempted carjacking. An earnest appeal is made to anyone for information that may assist in tracing the villains to contact Warrant Officer Paulus Masango at 072 178 3028, or the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111.

Drownings on the increase The Bulletin reported on a number of drownings over the past 18 months.

The most recent was the incident where a young boy fell into the pool at the Sasol Club. The medics at Mediclinic Highveld managed to revive him after 20 minutes and rushed him to a specialised centre that deals with drownings in Gauteng. He, unfortunately, passed away a few days ago.

Drownings, however, often occur in our streams and dams. MEC Mashilo took note of the drownings and released the following press statement: MEC Mashilo cautions communities against the risk of drowning in rivers and dams. The MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, has called on communities not to risk their lives by swimming in rivers and dams.

This follows reported cases in which several people drowned in separate incidents whilst swimming in local rivers and dams between January and Mid-February this year. Mr Mashilo says these drowning cases are a serious cause for concern. “Our province is experiencing soaring hot temperatures and as such, our communities are enticed to swim in the local rivers and dams to cool

themselves off. Unfortunately, some do not find their way back after the swimming expedition. We call on all communities not to expose themselves to the danger of drowning,” Mr Mashilo cautioned.

COGTA is responsible for Disaster Management and has established a Disaster Toll Free number as one of the lifesaving measures. Mr Mashilo appealed to the communities to use the number to report drowning cases. “These drowning cases can be prevented through co-operation between our communities and our government. We call on our communities to call the 0800 202 507 toll free number to save lives. We also call on parents not to allow their children to swim without supervision,” Mr Mashilo said.

Issued by the Department of Cooperation and Traditional Affairs

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NEWS

15 February 2019

Search and Rescue: A behind the scenes look

An early morning for the SAPS boat and it’s team

When one hears about an angling competition at Loskop Dam, you think serenity, big fish, angling and time with friends. This is not the case for the men from Delta1 Rescue Diving and the SAPS Inland Water Wing. These men give up their free time to ensure the safety of the anglers and skippers on the dam. This past weekend and up until 14 February, it was the order of the day at an International event where teams from 17 countries including South Africa, are being hosted at Loskop Dam. To some it might sound a bit strange when the police have an Inland Water Wing, but with South Africa being water rich and having ample dams and rivers it should not come as a surprise. These brave men and one woman are not only policemen, but each specialises in their own field of expertise comprising K9 unit, dive medic, skipper of the boat and search and rescue divers. All this expertise combines into one unit, embodying professionalism, safety and teamwork. At any event these men and woman attend, they have the responsibility to ensure that there is no negligence, that safety and security rules and regulations are adhered to and that the boats competing are up to South African Maritime Law standards. Easy, you would think… A typical morning starts at around 04:00 am. It starts with ensuring that they have had enough rest, all equipment is checked for safety purposes on their boats and the skipper of each boat gives a safety briefing. There is also a diver on each boat with their

equipment at the ready. The team also does spot checks and routine inspections on the competing vessels, should it be necessary.

The two teams then launch their boats and start inspecting the dam to check that no boat goes where it is not supposed to and that the rules of the competition and South African Maritime Laws are abided by. With a team as well trained as this one and working together like a well-oiled machine, every member knows exactly what is expected of them and what their duties are. A diver? Why a diver at an angling competition? There are a few reasons for this: should a freak accident occur and someone falls unconscious into the water, the divers will immediately be able to save a life. The divers are also part of the safety measures for an event of this nature. The two divers from Delta1 Rescue Diving work hand in hand with the police in these situations. They are qualified search and rescue divers. The K9 unit members of the team do not have their dogs present as it is not a search and rescue operation, but they are qualified skippers and trained for any situation they should come across. Amongst the thorns is one rose: the only qualified woman officer trained in K9 rescue in Mpumalanga, also the first in South Africa. She is also one of their skippers and a force to be reckoned with. Seeing how this team stands together even though they do not work with each other on a day to day basis, their passion and love for what they

L to R: Brad Blake (Chaplain, Delta1 Rescue Diving), Andries Lee (Delta1 Rescue Diving), Leonardus van Vreden (Security, Loskopdam), Captain Grobler, Warrant Officer Terblanche, Reservist Captain Weller, Sergeant Nagel and Sergeant Harrington. Absent: Sergeant Meiring - van der Merwe and Blackie Swart (Delta1 Rescue Diving).

do is an inspiration to all. Their selfless sacrifice to help others is highly commendable and a true testament of their commitment.

I would like to thank Andries Lee from Delta1 Rescue Diving for inviting me to see and understand the intricate workings of this team.

To Captain Grobler I would like to say thank you for allowing me to learn from you and your team. – Ané Prinsloo

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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

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Ds Marius Britz Dis Sondagaand, en die kortbroekrubriekskrywer sit agter sy lessenaar en hamer en stut sy ronde kop om iets oor die lewe te skryf vir the Bulletin. Sy oë spring oor die titels van die baie boeke in sy boekrak. Daar is uitstekende rubriekskrywers onder hulle. Chris Barnard.

Hanlie Retief. Koos Kombuis. Max du Preez. Dana Snyman met sy meesterlike stories. Wat bly daar oor om te sê oor die lewe, wat nog nie geskryf is nie? Miskien, dink hy, moet hy skryf oor ESKOM, want die waarskuwing het vanoggend gekom dat daar weer landwyd beurtkrag gaan wees, en dat die krag in sy dorp sal afgaan vir twee en ‘n half ure.

Baie mense in ouetehuise sonder kragopwekkers wat afhanklik is van mediese apparate, mense in hoë misdaadgebiede wat in vrees leef omdat dit pikdonker gaan wees, vele winkels en restourante sonder kragopwekkers, gaan dit erg voel. Nee, daar is te veel al oor geskryf.

Of dalk moet hy iets sê oor die R1 miljard wat die Guptaboeties vooruitbetaal is vir steenkool vir Eskom, voordat hulle landuit gevlug het sonder om die steenkool te lewer. Gelukkig kan hulle darem nog ‘n beskeie weeklange huweliksonthaal in Dubai hou vir hulle kinders, teen die skamele bedrag van 100 miljoen Rand. So, daar is niks nuut in diè storie nie. Dalk, dink hy, kan hy ietsie skryf oor die politiek. Van waardige en statige rooioorpak-leiers wat polisiemanne klap omdat hulle na bewering Die Opperbevelvoerder wil vermoor. Oor dansende, vinger-in-die-lug-swaaiende potsierlike diktatortjies wat dreig en blaas en slegsê. Wat met groot klarigheid verklaar dat volksmoord tans nie op die boeke is nie, maar ‘n toekomsopsie bly.

Van politici wat in ure lange toesprake kiesers die son, maan en sterre beloof, terwyl hulle verswyg dat baie van

hulle volgelinge alle moontlike fondse om so Utopia te bereik, in miljarde rande se tweehonderdrand-note in Louis Vuitton-handsakke en Checkersplastieksakke weggedra het. Ook dat geskenke gekoop met staatsgeld, beesvleispakke van 200 kg, hordes skaapvleispakke, dose vol hoender, dose vol blouetiket whisky, bier en ander mengeldrankies, nuwe motors vir magtige staatsamptenare se kinders, veiligheidstelsels vir hulle huise en oorsese vakansies vir hulle en hul gesinne, sowat 30 % mense in hierdie land werkloos gelos het. Vêr verwyder van die hemel op aarde wat hulle belowe word voor die verkiesing.Nee, daar is ook te veel al hieroor geskryf.

Of miskien, bedink hy sy storie, moet hy skryf oor boere. Juis vanoggend was daar weer ‘n plaasmoord in Lutzville gewees.

Soos vele ander bykans elke dag waaroor nie eers meer berig word nie. En die knellende droogte in baie dele van die land, wat kommersiële boere breek, en hulle getalle minder en minder laat word. Boere wat soos Laurika Rauch se Mannetjies Roux-lied pleit: “O stuur ons tog net so ‘n bietjie reën!” Boere wat elke dag gedreig word dat hulle plase, wat beweer word gesteel is, met wetgewing afgevat gaan word.

Hulle wonder wat gaan word van die bankverband op hulle grond waarvan nog miljoene rande uitstaande is, hulle koöperasieskuld, en die baie plaaswerkers en hulle gesinne wat van hulle afhanklik is.

Of op ‘n positiewer noot, sal hy skryf oor die droogtehulp van R220 miljoen wat aan KwaZuluNatal toegeken is. Maar nee, hy kan nie, want ongelukkig het dit verdwyn en niemand weet waarheen nie. Nee, daar is ook te veel al hieroor geskryf. Sou dit gepas wees om iets te sê oor die ontstellende getal mense wat op paaie sterf in ongelukke, oral in die land?

Die N1 tussen Kranskop en Musina, en die uitgestrekte karoo tussen Laingsburg en Beaufort-Wes, die pad tussen Embalenhle en Graceland, of die N12 tussen Springs en Bethal?

Sou hy dalk iets kon skryf oor die taxi’s, waarvan sommige met

tot 30 mense oorlaai is? Of wat moedswillig aan die verkeerde kant van die pad ry en eenvoudig net toeter blaas sodat almal voor hulle moet padgee? Of sou hy dalk iets kon skryf oor treine wat in mekaar vasry oor menslike foute, of aan die brand gesteek word ten koste van miljoene rande, omdat pendelaars ongelukkig is oor iets? Nee, daar is ook te veel al hieroor geskryf.

Sou hy dalk iets kon skryf oor skole? Oor onderwysers wat pligsgetrou net hulle werk wil doen met entoesiasme en toewyding, maar dan op sosiale media, in nuusberigte gekruisig en verneder word omdat hulle onskuldig ‘n foto op WhatsApp plaas om bekommerde ouers te wys dat hulle kindertjies gelukkig is op die eerste dag in die skool. Of onderwysers wie se geduld met sommige ongedissiplineerde, arrogante belhamels tot die uiterste beproef word, en dan in ‘n oomblik van swakheid hulle humeur verloor?

WE SET THE TREND OTHERS FOLLOW

Of sou hy dalk skryf oor studente wat laggend en dansend universiteitsgeboue en biblioteke aan die brand steek omdat hulle gratis wil studeer, gratis wil reis en eet, en wil deurkom, ongeag hulle punte? Nee, daar is ook te veel al hieroor geskryf.

Miskien kan hy iets skryf oor die pompjoggie wat mense vriendelik met die hand groet, homself voorstel, en dan uitstekende diens met ‘n glimlag lewer, bande, olie en watervlakke nagaan, en vensters was. En groet met: “Veilig ry!” Of oor die motorwag wat sien hoe ‘n vrou haar beursie vol note verloor in ‘n parkeerarea, en agterna hardloop om dit vir haar te gee. Of oor die Xhosasprekende vrou by ‘n takkantoor van Binnelandse Sake wat ná sluitingstyd vier ure vrywillig oortyd werk, sonder vergoeding, omdat daar nog dertig mense in die ry is.

Hy besluit om maar nie hieroor te skryf nie, want niemand stel daarin belang nie.

Tannie Poppie se: Roompoffertjies 250 ml water 125 ml botter of margarien 250ml koekmeelblom 1 ml sout sowat 4 groot eiers 1. Voorverhit die oond tot 200 °C (400 °F).

2. Verhit die water in die kastrol.

Voeg die botter of margarien by en roer dit tot gesmelt het (dit moenie kook nie).

3. Sif die koekmeelblom en sout saam.

4. Roer die meelmengsel vinnig met ‘n houtlepel by die bottermengsel - tot die mengsel ‘n bal in die middel van die

Banking details: The Bulletin Absa RBB Commercial Secunda Branch code: 637256 Account number: 408 499 2285 Checque /Current account

COMMUNITY NEWS ORIGINAL ACCURATE FIRST

15 February 2019

Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee

kastrol vorm en nie meer aan die kante vaskleef nie.

5. Haal van die hitte af en laat effens afkoel.

6. Voeg die eiers een-een by.

7. Klits baie goed na elke byvoeging om ‘n deeg te vorm (dit moenie té slap wees nie).

8. Drup lepels vol deeg op ‘n gesmeerde bakplaat.

9. Bak 10 minute lank, verlaag die hitte dan tot 180 °C (350 °F) en bak nog 15 - 20 minute lank.

10. Haal uit die oond en druk dadelik ‘n gaatjie in elke poffertjie sodat stoom kan ontsnap.

11. Laat afkoel op draadrak.

15 February 2019

SPORT NEWS

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HESEC, we sell a Home that is Exclusive and Suitable for Every Client

PROPERTIES EIENDOMME

Annelize du Toit has big plans. This was quite evident when she spoke to the Bulletin on Friday. All the plans were not revealed and maybe good so. It is a case of “wait and see”.

Annelize struck me as a confident leader of her company as she sat behind her desk bubbling with enthusiasm about her company, the housing market and her future plans.

She firmly believes that it is a buyers’ market at the moment. “Houses take a little longer to sell,” she said, “there are more houses on offer and that will allow people to take their time when deciding.”

Annelize never planned on becoming a housing agent nor did she think that she would become the owner of her own company. “But God has his own plans,” said Annelize, “My mother, Etha Retief, ran a small business and knew a lot of people. One of the estate agents came to the shop, one thing led to another and my mom said that I should go and work for the agent. That’s how I became an agent in 2014.” Annelize

attributes a lot of her knowledge to this agent and is very thankful for the opportunity that she was afforded.

She bought HESEC in 2017. A few small changes were made such as changing the logo but nothing drastic changed. The company was built on the firm belief that everybody should be able to own a home. “We don’t concentrate on the expensive homes or middle class,” Annelize said, “we concentrate on giving excellent service and making sure that the house fulfils your needs. I want everybody in Secunda to own a home.” When asked about the market in eMbalenhle she smiled and said, “I have two agents just to service eMbalenhle and Kinross.”

When asked about the type of houses that are in the market, Annelize said that a lot of the older people are now retiring and those houses are also entering the market although they are old. “Everyone wants to stay in the green strip areas, but not everyone can afford it. Although some of those houses were sold at fairly low prices.

Ali Mashewula is the recipient of Secunda Mall’s School Fees competition

Ali is 13 years old and the third oldest of 8 children. Celiwe, Ali’s mother, told the Bulletin that it was very difficult with Ali when he was young. They didn’t understand him and enrolled him at the Marietjie School. The Marietjie School took Ali to several

doctors and they confirmed that Ali was deaf. The biggest problem that they all faced was to communicate with Ali. Celiwe attended some sign language classes at the Marietjie School. Ali is an inquisitive bright young boy that is eager to learn.

The family used to stay in Emzinoni but struggled with transport, so they relocated to eMbalenhle. Ali’s real father passed away when he was 4 years old. Celiwe told the Bulletin that she went to the state hospital for a hysterectomy but that it was unsuccessful. The youngest of her children is 5 months old. The Bulletin, in conjunction with Levhuwani Matumba from Ses’khona News, will investigate the possibilities for Ali to attend a school for the hearing impaired in Pretoria. The family is currently receiving a grant from the government for Ali’s disability.

My roots are in Secunda and I believe that I will still be here in 10 years’ time,” said Annelize. During this interview, it became clear that Annelize has big plans and that she is determined to expand her business into the first choice for everyone that enters the market.

NEWS

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15 February 2019

Revoningo Community Learning Centre Dumps Abet Class Of 2018/2019 Earlier during January 2018 the minister of Basic education Angie Motshekga came to Govan Mbeki local municipality to launch the second chance matric programme. This was the government’s initiative to eliminate the high volume of South African youth without matric (Grade 12). The minister was very impressed with the number of young people determined to finish matric from the second chance program. The Revoningo Community

Learning Centre was awarded a tender to help in the process. The problem started when the principal of the school, Mr. Mokone, took the registration forms to the circuit in Ermelo. He came back with a report to the students that he could not continue offering the services due to the fact that the Department of Basic Education has no funds. The learners were disturbed when the news broke.

Learners demanded that Mr Mokone

hand back their registration forms, which he refused to do, stating that the Department of Basic Education owns the centre a large sum of money. The learners suspect that the funds were misused. When the Provincial head of the community learning centre was contacted by the teachers and learners, they did not answer the phones and upon printing of the story they have not responded to emails sent to them.

The question still remains: “What is

going to happen to those learners who are supposed to rewrite their matric this year?“ The fact of the matter is that in order to rewrite the exam they must be registered with the Department of Basic Education and it was discovered from the teachers that the final day for registration was on 31 January 2019.

About 150 learners do not know what is going to happen to them.

- Sandile Mkhwanazi

A group of students waiting outside the Revoningo Community Learning Centre waiting for answers outside the gates of the Learning Centre.

Breakfast with SADFA

Saturday, 9 February, SADFA’s (South African Defence Force Association) Sector 1 Cosmos held their second project “Kolgans” for 2019 at the Kruik Café in Secunda. Sector 1 Cosmos decided to change the format of the normal get together and enjoy the monthly breakfast with your veteran brethren and their families for the rest of 2019, this variation was introduced during this breakfast with great success.

They invited Captain Lizzie Koekemoer, the Commander of the FCS (Family Violence and Child Protection Sexual Offences Unit) to inform the attendees on the dire situation with regards to these offences in the TEKSA (Trichardt, Evander, Kinross and Secunda) area. Captain Lizzie related to several incidents that occurred during the last few months, not at a distance from us but as the saying goes “on our doorstep”. One of those was the case of the alleged serial murder, kidnapper and rapist, which was reported in the Bulletin of 18 January 2019. The Bulletin will publish Captain Lizzie’s presentation in the next issue of the newspaper. - Aart Reedijk

SPORT

15 February 2019

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Lightning strikes kill one, injure two Photo: Jaco Roselt

Lightning struck early Monday morning, 11 February, on the road to Charlie 3 from eMbalenhle.

The workers from Libra were walking to work when lightning struck.

One person seemed to be struck directly and died on the scene, his chest badly burned. The other two were taken by Langamed to the Mine Hospital.

Sasol Road safety was very quick to respond and assisted Langamed.

The lightning struck the trio when there were large trees and high poles in the area.

The area around GMM has been known to receive lighting strikes.

On November 11, 2018, News 24 wrote: When a human gets exposed to a lightning strike, an external flashover occurs where the electrical current passes over the surface of the body. This can result in burns, mostly in the upper and lower body, specifically the head, shoulders and neck.

Lightning is a very real danger in this country and despite the general public knowing that it is dangerous, we don't really seem to grasp just how dangerous it is, ER24 said in a statement on Wednesday.

The emergency services provider issued the statement after a man was killed during a lightning storm in Sasolburg on Monday afternoon.

"If you are near a person that has been struck by lightning, immediately activate the emergency services.

Always do CPR. "If the person is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR. It is essential that CPR is started promptly as the electrical shock may interfere with the electrical current of the heart, causing it to stop beating properly."

ER24 said that severe electrical shocks, such as lightning strikes to the body, affect almost every organ and tissue and may cause extensive damage.

"Some of the after-effects of a lightning strike include cardiac and pulmonary arrest (no pulse and no breathing), usually temporary paralysis, temporary deafness and minor to severe burns."

If a person has been struck

by lightning they need to receive medical attention at an appropriate medical facility, ER24 said.

"With our beautiful late afternoon thunderstorms, it is almost a guarantee that they will be accompanied by beautiful lightning.

Thunder and lightning usually start some time before it starts to rain, so don't wait until the rain starts before you take action and get to an area of safety."

Stay indoors ER24 warned members of the public to make sure that they are indoors, with all doors and windows closed during lightning storms.

"Even though it is a beautiful show to watch, do not sit near the windows or doors, stay at least 2m away.

"Also, unplug all electronics, as lightning can strike power cables that are outside your home, and can travel into the electronic equipment via electricity cables.

Not only is there a danger of you being shocked if you are near the equipment when the lightning strikes, it may also become an expensive operation having to replace lightning damaged property."

People who are unable to make it into a safe building should get into a vehicle, making sure the windows are shut, the statement read.

"In the event that you are out in an open field and are unable to get to another area of safety, lie down or crouch on the ground until the storm has passed.

"Also, if you are playing any form of sport outdoors, insist that your friends accompany you indoors.

Do not stand under canopies, porches, picnic shelters or trees as they do not provide much protection from direct lightning strikes or an electrical 'splash' that may come from another object that has been hit.

At all times, indoors or out, avoid water (lakes, dams, rivers, water faucets, showers, baths) as water is a really good conductor of electricity."

A general good rule of thumb is to immediately make your way to safety when you hear the thunder and see the lightning, the statement concluded.

VACANCIES VAKATURES

SCHOOL

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15 February 2019

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Die volgende atlete het Saterdag, 9 Februarie, tydens die Gert Sibande Atletiekbyeenkoms te Secunda Stadion deurgedring na MUSSA wat plaasvind op 23 Februarie. Voor: Minay Campher, Ila Raath, Chris van Schalkwyk, Liam Olivier, Roxy-Lee Fick, Ryan Jacobs, Luan Greyling, Danankia Lesch, Elri Kruger. Middel: Danika Burger, Lerushka du Rand, Jessica van Rooyen, Henru Geyer, Micaela Berman, Ryan Erasmus, Chenél Badenhorst. Agter: Jamie-Lee van Rooyen, Brink la Grange, Stefan Bezuidenhout, Handré Griessel, Juliun Cosmo, Kayla

Kayla Hurter is gekies as die Redaktrise van De Goedekrant vir 2019.

To Advertise Call Mariëtte 083 476 2860

JC Pretorius, ‘n oudleerling van Laerskool Goedehoop trek nou die Springboktrui oor sy kop. Hy is deel van die Springbok Sewespan wat in Nieu-Zeeland gaan toer het vir die volgende rondte van die wêreldreeks.

15 February 2019

SPORT SCHOOL

Splinternuwe rugby akademie

by Laerskool Secunda Laerskool Secunda het 2019 met ʼn spoed afgeskop deur hul splinternuwe rugby akademie wat voortaan die jong wenner rugbyspelers van die skool sal bystaan met kondisionering, rugbyvaardighede, basiese rugbybeginsels en alles rondom rugby.

Mnr Riaan Myburgh, gesoute SA Rugby en Wêreld Rugby vlak 2 afrigter, sal in beheer wees van hierdie unieke inisiatief. Hierdie afrigting is privaat en sal in groepverband plaasvind. Hy sal ook, in samewerking met die bekwame afrigters van Laerskool Secunda, die verskillende spanne bystaan met vaardighede afrigting. ‘Rugby is my passie en dit is my doelwit om ʼn daadwerklike verskil te maak in elke

wenner rugbyspeler hier by Laerskool Secunda se rugbylewe’ het Mnr. Myburgh gesê.

‘Laerskool Secunda is bevoorreg om Mnr Riaan te verwelkom by die wenspan en sien uit daarna om te sien hoe die skool se rugby by hierdie afrigtingsakademie gaan baat. Dit is Laerskool Secunda se doelwit om gebalanseerde, goed afgerigde leerders te stuur na die plaaslike Hoërskole van die dorp’ het Mnr. Paul van den Berg, Verhoudings en Reklamebestuurder van Laerskool Secunda gesê.

Vir meer inligting oor die akademie, stuur gerus ʼn WhatsApp na 072 563 1419 of stuur ʼn e-pos na skakel@ secundalaer.co.za

Laerskool Secunda atlete het deurgedring na die Mussaatletiekkampioenskappe wat op Saterdag, 2 Maart, by die Secunda stadion sal plaasvind. Voor links na regs: Ruben Meister, Lu-Mari du Plessis, Schalk Brits, Matshidiso Makgato. Agter: links na regs: Claudia du Plessis, Karla Rossouw, Anemè Breytenbach.

Laerskool Kruinpark het hulle bydrae gelewer om ook water vir die Bethal gemeenskap in te samel. Baie dankie vir julle bydrae.

“OË BOONTOE - VASBERADE VORENTOE”

9

Paul van den Berg en Mnr Riaan Myburgh

Laerskool Secunda het die afgelope week meer as R4 000 vir die Hoërskool Driehoek-tragedie ingesamel met hulle Strikkieborsspeldprojek. Leerlinge kon pers en geel strikkies koop en dit dra om te wys dat Hoërskool Driehoek in hul gebede is. Foto: ‘n Paar van die graad een leerlinge wat hierdie week strikkieborspelde gedra het. Nathan Pretorius, Danieka de Kock, Kaysey Harrison, Owen Jevon, Luca van Heerden, Ewald Erasmus en Tianè van Blerk.

SPORT/SCHOOL

10

15 February 2019

Nico vd Berg skitter weer Nico van den Berg – Sasol Stoeiklub, Secunda beklee die eerste plek in die Senior Vrystyl 57-61 kg afdeling.

Die proewe was vir die kies van die Suid Afrikaanse Stoeispan na die Afrika Stoeikampioenskappe gedurende Maart in Tunisië.

Daar word gewag vir die aankondiging van die Suid Afrikaanse Stoeispan.

Sasol Stoeiklub is trots op Nico se prestasie.

Sasol Stoeiklub gaan op 16 Februarie deelneem aan die Oos Gauteng Ope Stoeikampionskappe te Benoni.

Mpumalanga U23 A-team finishes 2nd at the SA Speedball event Two U/23 teams represented Mpumalanga at this year's South African Speedball Championships held at Graceland on 9 February.

From the 14 teams representing 6 different provinces across the country, Mpumalanga A - team lost in the finals to Western Cape B - team with a mere 2 seconds. 3rd place belonged to the Western Cape A - team.

With the objective of the game being to pot all the balls on the table as fast as possible, it was the Western Cape A - team who completed the task in

tournament record time of 1 minute and 10.25 seconds.

Gauteng A - team won the Seniors event with Eastern Cape A - team ending 2nd and Freestate A - team 3rd.

The SA Blackball Championships will continue until 19 February with the Seniors, U/23 and Social teams playing.

The U/14, U/18, Women's, Men's, Masters and Grand Masters will play their respective SA Championships later this year at Umfolozi Casino.

Laduma! Sasol Soccer Social League on fire Every Tuesday and Thursday something exciting kicks off under the community’s noses… The Sasol Soccer Social League kicks off at 19h00.

This past week was no different when the teams went head to head to be on top of this season’s log. Last Tuesday, 5 February, three games took place at the Sasol Recreational Club on fields A, B and C. Sasol Celtic FC took Cranes and Rigging FC on and beat the Cranes and Rigging team by a whopping 15 – 0 on Pitch B. Laing City FC lost against T.R.M. FC by 1 goal to 2 on Pitch A and the top of the log team, EMT FC, beat Thata Zonke FC, from Evander, 2 – 1 on Pitch C.

Thursday, 7 February, proved another challenge for the teams playing against each other. Sasol Celtic FC proved their steel by beating Laing City FC 4 – 3, while Servest Blancos FC was on the losing side against TC Sporting. Buccaneers FC did not hold back against FC Polymers and scored 5 goals to 1.

The next week will see some more nail biting matches on all three pitches for the avid soccer fan out there to enjoy.

EMT FC is still on top of the log but will TC Sporting remove them from the top spot? There is only one way to find out… Go and support your favourite team! – Ané Prinsloo

Valentynspretdraf vir liefde Op Woensdagaand, 6 Februarie, het die gemeenskap, in die hitte van die aand, bymekaar gekom om deel te neem aan ‘n 10 km wedloop en ‘n 2 km pretdraf.

Die 2 km pretdraf is aangebied deur Laerskool Kruinpark en Laerskool Goedehoop, in venootskap met Stefanutti-Stocks en Sasol Marathon Klub. Mammas, pappas, kinders, grootouers, ooms en tannies en vriende het almal hulle kaartjies gekoop by die erskillende skole en dié pretdraf met

groot entoesiasme aangepak!

Skaars 10 minute na die wegspring, het die eerste pretdrawwers oor die eindstreep gehardloop. Die laaste paar honderd meter het almal die kleiner kinders wat deelgeneem het aangemoedig. Almal het met groot glimlagte en natuurlik sommiges uitasem, die wenstreep oor. Alle betrokkenes het die aand baie geniet en die deelnemers kan nie wag tot volgende jaar se pretdraf nie. – Ané Prinsloo

Renette en Karli de Beer

Eden Muller

SCHOOL

15 February 2019

11

Sasol Cricket shine on the cricket field

Saturday, 9 February A fantastic win by Sasol 2 Bulldogs.

Sasol 2 travelled to Ermelo to play Msukalikwa Warriors.

After being 108/8, the tail batted Sasol 2 out of trouble with number 9, Dodds van Zyl (40 not out), number 10, Ruhan Delport (36) and number 11, JP Austin (28), top scoring for Sasol and setting up a competitive score of 221 runs.

Sasol bowled the Warriors out for 144 runs, winning the match with 77 runs.

Ruhan Delport took 6 wickets after his handy knock with the bat.

Unfortunately, Sasol 3 and Sasol Kinross missed out on an opportunity to play in the Gert Sibande promo T20 finals after both teams lost their semifinals against Standerton and Bethal

Old Boys respectively. Good luck to Standerton and Bethal Old Boys with next weekend’s final.

Sunday, 10 February After Sasol 2’s win against Ermelo, Sasol 1 and the ladie’s team finished the weekend on a high.

Sasol 1 played Bethal Bears at Sasol.

Sasol scored 282/4. Dewald Erasmus was the top scorer for Sasol with an unbeaten 113 runs. George Louw scored 73 and Dylan Niemand, playing in his final match, scored a well worked 42. Sasol bowled Bethal out for 127 runs. Dylan Niemand took 3 wickets.

Sasol won the match with 155 runs.

Sasol 1 retained their title as the best in Gert Sibande with a game to spare.

The Ladies set the bar on Sunday

Pieter Wahl met sy perd

taking on Mkondo Super Eagles and Piet Retief respectively.

In the first match Sasol bowled the Super Eagles out for 62 runs.

Nicolien Janse van Rensburg shined with the ball taking 4 wickets for 19 runs in her 4 overs.

Sasol chased the scored down in only 4.1 overs winning the match with 10 wickets.

The second match Sasol Ladies scored a massive 261/2 in their 20 overs.

Nicolien scored 149 runs not out in just 74 balls. Captain Terry Lee Kleynhans scored 50.

Nicolien yet again shined with the ball taking another 4 wickets and bowling Piet Retief out for 50 runs. Sasol won the match with a massive 210 runs.

Gerrie van Staden op sy perd

Nicolien Janse van Rensburg

Ruiters wys hul staal Elmar Ruiterklub het Saterdag ‘n boeresportdag aangebied. Josua de Beer en Coreta Prinsloo was verantwoordelik vir die reëlings.

Daar was ruiters van 4 verskillende klubs rondom Secunda. Daar was selfs ruiters wat nie geaffilieer is met die klubs nie. Daar was 5 items vir die dag.

Die “Klasse” was ingedeel as beginners, oorgangsvlak en dan ook ervare ruiters. Al die items/speletjies gaan oor koördinasie van perd en ruiter. Die items was vol pret en het enigiets van sakresies met jou perd tot spring met die perd oor ‘n hindernis of om ‘n ballon op te blaas met “sherbert” in jou mond terwyl jy op die perd se rug sit. Die jongste ruiter was 6 jaar en die oudste was meer as 50 jaar oud. Daar was ‘n totaal van 21 ruiters.

Die doel was nie kompetisie tussen klubs of ruiters nie. Dit gaan oor pret met die perde en die opbou van die perdegemeenskap rondom die dorp.

15 FEBRUARY

2019

Bulletin

Sasol Rugby opener a tough game in Durban

Sasol 10 - College Rovers Durban 12 Sasol Rugby Club played their first game for 2019 in Durban on Saturday against College Rovers.

College Rovers ranked second in the 2017 competition. With the new fixtures, teams that qualified in 2018 play the Gold Cup in 2019.

Sasol fielded a strong team and led College Rovers 10 - 5 until final injury time when Sasol suffered a yellow card. College Rovers used the opportunity and scored near the posts, winning the game 12-10. The fixtures for the sixth edition of the Gold Cup — SA Rugby’s flagship national championship for non-university clubs — have been confirmed, with eight eagerly-awaited matches kicking off the popular tournament in cities and towns across the country on Saturday, 9 March. As part of wider changes to South African rugby’s competition landscape, this year’s event will revert to the pre-season time-slot that was a feature of the first three editions from 2013 - 2015.

A leaner 16-team, six-week format is expected to place a greater emphasis on strength versus strength, while the recent success of the past weekend’s #SuperHeroSunday event at Cape Town Stadium will be replicated at grassroots level with a number of double-header match days planned.

With defending champions DirectAxis False Bay having failed to qualify after

a semi-final loss to Durbanville-Bellville in the 2018 Western Province Super League, the 2019 Gold Cup will see a new champion crowned and looks set to be the most closely fought edition in years.

KZN champions College Rovers – finalists in 2013 and 2017 – will start the tournament as one of the favourites, while the presence of 2014 and 2016 Cup winners Newrak Rustenburg Impala (Leopards), 2015 champions Durbanville-Bellville (WP) and 2014 runners-up RotoTank Roodepoort (Golden Lions), amongst others, will ensure arguably the strongest field yet assembled.

Boland champions OneLogix United Bulk Villagers Worcester, established in 1883 and celebrating their 136th anniversary this year, have the honour of being the oldest club in this year’s Gold Cup. They will get their campaign underway at their Boland Park fortress against Northam Platinum Rhinos, the Limpopo mining club who celebrate their 25th-anniversary milestone this year.

Club rugby’s rich history and heritage are further illustrated by the fact that College Rovers will celebrate their 120th anniversary – having been formed during the Anglo Boer War in 1899 – while Roodepoort is 75 years old this year. A number of other teams are also household names in SA club rugby.

“Club rugby is a national treasure and it’s a testament to everyone involved at this level of the game, from dedicated administrators and players to diehard fans and loyal sponsors, that it remains vibrant and relevant despite ongoing challenges,” said SA Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux.

“Nowhere on the planet does amateur rugby attract the crowds that it does in South Africa, especially in the Western and Eastern Cape.

“Last year alone, iconic venues such as Outeniqua Park in George, Boland Stadium in Wellington and Esselen Park in Worcester sold out for big club matches, while more than 10,000 people crammed into the Bridgton Sports Ground in Oudtshoorn for a second year running to watch a televised Gold Cup qualifier as part of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.

“We expect similarly large crowds in the Gold Cup this year, none more so than at historic community venues such as Boland Park in Worcester, Rosemore Stadium in George, Reigerpark on the East Rand and Derrick Ferreira Stadium – better known as ‘Die Hok’ – in Uitenhage.

“Let’s also not forget that DurbanvilleBellville drew more than 5,000 people for a televised Gold Cup semifinal in 2016, while our broadcast partners, SuperSport, have televised club and provincial rugby from Impala Rugby Club in Rustenburg every year since

2015 thanks to its big crowds and vibrant, platteland atmosphere.”

“It is also encouraging to see the number of clubs in this year’s field that has managed to secure naming-rights sponsors,” he said.

“It shows that club rugby holds a certain appeal, especially at a local or community level, and it is here that sponsors are recognising the value of being associated with their local team, who are often supported by thousands of people in the area in which they do business.”

The seedings for the four pools are based, amongst other things, on teams’ final positions in the last Gold Cup. The top two teams from each pool will progress to the quarterfinals on the weekend of 30 March, with the remaining eight teams eliminated.

The Gold Cup final, as well as a playoff for third and fourth places, is scheduled for the weekend of 13/14 April. Fixture venues and kick-off times, including those of planned doubleheaders, will be confirmed in due course.

Sasol is in Pool B and has a very tough draw. They are playing against: Multisure Gardens (EP), Sasol Digi Mag Secunda (Pumas), College Rovers (Sharks), Phakisa Holdings East Rand United (wildcard, Falcons).

-SA Rugby -Encee van Huyssteen