Issue 180 - FREE
15 JUNE 2018
Community News. Original - accurate - first
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
eMbalenhle protest against poor service delivery Resentment of Govan Mbeki Municipality’s (GMM) service delivery programme is growing by the day. The Bulletin reported on the 11th of May about the 9 ANC councillors that were unhappy with the level of services rendered by GMM. The next edition saw the campaign by Afghanistan (Kinross) residents to oust Rose Nkabinde because of the lack of services in the township. In the 1 June edition, there were reports of water pushing up into houses in Lebohang. Sewer spillages are a daily occurrence in the whole GMM area. The 18 May edition also reported on protestors
arriving at GMM with buckets of sewage. They wanted to dump this in the municipal offices. Protest actions have grown in frequency and intensity. Very early on Monday morning, an alleged protestor was killed when he and a few friends allegedly tried to torch a truck. The truck didn’t stop and drove over one of the alleged protestors, killing him instantly. Monday’s protest was peaceful up to the time of writing this article. A lot of the burning at intersections was done by small school children. When the Bulletin arrived in
eMbalenhle, it was evident that the young children saw the burning of tyres as a game of cat and mouse with the police. The organisers of the protest were adamant that the protest remain peaceful. Some church leaders also joined in the protest. There seemed to be some confusion from the police as to what the next step in the protestors arsenal was. The law enforcement agencies believed that the march would continue towards Secunda. Police and traffic officers were at their posts all the way to Secunda. Cllr Douglas Mahlangu said that the
protest was regarding service delivery in the townships. “As we speak, there is no electricity in eMbalenhle,” said Douglas. “Even yesterday there was no electricity” They complained about sewage in the houses, water shortages and other service delivery issues. Pastor Mgwebane said that they, as pastors, were there to ensure that the protest stayed peaceful and no blood would be shed. They believed that God would protect them. Mahlangu vowed to continue the fight until their service delivery issues were addressed.
NEWS
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15 June 2018
Murder mysteries
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The chilling case of a little girl who went missing and was found dead three days later grows increasingly agitating for her family. Rato Nkutha, who reportedly went to a nearby store and never returned, was only 11 years old when she was found a street away from her neighbourhood with a swollen forehead and her bottom lip missing. Two years before Rato’s death, her cousin, Nokulunga, who was also 11 years old, was found murdered in the middle of the street at about 5am. Both these cases, and a few more of a similar fashion, have raised grief and disappointment in the hearts of the communities involved. It is a recurring question then, whether the police of eMbalenhle are doing enough to bring justice to the forefront of these cases. Bongani Nkutha, the father of Nokulunga, explained that over the past two years, he has learned of four different cases in which young girls have been murdered and left to be found in ward 17 of eMbalenhle. After Nokulunga’s tragic death in 2016, two others, aged between 16 and 18, have been killed, and most recently, Rato was found. A 2017 Crime Stats SA report showed that eMbalenhle was the worst ‘murder precinct’ in Mpumalanga, with 85 murders reported that year. eMbalenhle was also cited as the third worst precinct for attempted murder (41 reported cases), the third worst for assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm (375 reported cases) and the second worst for rape (112 reported cases). The community’s concern is therefore strongly warranted, and their hope in the police dwindles by the day. Recounting the events surrounding his own daughter’s death, Bongani Nkutha said that “she changed into her play
clothes at her grandmother’s house after school. She went to play with her friends as usual and never returned. When I came home from work around 5pm, I asked her brother where she was; he didn’t know.” Nkutha said he and Gugu Mthembu, Nokulunga’s mother, went to the police station to report her missing around 9pm that night, and was told to wait 24 hours and then come back the following morning. “Constable Mabuza said that there were some forms we had to fill in and they didn’t have them at the time and they would only be available in the morning,” said Mthembu, Nokulunga’s mother. “We were so angered because by the next morning, a neighbour on her way to work came across our daughter’s body in the street,” she said. “We called the eMbalenhle police and waited so long that we eventually phoned Secunda Police Station, and they arrived first.” Several other members of the community have come forth with their experience of being sent back home and told to return after 24 hours when they attempted to report crimes. Over the past month, there have been two separate community marches in which memorandums were handed over to eMbalenhle SAPS station commander to undo the informal policy. Constable Mthethwa, spokesperson for eMbalenhle SAPS, said that “there is no such policy.” “People can report crimes immediately and at any time, and they are not allowed to be sent back,” she said. When asked if it was true that individuals had indeed been told to come back the next day, Mthethwa said that she was not aware of any specific instances but if anyone had experienced such treatment, then they should come forth with the names of the officers involved and report them as individuals. The families affected by the series of slaughter believe that there is a strong
link between the cases because the girls disappeared around the same time (after school) and were found in similar conditions (raped, hit on the head and thrown away in public places to be found in the morning). Detective Captain Mlotshwa, the investigating officer of Rato’s case, said that he is “not yet sure if the cases are linked.” The Nkutha family remains unsettled about the deaths of their children, stating that the police have kept them “in the dark” regarding the progress of the cases. They are also perplexed that two children could go missing in broad daylight with not a single witness. “We just want answers,” said Zodwa Zuma, Rato’s mother. “We don’t know what we’re waiting for anymore because the police have gone silent.” The Nkutha family alleged that the investigating officer had been taken to a house by a girl who had been with Rato on the day she went missing. “That little girl said that she and Rato were raped in that house on that day, and she pointed out the house to the officer,” Zuma said. “Why have they not made any arrests? The occupants of the house are valid suspects.” In response to this allegation, Detective Captain Mlotshwa said that no such house was shown to him. In fact, the detective’s version of events paint an entirely different picture. He alleged that Rato went missing when she went to a store with her mother, who told her daughter to wait for her while she went in. When the mother returned, the detective claimed, the child was gone. Zuma denied the detective’s story, reiterating that he had told the family that a house had been pointed out to him, and that Rato left the house without her before she disappeared. On the progress of the case (at the time of publishing), Mlotshwa said “we have no suspects at the moment” and that he was still awaiting results from the forensics team. According to him, results could be expected within the following three weeks. - Rori Rathebe
Mining hostages Evander police have issued a warning to the community regarding job scams that could cost them their lives. This came after two men were ‘recruited’ from Gauteng and promised jobs in Secunda. When they arrived at the designated location in the town, they were threatened at gunpoint and taken to a nearby mine, where they were forced to work as illegal miners. The men who managed to escape said there were almost 300 people
working at the mine. Captain Michack Mhlanga, Evander SAPS acting Station Commander, called for the unemployed youth to be cautious when it comes to job offers, especially from unknown or suspicious entities. He also called for the families who are looking for their loved ones who left home for work, but could not come back to come forward, as their relatives could very well be hostages at the mine. Police are currently investigating.
On the morning of 11 June, a Volkswagen Jetta collided with a police vehicle on the Brendon Village road. It is believed that dense fog conditions with poor visibility contributed to the cause of this collision. Whilst emergency services were attending to this scene, another collision occurred less than a kilometer away from where a Volkswagen Polo collided with a bakkie. According to Langamed South, five people sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital.
NEWS
15 June 2018
eMba police disappoint community Members of South African National Civil Organisation (SANCO) marched to eMbalenhle Police Station on the morning of 5 June. Donned in their yellow SANCO garb, the community members chanted as they paced their way with a memorandum intended for the station commander. Upon arrival, the marchers could be heard shouting slogans like “Down with eMba police station!” and “Out with corrupt officials!” Like the recent women’s protest outside the station, the march echoed the sentiments of residents who had been victims of crimes in the area. Regional Chairperson of SANCO Gert Sibande, Mr Nhlapo, said that the march was sparked by police complacency in the cases of young girls who go missing, are assaulted and later found dead. “We hear many reports of individuals coming to report cases and are sent home to come back the next day,” he said. “The memorandum is directed to the provincial police commissioner but he couldn’t be here today so the station commander will receive it and hand it over to him,” Mr Nhlapo said. SANCO stated that they expected a response within seven days, which would be on 12 June. “We started with a peaceful march, but if we don’t get a positive response within seven days, we are going to shut down eMbalenhle,” Mr Nhlapo said. “We are going to make sure that the people of
eMbalenhle are not going to attend school or work until we get the response that we want.” Whilst reading the memorandum at the gates of the police station, Mr Nhlapo also divulged the names of the officers who were on duty when the Nkutha family went to report their daughter missing in May. “We ask that officers Mahlangu, Malatji and Mnisi be investigated and suspended for sending the family home and telling them to come back the next day instead of taking the case and searching for the child immediately,” Nhlapo’s voice blared over a loudspeaker. “We also want to know why they refused to help the family. Why were they told to wait 24 hours?” he asked. “Investigating officer, Mr Mlotshwa, must also be suspended for failing to take action even after the little girl’s friend showed him the house where they were raped,” Nhlapo said. Throughout the reading of the memorandum, the community stood behind Mr Nhlapo, nodding and interjecting in agreement. At the time of publishing, the seven days waiting period had not yet passed. Members of SANCO confirmed that they would be meeting on 12 June for a way forward.
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WHAT’S UP/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
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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
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10
8 June 2018
Ds Marius Britz ‘n Kweekskoolstudent het op ‘n dag vir prof. Murray Janson gevra of God ook ‘n humorsin het. Hy het so rukkie nagedink, en gesê: “Natuurlik het God ‘n humorsin, anders sou hy nie die donkies, die bobbejane, ape en party van julle gemaak het nie.” En dit sal enige dominee kan getuig. Dikwels wanneer jou moed minnerig raak vir al die krisisse en lewensvrae waarmee jy gekonfronteer word, is daar snaaksighede wat jou dag opvrolik. Vreemde mense se reaksie wanneer hulle uitvind daar is ‘n dominee in hulle geselskap, is baie komieklik. As jy ‘n paartjie trou, en jy en jou vrou word genooi as gaste, hou alle oë in die saal jou angstig dop as julle instap. Want hulle dink, as hierdie heilige mannetjie by ons aan tafel sit, kan daar nie gelag, gedans of gedrink word nie. En as jy dan wel by vreemde mense geplaas is, sak daar so somber, swaar stilte aan tafel toe, amper soos die mis oor Tafelberg trek. Die dominee se teenwoordigheid kan sommige mense se gemoedstoestand belemmer. Of daai ander onpubliseerbare Afrikaanse uitdrukking veroorsaak. Leon Schuster het in die tagtigerjare ‘n program op Afrikaans Stereo gehad genaamd Vrypostige mikrofoon, waarin hy mense met allerande slinkse stories uitgevang het. So was daar ‘n tannie Miem, wie se van ek eerder verswyg ter wille van moontlike regsaksies. Die tannie het ‘n vervoeronderneming
WHAT’S UP Sasol Digi Mag Rugby Practice @ Sasol Club - Every Tuesday and Thursday @18:00 to 20:00. Contact Theuns Kruger Club Captain 0n 082 602 4035 15 June - Come and meet the iCollage Pumas at Sasol Rugby Fields 15:30 16 June - Game Time: Come and support your team. iCollage Pumas vs Namibia Sasol Rugby Fields 15:00 22 June - 14 July Space Park, Secunda Mall, For more details contact 010 001 0254 or visit www.shopsecundamall. co.za 23 June - Boere Mall at Artisan Square Lake Umuzi. 09:00 – 14:00 30 June - Pappa en sy Prinses, Bosveld Lapa, 10:00 – 12:00 Skakel 017 631 4902 vir besprekings
gehad in Witbank, en Schuster het haar getempteer en gekarring op die telefoon totdat sy haar humeur heeltemal verloor het. En toe trek sy los met byvoeglike naamwoorde, werkwoorde en bywoorde uit die weer, die aarde, die see en ander onderaardse dieptes. Wat natuurlik uitgebliep is op die lug. Die program was so gewild, dat Leon sowaar haar daarna ‘n tweede keer gebel en uitgevang het, met ‘n ander storie. En weereens het dieselfde ontdekkingsreis deur die Afrikaanse taal gevolg. Eendag ry ek as jong predikantjie en my vrou Nelspruit toe van Pretoria af. En net daar anderkant Witbank, langs die snelweg, staan hierdie sjokoladebruin Ford Cortina Big Six, stoom wat oral uittrek. Met ‘n ouerige tannie agter die stuur. Tannie Miems van Vrypostige mikrofoon. Ek stop toe, en hierdie tannie trek los oor die f&*$&^% kar wat haar gelos het langs die pad. Ek vra toe maar dat sy die enjinkap moet oopmaak, want ek, synde ‘n agterplaasmeganikus wat elke naweek my Volkswagen Beetle se enjin moes oordoen, behoort darem die fout te kon opspoor. Ek sien toe dis die waaierband wat af is, vra vir ‘n sykous wat ek ombind, en raai die tannie aan om op Middelburg reguit na ‘n werkswinkel te gaan. En deurentyd lewer die tannie
kommentaar oor diè spesifieke motor en sy vervaardigers. Waarvan sowat een uit elke nege woorde geskik is om in ‘n ordentlike koerant soos hierdie gepubliseer te word. “Ag dankie, Boetie,” sê sy vir my toe die kar loop, en nie meer warm word nie. “Is jy ‘n mechanic?” vra sy my. “Nee tannie, ek is ‘n dominee,” antwoord ek. “Haai my f#k, maar dis mooi”, sê sy toe. Soms lag mens op die preekstoel. Maar maak dan maar of jy nies of jou neus afvee met jou sakdoek. Soos die tannie wat heel voor sit, en net een tand in die bo-kaak, en een in die onderkaak het. Sy suig ‘n pepperment met verbete slurpbewegings, terwyl sy ernstig na my preek luister. Ek probeer om nie na haar te kyk nie. Maar juis op daardie oomblik toe ek by die punch-line van my preek kom, besluit die tannie om die pepperment middeldeur te byt. Wat effe moeilik is, aangesien die bo-tand en ondertand se sporing nie ooreenstem nie. Sy trek dus haar hele onderkaak na links ten einde beide oorblywende tande gelyktydig by die pepperment uit te kry. Sy lyk soos ‘n heks uit die kinderstorieboeke, sonder die moesie op die ken. En ek verloor dit, juis op daardie oomblik waar ek die gemeente wou vra of hulle seker is van hulle saligheid. Oor troues en begrafnisse kan ons ure praat. Een wat uitstaan,
was op die weskus. Die kerk en begraafplaas is so 40 kilometer uitmekaar, en die ondernemer nooi my toe om sommer saam met hom te ry in die lykswa. Die kis agter ons. By die kerk is hy baie professioneel. Help die bedroefde weduwee, maak die roukar se deur vir haar oop, praat stemmig, sag, vol deernis. Toe ons wegtrek maak ek ‘n opmerking oor die mooi lykswa, ‘n antieke Mercedes. “Dominee, diè ding het ‘n m@#$e enjin. Hoor net!” En hmmm hmmm rev hy hom terwyl ons in die stoet ry. “Hoor sy klankstelsel!” En Charles Jacobie jubel kliphard oor die luidsprekers: “Jippie jippie jip, ou perd!” By die graf is dit weer: “Ag suustog mevroutjie. Is jy ok? Kom ek help jou.” Só dra almal wat met mense werk, soms maskers. Gepraat van daardie begraafplaas. Die grond is baie sanderig daar. Tydens ‘n diens by die graf lees die predikant die formulier, en sê dat die dood slegs maar ‘n oorgang tot ‘n ander lewe is. Terwyl hy dit sê, voel hy hoe die sand onder sy voete, reg langs die oop graf, wegsak. Onmiddelik spring hy toe eenkant, half oor die gat. Maande daarna word hy weer gevra om ‘n begrafnis te hou, met die spesiale versoek dat hy by daardie spesifieke gedeelte in die formulier weer oor die graf moet spring, want dit was so aangrypend.
The Standerton Concentration Camp Remembrance Day Concentration camps, horrendous in the aftermath of the Anglo Boer War, considering the cost of human life, more specifically those of women and children. Concentration camps? In our Republic? Surely not. Yes, and we as a relatively young nation seem to forget that in our history such camps of utter human degradation in abhorrent conditions, did exist. One of these camps is situated in Standerton, in the cemetery next to the showgrounds. This camp accommodated 15 872 prisoners older than 15 and 705 younger than 15 years of age. This commemorative day will take place between the graves of the concentration victims. This area was beautified by a group of business people and volunteers from Standerton, who can be proud of the results. The Remembrance Day will commence at 11:00 on June 16, 2018 at the cemetery. Members of SADFA from Sector 1 Cosmos and their unit Standerskop will form a guard of honour at the graves and their Chaplain
will then deliver his message for this occasion. The descendants of the victims and the public will then be
afforded an opportunity to lay a wreath for their loved ones that perished under such inhuman conditions.
15 June 2018
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Yes to jobs or no to coal The community of eMzinoni gathered in a frenzy to help themselves to coal that had been strewn across the road after the driver of a coal truck was forced to offload the cargo between Bethal and Morgenzon on 7 June. The driver alleged that he was on his way to Majuba Power Station when he was stopped by a group of men from eMzinoni. Police reported that members of local businesses were on the scene and demanded a meeting with Megawatts and Eskom regarding labour opportunities. Representatives at Eskom as well as truck owners were contacted for the meeting, which took place in Pretoria the following day. Bethal police spokesperson, Constable Mogadime, said “they need employment and demand that the mines give them sub-contracts.” Mr van der Merwe, secretary of the Bethal Business Forum, said that the meeting was for the purpose of raising the concerns of the community. “We feel that most of Eskom’s operations take place within Govan Mbeki Municipality, but they don’t hire locals, which is very unfair to the community,” he said. Mr van der Merwe went on the say that Eskom’s operations had dire effects on the environment, with
two large power stations in the area. “The company’s work also affects our roads because of the passage of coal to Majuba Power Station, and we feel that if they are going to affect our environment as much as they do, then it is only fair that they give employment to our people,” Mr van der Merwe said. The secretary also explained that the offloading of the coal was by no means an act of the Bethal Business Forum, but that they intended only to disrupt the passage of the truck. “We stopped the truck and said that no Eskom vehicles will pass until we have engaged with the company on these issues,” Mr van der Merwe said. “Earlier this year, they had promised us a meeting within two months; when we stopped that truck, it had been five months.” Mr van der Merwe alleged that when members of the forum met with representatives of Eskom on 8 June in Pretoria, they were promised a response by Wednesday 13 June, as the concerns were still being discussed within Eskom’s treasury division. “If we do not get a satisfactory response, we intend to take the same steps: no Eskom trucks will pass through on that route,” Mr van der Merwe said.
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15 June 2018
VACANCIES VAKATURES
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Mshiniwami graduation Mshiniwami Artisan Academy’s Quality Control students graduated on Wednesday 6 June. 39 Beaming students gathered at the academy to receive their trade certificates. “The gathering today is one in celebration of the achievements of our youth,” said Bethuel Mabiletsa, CEO of Mshiniwami/Jomele Training and Placements. “We look today and admire the persistence, endurance and passion of our staff and learners for it is they who have achieved and realised an impossible dream against
tremendous odds.” In congratulating the students, Mr Mabiletsa revealed that 39 learners completed their International Welding Inspection courses, making them them Level 1 Quality Inspectors. 21 learners completed their Safety Officer including Samtrac for General Industry courses. “It is with immense satisfaction and pride that I announce that of the 21 Safety Officers, 16 have been offered and have taken up employment within the Hydra Arc Group,” Mabiletsa said.
Millicent Chuma, one of the graduates, was elated to receive her certificate. “After three years, I am finally qualified. I am so happy to receive this honour and I hope it opens doors for me,” she said. Mabiletsa went on to urge competitors of Mshiniwami and fellow companies operating and benefitting from the South African marketplace to “take up those learners who are still seeking employment and help fulfill their dreams as well.”
Eskom reintroduces weekly system status reports Thursday, 7 June 2018: Eskom hosted members of the media at its national control facility today to launch the weekly system status report. The report, which will be hosted on Eskom’s website, gives a weekly view of energy sent out, peak demand, performance of generating units in terms of the energy availability factor (EAF) and an outlook of three months ahead. Bernard Magoro, Eskom’s System Operator gave an overview of the system operator function and took the media through the report explaining the various elements of the report, “The System Operator is the electricity transport and distribution supervisor whose main role is balancing supply and demand in real-time. It ensures continuous delivery of quality electricity by maintaining a stable grid. The report gives a historical and a future outlook of data that we use in our daily planning to meet South Africa’s electricity demand.” Phakamani Hadebe, Eskom Group Chief Executive welcomed all present to the relook of the system status report and said, “We are happy to have you with us today. I believe that transparency is one of the solutions to our goal of building trust. The second one is to deliver honestly on our mandate of delivering electricity to power our nation’s economy.” Chairman of the Eskom Board Jabu Mabuza commended the move to reinstate the report saying, “I would like to commend Phakamani and his team for once again publicly sharing critical power system status
information. It is a step in the right direction in inculcating a culture of effective and transparent leadership and governance. Whilst the risk of load shedding always exists, we remain confident that management is on a direct course to keeping the lights on for South Africa this winter.” The Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan addressed the session welcoming the positive step taken by Eskom to share information that is required by stakeholders in order to make the necessary plans in their businesses and everyday life. “I’m glad to be in this world-class facility where Eskom monitors supply and demand for the households and businesses in this country. Transparency is a crucial part of accountability and accountability is a crucial part in a democracy. The launch of this system status report is important as the public needs to know what Eskom is doing, how it operates and if there are faultlines, how do they occur and what is done to make things right. I can therefore say it with a level of confidence that we belive Eskom when it says there will be no load shedding this winter unless there is a catastrophe. That’s the kind of assurance that the public wants from us.” The Minister further congratulated the Board on the strides made in following the words of the
President at the state of the nation address when he was still Deputy President where he spoke about “recapturing state institutions in order to serve the public interest”. “We are pleased that good governance is beginning to embed itself in the organisation and soon Eskom will get enough credibility in the market place to enable it once again to borrow to keep the operations of this organisation going. They will soon look at the operating model in order to make sure that what is called the Eskom Group today is what is required 15 years from now,” added Minister Gordhan Eskom also publishes the medium-term system adequacy outlook (MTSAO) report, which is a requirement of the South African Grid Code – System Operation Code annually. The latest study that was published in October 2017 showed that the system has enough generation capacity to meet expected electricity demand over the next five years (2017 – 2022).
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Sasol Winter Warmer Handover Sasol hosted its annual Winter Warmer Handover event on Friday 8 June at Lillian Ngoyi Hall. The drive was attended by Sasol representatives, local charity organisations (who were the recipients of winter essentials such as blankets and food items) as well as the Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, Councillor Thandi Ngxonono. After an opening prayer by Pastor Muzi Khumalo, Councillor Ngxonono expressed heartfelt appreciation for the work that the winter drive was achieving in the community. “We are here because there are people who care about other people,” she said. It was appropriate that the event took place on a Friday, since government has recently declared the days “Mandela Fridays”. “The initiative is part of commemorating the Nelson Mandela Centenary through social activism,” Councillor Ngxonono explained. “It is an initiative that aims to remind citizens about the power of selflessness, human service and giving in the spirit of ubuntu. The initiative calls on all citizens to carry the legacy of struggle icons Nelson Mandela, Albertina Sisulu and Winnie MadikizelaMandela.” Citizens are urged to do so by taking time to perform any selfless act of service. Neil Engelbrecht, the CSR chairperson for GMM described the winter warmer campaign as “ a collaboration between businesses that want to make an impactful contribution to society.” “We’re in it for the community, and the response was brilliant; we
have exceeded all our goals and expectations,” he said. The partners (of Sasol) that made contributions to this year’s drive were
Crime snippets Foiled Burglary! A burglary took place at Pinnacle Auto at approximately 22H00 on Thursday night. An unknown number of men forced their way into the Motorrad showroom and loaded two BMW motorcycles into a Quantum. Roman alarms were quick to respond to the alarm and arrived within minutes of the alarm being triggered. The robbers took an apparent wrong turn into the area behind BMW and Build It. The security alerted Roman Alarms as to the direction the Quantum took. The reaction officer from Roman found the vehicle and when he approached the vehicle the robbers jumped out and fired shots at the reaction officer. Roman alarms returned fire! It is unclear whether anybody was injured during the shootout. Roman alerted SAPS that also responded very quickly to the scene. Two motorcycles (only two were taken) were recovered with one motorcycle slightly damaged. Jacques van der Westhuizen from Pinnacle Auto expressed his gratitude for the quick response by Roman Alarms and the SAPS ensuring a positive outcome. Jelani and Stratcon also helped to secure the scene. Car Doctor transported the Quantum to the police station
Former magistrate in court for fraud and corruption MPUMALANGA – Magrieta Stoffelina Maria Botha, a 55-year-old former Magistrate appeared in the Nelspruit Regional Court today (Wednesday) facing charges related to fraud amounting to approximately R5million. Botha was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit on 25 May 2017 following investigations related after a network of apparent fictitiously authorised garnishee orders from various Magistrate’s offices including; Nelspruit, Barberton, Malelane, Kabokweni, and Tonga were uncovered. Botha allegedly forged signatures of unsuspecting victims on the order forms and submitted them to their employers which resulted in money unduly accumulating in her Trust Account where she allegedly used it for personal gain. The case has been postponed to July 2. The former Magistrate is to face charges of fraud, corruption, forgery, and uttering, she has been released on a warning with strict conditions.
Fempower, M&S Projects, Sanitech, Prommac, PDPS, SNC Lavalin, OTB Construction and Megchem. This year’s beneficiaries included Highveld Ridge
Child & Family Welfare, SAVF, TUTELA, RATA, FAMSA, Mpumalanga Mental Health Society, House of Mercy and Isiphephelo Centre.
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15 June 2018
Radio Kragbron en Hoërskool Oosterland Secunda Hengel Fees 2018 Radio Kragbron en Hoërskool Oosterland (Secunda) bied ‘n hengelfees aan op 9 Augustus te Trichardtsfonteindam vanaf 07h00 tot 15h00. Vir die Hengelaar: Bring die aas, bring die stokke en wen groot pryse. Inskrywingsgelde beloop R180.00 per hengelaar, mans, vrouens en juniors. Vir die nie-hengelaar is dit heeltemal gratis, kom piekniek, kom kuier, en geniet die vele stalletjies en uitstalings Kaartjies te koop by Radio Kragbron, Hoërskool Oosterland (Secunda) en Hook It in Trichardt. Hengel is natuurlik die groot trekpleister, met baie pryse wat te wen sal wees.
Daar word net gehengel vir Karp en die grootste Karp vat die grootste prys. Dit kan deur enige een gewen word, man, vrou of kind. Daarna sal daar verskeie ander pryse wees vir mans, vroue en juniors. Omdat dit n’ fees gaan wees, nooi ons mense uit om stalletjies daar te kom opsit asook motorhandelaars wat hulle voertuie daar wil kom uitstal ens. Hulle kan vir Line De Vries kontak 082 786 0134 vir stalletjie staanplek. Dit is vrouedag, en wie wil nou by die huis sit, kom vang vis, kom piekniek kom fees. Meer inligting kan verkry word deur Thinus te kontak by 076 850 8329 en deur te luister op Radio Kragbron 93.1 fm en 104.9 fm vir meer inligting.
Illegal miners arrested! The SAPS held an operation on Friday to curb the illegal mining in the area. The operations started on Wednesday. Mpumalanga is divided into regions with Secunda, Standerton, Ermelo and Piet Retief completing one region. In a large combined operation consisting of 154 Officers and SAPS members from the whole region, 130 people were arrested at the old Evander dumping site and surrounding areas for illegal mining according to Colonel Nel. The arrests included undocumented persons. A lot of equipment was seized such as
water pumps, and spades. The suspects will appear in court on Monday. The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma stated that the operation and subsequently the arrests are resolved by members of the dignified blue to stamp the authority of the state as provided for in Operation Fiela II. “Our people cannot continue living in fear of the notorious so-called Zama Zamas (illegal miners) and other criminal elements,” said General Zuma.
Swartgoud fees skitter op Kriel
15 June 2018
SPORT News
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HS Secunda presteer by Mpumalanga Uitspele Foto: Liesl Pretorius
1ste Rugbyspan Jandre Mathee
FG Visser (O/16), Lisa Venter (O/16) en Johan Venter (O/19) is opgeneem in die 2018 SA Plattelandse muurbalspan Hoërskool Secunda se wintersportspanne het die afgelope Saterdag regoor die provinsie aan verskeie Mpumalanga uitspele deelgeneem en uitsonderlik presteer. Hier volg die uitslae: Rugby O/14A klop HTS Ligbron 12 – 7 en kwalifiseer vir Mpumalanga Grootskole Finaal O/15A verloor ongelukkig in semi-finaal 12 – 29 O/16A verloor ongelukkig in semi-finaal 17 – 20 Eerstespan klop Piet Retief 56 – 21 en speel vir 4 agtereenvolgende jaar in Mpumalanga Grootskole Finaal Die Mpumalanga Grootskole Finaal sal na die vakansie gespeel word. Netbal O/14A eindig tweede in Mpumalanga O/17A eindig vierde in Mpumalanga Eerstespan eindig derde in Mpumalanga Die O/14A en Eerstespan kwalifiseer
dus vir die SA’s wat gedurende die vakansie plaasvind. Dit is die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar wat die Eerstespan kwalifiseer vir die SA’s. Hokkie (Meisies) O/15A verloor ongelukkig in uitspele O/16A verloor 0 – 1 teen HTS Middelburg en klop Lydenburg 2 – 1 Eerstespan speel gelykop teen Volksrust 1 – 1 en klop Hertzog 4 – 0 Albei spanne kwalifiseer dus vir die Mpumalanga kwart – finale Hokkie (Seuns) O/14A klop HTS Witbank 4 – 1 en verloor teen MHS 3 – 5 O/15A klop Rob Ferreira se O/16 span 2–0 O/16A verloor albei wedstryde Eerstespan klop Lydenburg 3 – 0 en speel gelykop 0 – 0 teen Highveld Park Al die spanned ring dus deur na die tweede been van die Mpumalanga uitspele wat eerskomende naweek plaasvind.
Lehanka Coetzer is in die Mpumalanga O/18A2 netbalspan opgeneem
PROPERTIES eiendomme TO ADVERTISE CALL 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845
Op Saterdag, 2 Junie 2018 het die MSN (Mpumalanga Schools Netball) B-Kampioenskappe te L/S Witrivier plaasgevind. Goedehoop se o/13B-span het 2de gekom by die o/13’s. Voor: Shani Greyling, Zanthé Smith, Liane Parkes, Caylin van Tonder Agter: Me. Chantel Meintjes (Afrigter), Delené Botteril, Chanté Stoop, Enya Munnik, Jeahné de Beer, Borg Spar
Ruchelle van Heerden
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SCHOOL/SPORT
10
15 June 2018
Secunda ruiters presteer in WMG Verskeie ruiters van Secunda, wat ry vir die Trichardt Equestrian en Bethal Polo Cross klubs, het Saterdag, 9 Junie aan die vierde kwalifiserende rondte van die SANESA (South African National Equestrian Shool Association) SAWMGA (South African Western Mounted Games Association) Western Mounted Games by die Ermelo Skougronde deelgeneem. Ruiters van Secunda, Trichardt, Bethal, Delmas, Ermelo, Piet Retief, Middelburg, Morgenzon en Nelspruit het in vyf klasse - Quadrangle, Hurry Scurry, Keyhole, Bi-Rangle en Speed Barrels meegeding. Twee van die ruiters het besonder goed gevaar en is as Kampioene in hulle onderskeie afdelings aangewys. Magdaleen van Staden op haar perd Copper is in die Gestremde Vlak 0 Lead Reign afdeling as die Kampioen aangewys. Wilru de Vries (Hoërskool Secunda) op sy perd Aurora is as die Kampioen in die SANESA Hoërskole Vlak 1 aangewys, asook die Kampioen in die Ope Vlak 1 afdeling. Beide
hierdie ruiters ry vir die Trichardt Equestrian klub. Ruiters wat ook goed presteer het, was Bismark Jansen (Laerskool Goedehoop) op Caramelle wat aangewys is as die Reserwe Kampioen Laerskole Vlak 1 en hy ry vir die Bethal Polo Cross klub. Marizelle Meyer op Vanilla was die Reserwe Kampioen in die Ope Vlak 0 en Rhodé van Staden op Chatterfly was Reserwe Kampioen in die Ope Vlak 1 afdeling. Beide hierdie ruiters ry ook vir die Trichardt Equestrian klub. Ander Secunda ruiters wat deelgeneem het, was: Linkie Els op Black Beauty (Laersool Kruinpark) van Bethal Polo Cross klub – Vlak 0; Pieter Meyer op Charade van Trichardt Equestrian klub – Vlak 1; Anina Slabbert op Autumn Star van Trichardt Equestrian klub – Vlak 2; Jennie-Lee Redman op Diamond van Trichardt Equestrian klub – Vlak 2; Josua Jansen op Twilight van Bethal Polo Cross klub – Vlak 0; Druan Meyer op Omega van Trichardt Equestrian klub – Vlak 1. Adele Smit Bokkie Netbal Delenè Botterill (links) en Jeahnè de Beer (regs) van Laerskool Goedehoop is op 23 Mei 2018 gekies vir die o/13 Bokkie Netbalspan. Die span gaan van 2 Julie tot 6 Julie 2018 toer na Naboomspruit waar hulle teen verskillende streke gaan meeding.
Magdaleen van Staden op Copper
Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge
The Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge continued over the past weekend with some spirited soccer played. On 9 June: Leslie Sondela FC 2 - Leslie Baroka 3, Leslie Newlandwest 3 - Leslie Zone 13 1. On 10 June: Emba Shisa Boys 0 - Emba Bees Ladies 2, Emba Green Mamba 0 - Sasol Juventus 0, Dream Stars 1- Power United 0, Royal Force 2 - Emba Baroka 2, Getto 1- Emba Stars 1, Emba Wanderers 2 Shisa Boys 0, Emba Young Stars 2 - Juventus 0.
Witbank Prisons hosted a darts tournament on 2 June. Karen Anthony (left) and Wendy van Vuuren were crowned Ladies Double Mpumalanga district champions. Karen was also crowned Ladies Single Mpumalanga Champion
Sport
15 June 2018
11
Action packed Arro rally hosted in Secunda With 27 cars ready to roar the GeoPaint Rally Secunda kicked off with its ceremonial start at the Terranova Village Mall in Trichardt. Weather looked promising with clear skies and no mist in sight. Stage 1 would see man and machine tackle a 27 km monster stage known as ‘’Kosie’’ on the Holfontein Farm which would later be re-run as Stage 3. The stage was extremely fast at places with rally cars reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h.Nico Du Randt/JG Claassen in their Can-Am Maverick were the fastest through the stage with a time of 20:13 closely followed by Dean Redelinghuys/Amon Meyiwa in their VW Polo with a time of 20:22 and in third place Cobus Groenewald/Pierre Jordaan in their Toyota Run-X A7 with a time of 20:24. With all crews properly awake now and game faces on the rally continued to Stage 2, which would be the Super Special Stage, where two rally cars would start the stage next to each other and duel it out over the purposely built 3.23 km stage to see who would be the fasted of the two at the end of the stage.Stage victory went to the pairing of Groenewald/Jordaan with a time 2:40, second quickest went to Du Randt/Claasen with a time of 2:41 and third to locals Natie Booysen and Johan Smit in 2:48. As the stage times were now showing
at this point, the rally would prove to be nail biting till the very end with stage times being seconds apart. Stage 3 (being a repeat of Stage 1) went to the pairing of Du Randt/ Claassen with a time of 19:31, Groenewald/Jordaan took an easier approach this time around having almost rolling in Stage 1 and set the second quickest stage time of 20:01, third position would be filled by Marco Ferreira/Hannes Pienaar in their Subaru Impreza in a time of 20:30. The Rally at its midpoint showed how tight the times actually were with an overall win possible for a number of crews. With 58 km already completed a mere 30 seconds separated the first two cars. Du Randt/Claassen led the Rally with a combined stage time of 42:25, followed in second by Groenewald/Jordaan 43:05 and in third Ferreira/Pienaar 44:58. Stage 4 or better known as ‘’Apie’’ would be a new stage to rally Secunda and stretched a distance of 15.20 km over tight and twisting sandy roads ending on the “Super Special Stage.” Stage honours went to Ronnie Botes and Etienne Venter in yet another Can-Am Maverick with a time of 13:08, followed in second by Groenewald/ Jordaan 13:27 and in third Lood de Clercq/Jp Jordaan in their Toyota Tazz with a time of 14:03. Further back in the field there was
Photo: Carl Janse van Rensburg
Randt/Claassen with a lead of 2:36 over Botes/Venter. Ashley Bradbury/Lourens Du Plessis, unfortunately, rolled their car in Stage 1 ending their rally. Stage 5 was a shortened version of Stage1/3 of only 11.25km. Stage victory went to Du Randt/Claassen in a time of 8:34, 16 seconds slower in second were Groenewald/Jordaan followed by Ferreira/Claassen with a time of 8:58. Stage 6 was canceled by the organisers. With the fall of darkness, the last stage of the Rally got underway with the rally cars lighting up the Secunda sky. Groenewald/Jordaan won the Stage in a time of 6:36. Second fastest Du Randt/Claassen with a time of 6:40 followed in third place by Ferreira/ Pienaar 6:50. The final results of the 2018 Geo-Paint Results saw Groenewald/Jordaan take overall Rally Victory. Top 5 finishers: 1. Cobus Groenewald/ Pierre Jordaan (1:12:00) 2. Marco Ferreira/Hannes Pienaar (1:14:59) 3. Lood De Clercq/JP Jordaan (1:17:10) 4. Johan/Erica De Bruyn (1:20:33) 5. Natie Booysen/Johan Smit (1:21:34) Africa Rally Racing Organization would hereby like to thank the farmer Kosie/ Janneman Van Der Merwe and the Govan Mbeki Municipality for hosting their event.
Photo: Encee van Huyssteen
Car 248 lost a wheel early in the rally
Total filling station together with Fish Aways, Debonairs and Barcellos are now the proud sponsors of Hoërskool Secunda’s first hockey team. Here is Nizaam and Dora with the proud team displaying their clothes
numerous battles going on in the different groups. Group A was being led by Marco Ferreira/Hannes Pienaar with the rest of the competitors in the group all having experienced mechanical issues taking them out of the event, Group B Cobus Groenewald/ Pierre Jordaan led Group B by 3:28 over brother and sister pairing of Johan/Erika de Bruyn in their Nissan 350z, in third was the brothers Cristo/ Philip Carstens in their BMW 130i 9:20 behind the group leaders. Group C saw Callie vd Merwe/Mauritz Brits come to a premature end when the diff on the car screamed enough in Stage 1. De Clercq/Jordaan had a comfortable lead in their group over the ailing Mazda RX-2 of Raaths/Menge that did not sound too healthy, Peter Pilusa/Willem Morgan in their Nissan Sentra held onto second place in the group 9:40 behind the leaders, in third 18:15 behind the group leaders were Danie Prinsloo/Scotty Hartslief in their Datsun GX. Group D lead belonged to Booysen/ Smit in their Ford Escort, behind them was a battle between two all lady competitor crews. Andrea Raaths/Caro Storm in their VW Golf 3 were 14:10 behind the group leaders followed by Bianca/Yvonne Theunissen in their Opel Corsa trailing 18:21 behind the leaders. The SXS Group lead belonged to Du
These buggies were a big attraction at the rally
15 JUNE
2018
Bulletin
Sasol Digi Mag triumphs again
Sasol Digi Mag teams support Sasol Digi Mag showed their HEART on Saturday when they beat Whiteriver 65-13 at Sasol Club. The game was expected to be a very close one with Whiteriver being a strong opponent. Whiteriver fielded a feisty, energetic and young team to take Sasol Digi Mag on. The first quarter proved to be the most difficult as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Whiteriver seemed to be able to control the ball a little better than Sasol Digi Mag but just could not really penetrate Sasol Digi Mag’s defences. The second quarter saw both teams playing better rugby as the ball was passed quickly. Sasol Digi Mag scored the first points of the game when a converted try was scored. Whiteriver scored a penalty thirteen minutes later. The first half saw two tries by Sasol Digi Mag and one penalty. Whiteriver answered with two penalties. The second half was a different game altogether with Sasol Digi Mag dominating the game. With 7 tries scored by Sasol Digi Mag. Whiteriver managed to score one converted try in the second half. The scorecard painted a beautiful picture of a team that made no mistakes or a team that totally dominated their opponents. It is not totally true. The scorecard was a lot more forgiving than what it should have been. Sasol Digi Mag’s game showed that they trained very hard during the two weeks since their last game. The defences of Sasol Digi Mag were much improved with a number of
excellent cross defence tackles carried out by the forwards. Each time that Whiteriver attacked straight on, they were met with staunch defenders from Sasol. If Whiteriver ran diagonal lines, they managed to break through a few first tackles. Sasol Digi Mag missed a few first tackles but there was always someone to back up and help. A small concern was that Sasol Digi Mag struggled to contain the balls in the mauls and tackles but a little concentration will surely address that problem. Line-outs were much improved from last week with Sasol Digi Mag winning 4 of their opponent’s line-outs. There were a few loose throw-ins or catches but were well controlled by the forwards. Sasol Digi Mag should win a lot of line-out balls in future. The scrums were a pleasure to watch. Although fairly equally matched (on a few occasions the scrums collapsed), Sasol Digi Mag showed their strength and dominance at the scrums. The front row scrummed their opposite numbers up and backward on a regular basis. Whiteriver occasionally managed to put up a good fight but Sasol Digi Mag scrummed as a unit,
making them difficult to counter. Kick-offs proved to be a weak point in the armour of the forwards. Most of the kick-offs were not taken cleanly and it resulted in unnecessary pressure on Sasol Digi Mag. This is one area that should be practiced a lot to improve on. The backline was eager to run and they swung the ball wide with good results. Whiteriver was under constant pressure when Sasol Digi Mag started running the ball. A few passes were not on target that caught Sasol Digi Mag on the back foot but it was quickly recovered and turned into attacks. There were a few handling errors as well but not so that it should be a huge concern. The team looked fitter than the previous game two weeks back and
looked like they enjoyed the game. The conversions were on target and very few kicks to the poles were missed. On a cautionary note, the penalty count was a bit high and should be addressed. In a rare momentary lapse of concentration, Sasol Digi Mag was even sent back a further 10 meters in what appears to be some chatting with the referee. The team of Whiteriver should not be taken lightly though. It is a young team with eager and very capable players. A number of players proved to be prickly pears when they started to run and it took sheer determination from Sasol Digi Mag to stop the charges. The Pumas will play against Namibia next Saturday (16 June) at Sasol club. Please come and support our provincial team.
Whiteriver looking for a way through tough defences