Issue 172 - FREE
20 april 2018
Community News. Original - accurate - first
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
The Maciel family celebrating 30 years of business excellence. Photo by: Petrus Saayman
30 Years of excellence!
A grand affair! The only way to describe the 30-year celebration of Hydra Arc. Guests dressed up according to the Gatsby era with feathers in the hair, short black dresses and white banded hats were on display. The Durban July could not compete! Guests arrived and were greeted with two spectacular old cars and a long black carpet. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres were served as everyone enjoyed a few warming drinks. The night was cold but the spirits not. The lights in the huge Marquee tents were beckoning and soon everyone could enter. The inside glimmered in true Gatsby fashion with candles and low-lit lights. The evening started with a quick glimpse of where it all started. Hydra Arc started as a very small company specialising in welding with only two employees. Thirty years later and there is a giant on the hill, Sky Hill! José Maciel started the company as a supplier of specialist welders and welding expertise to Sasol. In 1989 José opened its first school on the Kinross premises and in 2002 the José Maciel welding academy was established. In 2003 - Breakthrough was made regarding future general overalls of gasifiers at Synfuels with the signing of a contract, one of Hydra Arc’s biggest contracts.
In 2005 Hydra Arc expanded into MEIP Construction projects and for better service delivery, divisionalised its operations to allow each division to focus on core strengths and develop such strengths further. July 2006 - The first phase of this BEE development is completed. The building will feature exclusive offices, the head office of the Hydra Arc group and several other enterprises. Hydra Arc’s mission is to become the best in all that we do whilst delivering long-term value to our shareholders and employees. Starters were served! Dancers entertained the crowd with swinging dance moves. October 2009 - Development on the Sky hill workship complex commenced. By March 2010 Skyhill had secured its first order, the fabrication of a major portion of the steam ducting for the Medupi power station. At the time, Skyhill was a cooperative action between Hydra Arc and Sasol. This was the first time a local company has been appointed to produce pressure vessels of this size. Hydra Arc contributed significantly to the success of this project. Work on the project began in May 2012. The sheer size and quality demanded by the project required Jose’s own tutelage, physically contributing to certain aspects in as
far as hands-on commitment was concerned. 13 February 2013 will go down in the Hydra Arc history books as the date of the successful completion of the first magnanimous pressure vessel project by a local company on SA soil. The bullet delivered was the fifth one, each weighing approximately 485 tons, is 60 m long and has the capacity of 1 642 500 litres. Hydra Arc has become a proudly South African specialist in the manufacture of these modern plant modules for the petrochemical industry, which introduces a novel approach to plant design and construction. In 2013 Hydra Arc was awarded the International Quality Crown Award in the Gold Category in recognition of the huge strides the company has made this year as a leader, not only in its sector but also within SA. Followed by the BID International Arch of Europe for Quality and Technology Award in Frankfurt in 2014. And in 2015, the International Diamond Prize for Excellence in Quality Diamond Eye. By 2016, Sky Hill Heavy Engineering was the joint runner-up in the Ferritic Stainless-Steel category of the recent Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association competition. That same year, Hydra Arc is awarded
the Bizz Award, considered one of the most prestigious business Awards. Swing City, an eight-man band entertained the crowds with swing music. Speeches by Mohammed, Diane and José were delivered in true Sky Hill fashion. No nonsense and to the point. The wonderful evening ended with a firework display that had the crowd cheering. Incredible. Over the years the company has gained over 23 international quality awards because of its commitment to deliver only the best results to its clients. Today, the new Mshiniwami Artisan Academy trains 1 000 learners each year. This includes 500 welders, 450 pipe fitters and 50 boilermakers. The success of the training is evident in the fact that 96% of the graduates are currently employed in their trade, with the rest having taken up supervisory positions. Our skilled people are and will remain, the cornerstone of our success. The success of Hydra Arc Group as an all-in powerhouse in the South African industrial arena is, without a doubt, the result of years of research, innovation and the commitment to cater to needs of the market. What will the next 30 years hold? More photo’s and video’s can be viewed on the Bulletin Facebook page.
NEWS
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20 April 2018
Forced evictions at Tsalanang Residents of Tsalanang Residential Complex in eMbalenhle were evicted by court order on 12 April 2018. Armed with rubber bullets, swarms of police forces arrived at the complex to remove tenants from units they have been occupying for years. The court order is allegedly a result of Govan Mbeki Housing Company’s plan to renovate the units. Residents claim that they did not receive proper notices prior to the evictions, and that they have nowhere else to go. Tsalanang Residential Complex is intended for low- to medium-income earners. Over the years, the complex has been shrouded in complications, with tenants complaining about their living conditions, including a lack of maintenance in the complex, and being charged different rental rates despite living in the exact same units. “They charge us different rates for the same units,” said a resident who declined to be named. “The landlord looks at our payslips and makes us pay rent based on how much we earn. We don’t understand this because the flats are exactly the same.” At the same time, the units are dilapidated, with leaking geysers, peeling wall paint and windows that have allegedly been broken by GMHC officials themselves. As the day progressed, all belongings in specified units were forcefully removed and windows and doors
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Crime snippets
were broken to prevent tenants from returning and sleeping in said units. A major concern regarding this practice is that drug-users and homeless criminals would begin to occupy these empty units, posing a threat to the safety of neighbouring occupants. When the mayor and MMC’s were alerted by concerned residents, they stated that they had no knowledge of the evictions. Residents said that Busisiwe Mazibuko, general manager of the Govan Mbeki Housing Company, was heard saying that she does not care about them,
and that she was only there for her money. When confronted by the media about these allegations, she simply smiled in the backseat of the vehicle through which she watched all that was happening. Tensions were high as fridges, headboards, beds and other essentials were removed from homes and left outside to be found by tenants, some of whom were not home when the evictions occurred. The Govan Mbeki Housing Company offices remained unreachable for comment throughout the week.
Secunda - A boy (13) was robbed last week while he was riding on his bicycle. He was coming from a friends’ house when he was accosted by two unknown African males. One of the suspects pointed him with a firearm and took his bicycle and cellphone. They fled the scene. No shots were fired and no arrests were made. Secunda – SAPS are requesting community members to respect road rules as some accidents are avoidable. “We are also requesting that when a person sees the accident taking place, they must phone SAPS and emergency services. Please do not take photos and put them on social media as the family is not necessarily informed yet. The family gets traumatised while there are people who are trained to inform relatives about the accident. Let us follow procedures in order to strengthen relationships in our community,” Capt. Betina Zondo, Communication Officer at Secunda SAPS said. Evander- Police was on patrol when they stopped and searched a 27 year old man in Braam Fisher Street. The man was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. After investigation it was discovered that the firearm belongs to his Mother. A case of illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions were opened against him. A case of negligence was opened against his mother. Secunda – Two combi’s from SANBS were stolen when thieves broke into the offices last weekend. According to Capt. Betina Zondo, Communication Officer at Secunda SAPS, the thieves got past a security gaurd, broke into the office, got the keys to the vehicles and drove off. No arrests were made. Trichardt – Evander Regional Court sentenced Gegama Simon Mahlangu (25) to an effective four years in prison on 10 April. He was sentenced
for various counts of fraud after he unlawfully used skimming devices at the Trichardt Toll Plaza. Mahlangu worked as a Toll Operator in 2017 and skimmed bank cards of passing motorists. Complaints were received from the bank regarding clients that had lost money through strange transactions. Mahlangu was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit during a sting operation after he was found at work in possession of a skimming device. Mahlangu faced 124 counts of illegally collecting data from bank cards using the said device. He was convicted for fraud in Contravention of Section 86(1) and 86(3) Act 25/2002. The court sentenced him to total of 19 years imprisonment, some years are to run concurrently. He is to serve an effective four (4) years prison term.
Business robbery at American Swiss At roughly 9:45 on Thursday 12 April, three armed men entered Bethal American Swiss and pushed three employees into the store room, demanding cellphones and jewellery. The suspects fled the scene with a combined estimated 200 cellphones and jewellery items from the display counter. The value of the stolen goods is estimated to be R800 000. Bethal police request anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Detective Warrant Officer Johnny Nkonde or Detective Constable Victor Nkadimeng on (071) 647 9929/30
NEWS
20 April 2018
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Wouter is back home! Wouter Swanepoel was discharged from hospital on Friday 13 April after several months in the hospital. The 2nd of December 2017 saw the closure of the N17 due to an accident close to the Leandra tollgate. Wouter, Chantel (his mother) and their dog Calvin, travelled to Secunda by bakkie when the bakkie overturned and everyone’s lives changed forever. Chantel had extensive injuries to her legs and was transported to a hospital by ambulance. Calvin ran away into the neighbouring farms. The Bulletin reported about the plight of Calvin as the Govan Mbeki Municipality community was caught up in the story of the missing dog. Search parties were organised and even a plane was sent to help find Calvin. With the persistence of Garth Calitz, they found Calvin. He was alive but needed veterinary care urgently. Dr Louis Bosch helped nurse him back to good health. Wouter, 11 years old, was not so lucky. He fell out of the bakkie as it overturned and was seriously hurt. He had extensive head injuries as well as a number of other minor injuries. Shayne van der Heever of Langamed South Services was the first to arrive on the scene. The personnel of Langamed stabilized little Wouter and Shayne called in Halo Aviation. They operate “Air ambulances”. Wouter was then airlifted to Hospital in Randfontein. Shayne later said that something just told him to keep on trying and not to
give up. Wouter stayed in ICU and high care for a while before being moved to a normal ward and later to a rehabilitation centre. This little boy showed determination to succeed under very difficult circumstances. Although he still struggles to walk he is a bright and pleasant young boy. A few days before his discharge Dirk, Wouter’s father, contacted the Bulletin to inform the Bulletin about his discharge. He mentioned that Wouter would like to thank those involved in the rescue if it was ever possible. That set the wheels in motion that would affect a lot of people for a long time. The Bulletin contacted Shayne and asked if he would be available to meet with Wouter and he agreed immediately. Shayne, in turn, contacted Brandon Botha of Halo aviation at Lanseria who also agreed to meet at Rand Airport in Germiston. The Bulletin wanted to make the day even more special and phoned Jason English CG Holdings (also Prommac). Jason agreed to fly little Wouter in his helicopter. But this time there would be no emergency. Wouter was not informed of this but was told that they would be eating at the Harvard restaurant at Rand Airport. Excitement rose as the whole team arrived and the big moment arrived. Shayne introduced the rescue team of Brandon, Max (paramedic on the helicopter) and himself to Wouter.
A serious accident occurred on Saturday with two vehicles involved. Two people were fatally injured and three people are in critical condition. Langamed responded to the scene as well as members of Secunda911 Unconfirmed reports by witnesses on the scene states that two BMW vehicles raced along the road on the way towards Secunda. One of the BMW’s lost control and veered of the road and crossed over into oncoming traffic, colliding with another vehicle head on. The driver of the BMW was flung from the car and sustained serious injuries. The passenger of the BMW died on scene. The driver and one passenger of the other car sustained serious injuries while the other passenger was declared dead on the scene. The road was littered with debris and rescue personnel struggled to free the injured. The familes of those who died in the accident were informed by SAPS, Emergency Services Chaplain & Langamed Trauma services.
He was so excited to meet them all. It was a big surprise. Then the biggest news came, Wouter was going to fly! He didn’t know what to say as Jason was introduced. There was no stopping him now. Wouter kept telling everyone that his heart is pounding. He couldn’t stop smiling. The long walk to the Helipad was quickly forgotten as he was strapped into his seat. At one stage all he could say to his dad was “ek is bang” (I am afraid) Jason landed after about 20 minutes. The flight took them over central Johannesburg. The final surprise of the day was when Wouter and his family visited the workshops of Henly Air where Wouter could see how helicopters are serviced. This was a very special day for a very special boy that is so deeply entrenched into the hearts of all here at the Bulletin. Dirk kept the Bulletin updated on a weekly basis regarding Wouter’s progress. The Bulletin would like to thank Shayne (for making such a big difference on accident scenes and saving Wouter’s life), Brandon (for responding when needed), Max (who treated and cared for Wouter in the helicopter) and Jason (for making Wouter’s day so special) It was easy arranging the day. It took the Bulletin two phone calls to get the go ahead! This is what makes a difference to us at the Bulletin and those affected! A video link will be available on our website
For the latest in breaking news go to www.thebulletin.co.za
WHAT’S UP/News
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So is die lewe
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John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
20 April 2018
Ds Marius Britz Die hartseerste woorde, sekerlik, is: “Ek wou nog.” Dit begin met: “Ek sal nog bel. Ek sal binnekort.” As ek tyd het. Die risiko is dat hulle wie jy nog wou bel, skielik nie meer daar kan wees nie. Weg. Net weg. As mens maar net al die name kon noem met wie jy nog wou praat. John McDermott sing oor sy pa se dood: “I thought he’d live forever, he seemed so big and strong”. Maar hy het nie vir ewig geleef nie. “And I miss him, the old man”, sing McDermott. Ek en Dana Snyman, een van die grootste skrywers in Afrikaans, het so paar jaar terug gekuier in Vredenburg. Hy het navorsing gedoen oor predikante waaroor hy ‘n toneelstuk geskryf het genaamd die “Die wel en weë van ds. Tienie Benade”, met Frank Opperman as akteur. Ek het ‘n paar staaltjies aan hom vertel oor my ervaringe in die bediening, wat hy daarin gebruik het. Dana het fyn geluister tydens ons gesprek. Hy het die ongelooflikste detail van ons urelange gesprek neergeskryf, en selfs ongemerk ‘n foto van my hande geneem waar ek ‘n pakkie suiker oor en oor rondrol. En oor ons koffiekuier in sy boek “In die blou kamp”, geskryf (p.28) Ek het voorgeneem ek gaan by hom kuier in Jacobsbaai. Ek het hom ‘n paar keer weer gesien daarna, en telkens my voorneme bevestig. “Ek kom nog”, het ek belowe. “Ons gaan lekker kuier”. Intussen het hy groot pyn in sy lewe beleef. Ek kon sy pyn lees, en ervaar, maar ek het nooit daarby uitgekom nie. Of daarop gereageer nie. Vanoggend hoor ek hy trek weg vanaf Jacobsbaai, na Kaapschehoop. En ek wou nog by hom gaan kuier. En so kan mens vele name noem van mense by wie jy nog wou uitkom. Maar jy het nie. Jy raak te vasgevang in jou eie lewensdrama. Jou eie pyn, jou eie lewe raak in die pad. As ek die name moes noem van mense
by wie ek nog wou uitkom, sal my 900 toegelate woorde vir hierdie rubriek veels te min wees. Ek kry vandag ‘n boodskap van iemand wat meer as ‘n kwarteeu terug deel van my gemeente was. “Ek moet asseblief jou vandag nog sien,” het sy gevra. Ek het geantwoord: “Ek kan nie vandag nie. Kan ons later?” Ek was nie besig nie, maar het nie kans gesien nie. Ek het nie krag gehad daarvoor nie. Ek het nie weer van haar gehoor nie. Intussen het ek my foon afgesit. Ek wil nie hoor nie. Nie nog ‘n keer nie. Iewers in die weermag was daar ‘n sammajoor wat elke dag in my kantoor was. Hy was moeg om te leef, en het aanmekaar gedreig om op te hou met leef. Uit desperaatheid, op ‘n Vrydagmiddag 17:30, het ek gesê: “Doen dit dan, as jy wil”. Daardie aand laat het die RSM my gebel en gesê dat hy dood is. Hy het dit gedoen. Wat sê mens? Ek weet nie. Toe ek jonk was, het ek gedink ek ken al die antwoorde. Noudat ek ouer en wyser geword het, besef ek ek weet eintlik min. Die woorde: “Ek dink aan jou”, en “sterkte”, beteken niks as jy dit nie opvolg nie. Beloftes en voornemens tel nie, net daadwerklike doèn. En ek worstel jare al met die vraag: sou ek nie dalk iets kon verander het nie? Iets aan die seer van die man wat ek een aand laat iewers op ‘n grondpad ontmoet het nadat hy my gesmeek het om hom te help. Ek het met hom gestoei om die 9-mm pistool uit sy hand te vat, dieselfde pistool waarmee hy later selfdood gepleeg het. Soveel mense wat alleen is, eensaam, desperaat, aan die einde van hulle kragte, kruis ons pad elke dag. Maar dikwels sien ons dit nie raak nie, of sien nie kans daarvoor nie. Die antwoord is eenvoudig. Dalk kon jy ‘n verskil maak. Soos Valiant Swart sing: “Dis ‘n stukkende wêreld”. Dalk kan jy. Of eerder, jy kan ‘n verskil maak. Nie met grade in sielkunde en beradingstegnieke nie. Maar eenvoudig net deur te wys: Ek gee om. Al maak mense foute, weet dat jy ook onvolmaak is. En deur te glo dat jou sondes vergeef word, kan jy ook vergewe. En met sagte oë na die wêreld gaan kyk.
Moet nooit op die punt kom waar jy moet sê: “Ek wou nog nie”. Wanneer jy hierdie rubriek gelees het, besluit dat jy ‘n verskil gaan maak. Nie deur kennis van Freud se sielkunde nie. Maar deur net eenvoudig sag te wees. Hou jou geliefdes vas, druk hulle en sê: “Ek is lief vir jou!” ‘n Liefdelose huwelik, gesinslewe, werksomgewing is ‘n dodelike gif. Dit maak mense se lewens stukkend, en laat hulle bietjiesbietjies doodgaan. Moet nooit, maar nooit sê: “ek is nie lief vir
jou nie”. Leer om lief te wees. Dis waaroor alles gaan. Jy kan ander mense se lewens verander deur self anders te word, deernisvol te wees. Kyk met Jesus se oë. Het Hy op sy martelgang in die Weg van Smarte na die spottende skare gekyk met liefde? Ek weet Hy het. Moenie die oorsaak wees dat jou huweliksmaat, jou mense, jou vriende, jou kennisse, ooit eensaam en sèèr is nie. Sien hulle Via Dolorosa raak. Jy, net jy, kan die verskil maak. Vermy ten alle koste die woorde: “Ek wou nog”.
Knights MC Kriel Blanket Run The Knights MC Kriel Chapter (motorcycle club) is 40 years old this year and is one of the oldest motorcycle clubs in South Africa. The Knights is a family club and have regular charity events all over SA. The Kriel chapter wanted to make a difference in their community and identified the senior people in Kriel. In particular, those that do not have a large pension and struggle to make ends meet. The “Knights MC Kriel Blanket Run” was born when the
need was identified within the Silver Fleur old age complex. Some residents are ill, some can’t even afford new clothes or even food and is very dependent on the state pension that they receive. Poppie of Kokedoor fame came to help for the day. She also resides within the complex. Various donations were received from businesses and the community. All donations were handed to the complex to help people through the winter.
WHAT’S UP Sasol Rugby Practice @ Sasol Club - Every Tuesday and Thursday @ 18:00 to 20:00. Contact: Theuns Kruger Club Captain on 082 602 4035. 19 April - SACBW seminar with Henriette Brand. Mastering Facebook Marketing like a pro. From 18:30. R200 per non member. Bring your
laptop. RSVP 073 635 5682. 21 April BMF Govan Mbeki Branch Transformation Master plan discussion @ united Motors Secunda. 10:00 13:00. 23 April - Mnr & Mej Kruinpark @ Laerskool Kruinpark. 18:00 - 20:00. 24 April - Taekwondo Expo & Fundraiser @ Oregon Spur Steak Ranch. 17:00 20:30. 5 Mei - NG Gemeente Trichardt Bazaar. 10:00 - 14:00. Kontak 017 638 0224. 5 Mei - Kruinpark Gholf dag. Walkerpark Gholf Klub Evander. 07:00 - 22:00
20 April 2018
SPORT News
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Toll tariffs increase While tax went up, gas went up and food prices went up, motorists have to cough up extra for the use of various toll routes in South Africa, including the N17, even though the stretch between Bethal and Trichardt is not in a desirable condition. This toll will now cost you R17,50 if you are not a resident in the vicinity. “Adjustments to the tariffs are in accordance with the CPI over the preceding twelve months and includes the increase in VAT from 14% to 15% recently announced in the 2018/19 Budget,” Vusi Mona, General Manager of Communication at SANRAL said. The newly adjusted tariffs applies to not only the N17, but also to the N3 toll road between Johannesburg and Durban, the N4 between the Mozambican border and the Botswana border and also to toll road sections of the N1, N2 and R30. “The adjustments are made on an annual basis to keep the toll tariffs aligned with inflation. The one percentage point VAT increase is added to the toll tariff and contributed to the upward adjustment,” Vusi said. “The effect of inflation means that every Rand buys a smaller percentage of goods or service. As the average
inflation rate is used to decide the adjustment, this means that there is no increase in real terms,” he added. “Toll monies are used prudently, only to maintain and improve toll roads. Toll roads are built at no cost to the fiscus – the concept of toll roads is to apply a user charge only to those who benefit from the use of the road.” “Toll roads are a prime example of a public-private partnership which makes capital available up front for important and expensive infrastructure projects. It also allows for the continued maintenance not done at taxpayer’s expense,” Vusi said. On a question as to how they increase toll tariffs at Trichardt Plaza even though the road is not in a great condition, SANRAL said that although the N17 between Ermelo and Oshoek is in a “less than acceptable condition”, it is not a toll road and that construction to improve the road to SANRAL standards will start this year. In the mean time, Gegama Simon Mahlangu (25) will be behind bars for the next four years after defrauding motorists at Trichardt Toll Plaza out of money when he used skimming devices last year. See Crime Snippets for more detail.
Sektor 1 Kosmos kies nuwe Leiersgroepe Die Suid Afrikaanse Weermag Vereniging Sektor 1 Kosmos, het Saterdag hulle algemene jaarvergadering gehou by die Kruik Caffé. Die AJV is geopen met Skriflesing en gebed deur die Sektor Kapelaan Ds. Johan Smit. Die Sektor se voorsitter, Henry Buÿs, het tydens sy jaarverslag gemeld dat alhoewel daar beplande projekte weens omstandighede nie uitgevoer is nie, daar nieteenstaande, verskeie projekte met groot welslae aangebied is. Henry het verwys na die “Suikerbekkie” projek waar die SAWF Laerskool Trichard se koshuis aangeneem het vir ondersteuning ten opsigte van die voorsiening van die daaglikse behoeftes van dié koshuis se kinders. Henry het ook verduidelik hoe die SAWF se struktuur met betrekking tot die van die Sektore en Eenhede werk. Die RSA se amptelike nege provinsies word in Sektore verdeel en die distriksmunisipaliteite word dan as Sektore gebruik. Die name toegeken aan die Sektore is ook uniek aan elke provinsie. Wes-Kaap na berge, Vrystaat na bome ens.
Die Eenhede is onder die beheer van elke Sektor ingedeel. Sektor 1 Kosmos bestaan, op die oomblik, uit drie eenhede waarvan Standerskop, geleë in Standerton alreeds geruime tyd uiters suksesvol opereer onder leiding van ʼn baie bekwame leiersgroep. Henry het ook tydens die AJV twee ander eenhede bekend gestel wat onder Sektor 1 Kosmos sal ressorteer. Die een eenheid sal bekend wees as “Brandwag”. Die ander Eenheid is gestig vir Bethal en omgewing, die Eenheid sal bekend staan as “Rustfontein”. Altwee hierdie Eenhede se Leiersgroepe is ook tydens die vergadering deur die lede aanwesig verkies. Die nuwe leiersgroepe is soos volg: • Sektor 1 Kosmos: Henry Buÿs Voorsitter Aart Reedijk - Sersantmajoor Ds. Johan Smit - Kapelaan Sharen Wickens - Adjudant • Eenheid Brandwag Kevin Oliver Voorsitter Piet Nieuwenhuis - Sersantmajoor • Eenheid Rustfontein Japie Reyneke Voorsitter Johan van der Kamp - Sersantmajoor
Aart Reedijk (Sektor SM) - Sharen Wickens (Sektor Adjudant) – Henry Buÿs (Sektor Voorsitter) – Ds. Johan Smit (Sektor Kapelaan).
Tiaan Burger is off to Electric Sea Music Festival in Rostock, Germany, after winning 2 Air Tickets in the Whatsapp competition leading up to Misty Waters 2017. After a lot of thought and consideration, he decided to go to Electric Sea Music Festival. Burger and his friend, Waldo Swart, will be flying to Germany on 6 December arriving just in time for the festival on 8 December.
NEWS
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20 April 2018
Canyon Coal’s prospected mine – Disaster looming for locals already? Affected and Interested Parties (AIP’s) are concerned as they still don’t have definite answers from Canyon Coal (Little Snipe) who intends on opening another opencast coal mine in Ward 15, near Bethal. The ward already has 11 operational mines. The new prospected mine, Witfontein, is situated approximately 13km North-West of Bethal and holds little to no benefits for the broader local community or local jobseekers. Divan van der Merwe from EXN Advisory Services and Clifford Hallet and Dawid Venter, both from Canyon Coal, made many promises during the last public meeting that was held in October last year where AIP’s raised their concerns with the revised plan. The original plan was amended after health implications were too severe for nearby residents on neighbouring farms, Vaalkop with its 9 occupants and Witrand, where over 60 people reside. On this meeting, concerns about several issues were raised again, the main being air quality, surface water, underground water, safety, rehabilitation and road usage. “If we have to listen to every farmer that throws a tantrum when we want to start a mine on his farm, South Africa won’t have any coal,” Clifford sarcastically told The Bulletin during the very heated public meeting last year. Divan and Clifford, during the meeting, said they would take the new complaints into consideration before releasing the final EIA and EMP reports. When the reports were received however, not much changed and AIP’s main concerns were ignored. All that the community could basically get out of them thus far was that experts were appointed, in-depth studies done
PROPERTIES eiendomme TO ADVERTISE CALL 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845
and their statistics and research can be trusted. One of their “experts”, Mashadi Monaledi from Atlegang Social Intelligence’s sources included in her SIA (Social Impact Assessment) report, was that of Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. Another statistic that was used was the 2011 sensus, which stated that 97% of GMM residents get weekly refuse removal services, something that is not true in 2018, nor was it in 2017 when the meeting was held. Thus the statistics used to get licenses can’t be trusted. “The specialist’s report is flawed in total. Firstly, the data used and assumptions made is either outdated and of no integrity,” Vlam Venter, owner of Farm Vaalkop, said. Canyon Coal hammered on how excellent rehabilitation will be and that you will hardly notice that there were mine activities when they are done, but to this date, Canyon Coal has not had one successfull rehabilitation of a closed mine. “We will gladly give you the contact details of neighbouring farmers from our other projects, then you can hear from them if we stick to our agreements,” Clifford said during the public meeting. It is almost six month later and Canyon Coal has not fulfilled this small promise, even after various e-mails requesting this information. Vlam went to see the DMR as he and other residents feel that Canyon Coal waters down their issues. “It is our honest belief that the consulting companies compiling the environmental reports are, for obvious reasons, biased towards the mining applications. All our concerns are mentioned, but heavily softened and mitigated,” Vlam said. “We are very concerned that the DMR might not see the total picture with regards to the different applications by mining companies in our area,” Vlam told Aubry Tshivhandekano, Regional Manager of Mpumalanga DMR. The prospected opencast will open approximately 850m from Farm Vaalkop’s four residences and will directly impact the residents negatively. “We as a community do understand the strategic importance of mining for South Africa. If every application for mining rights is evaluated in isolation, it might make sense in some cases. The total effect however, will be disastrous,” Vlam told Aubry. “Sasol Mining already owns the mining rights on farm Vaalkop 104 IS and has existing infrastructure for underground mining. They are
applying to consolidate their Vaalkop rights with their existing activities at Thubelisha. Directly adjacent to these rights, Canyon Coal (Little Snipe) is applying for mining rights, involving two open cast pits and washing/processing facilities across the vitally important Piekiespruit,” Vlam said. “What is of an even bigger concern, is that they plan to transport the coal by road on a provincial gravel road which will most certainly lead to a huge disaster,” Vlam said. “We proposed, if mining has to be done, that as an alternative to opencast pits and road transport, Sasol Mining rather explore the coal underground by means of their infrastructure.” After construction, which will last two years, once the mining development is operational, around a 100 000ton coal will be hauled along the D450 (Alexander road) to the railway siding near Bethal each month. The mine will be operational for 10 years, with another two years for rehabilitation thereafter. “Road legal 30t side tippers or similar vehicles will be used for coal haulage. Over a 16-hour period a day, around 208 truck trips can be expected. A further 12 bus trips and 122 light vehicle trips per day can be expected for the approximate 80 staff required for the operation,” the TIA (Traffic Impact Assessment) report stated. The report was compiled by CC le Roux, Project Director from JG Afrika. “It was found that the impact and mitigation measures were not that sensitive to reasonable variations in the above assumptions,” CC said. He motivated the surfacing of the gravel road in his report as this can be less maintenance cost and safer, but also said: “The highest AADT is expected to be 280 vehicles on the Bethal leg of the D450 and this is well below the threshold for a road authority.” The following mitigating measures and recommendations were made by him for the gravel road: 1. Replace the drainage structure at the mine access. 2. Replace or extend some culverts in the road. 3. Increase the cover over culverts for structural protection. 4. Increase the road width to 10m. 5. Replace the wearing course and develop a maintenance plan. 6. Consider dust suppression. 7. Additional road signs are recommended as the current ones are below standard.
8. Inform the road authority of the development and obtain a wayleave. 9. During the planning phase, it should be considered that there are limitations imposed by the bridges as to abnormally heavy or wide loads. This is their 9 point mitigation plan to make it safer, but none of residents’ questions were answered (again). Residents has a problem with: 1. Who will be liable for damages caused by the trucks on the roads. Who is going to replace windscreens and pay for damages caused by gravel and rocks hitting their cars. 2. There are numerous young children hiking or walking to school or travelling by car or schoolbus on the Alexander road daily. There is also a school adjacent to this road. 3. Mist, road conditions and animals were not taken into consideration. 4. The way trucks drive is a huge road safety concern for AIP’s. 5. Big farm implements using the roads, were not taken into consideration. 6. Farmers move cattle from camp to camp, using the main road as passage. This was also not taken into consideration. It is evident that none of Canyon Coal’s report will solve even one of residents’ concerns about the road. Another concern was safety. One resident of Farm Vaalkop, requested to either be relocated or to get additional safety measures, paid for by Canyon Coal. This request was wiped under the rug and Canyon Coal and EXN hasn’t said a word about this. “As if I was speaking to the walls, but this is my farm as well. This is my future, my safety, my life, my money and my car,” the resident said. “Our concerns were proven correct by the report! The people affected most will not benefit at all. Also, evaluating our existing properties on an agricultural value as planned will be totally unfair to us, who invested heavily in residential infrastructure because of the favourable positioning close to industry,” Vlam commented on the EIP report. It is clear that EXN and Canyon Coal’s words and actions are two very different things and construction on the mine has not even started yet. It is also clear that they make use of incorrect data and research in order to get licenses, without taking AIP’s concerns into consideration. From the reports it seems like the promises of locals getting work, are just that....A promise. Gwendie Venter
SPORT NEWS
20 April 2018
7
How to build a woman Buildawoman held the second part of its second annual event for women’s empowerment on Saturday 14 April in eMbalenhle. Exceeding all expectations, the Baptist Extension Church hosted a crowd of 140 guests, who were from areas surrounding eMbalenhle, as well as
Polokwane, Midrand, Pretoria and Katlehong. Founder of Buildawoman, Forgy Mokalapa, was overwhelmed by the support that she received. The event was initially meant to accommodate 50 guests, but by the morning of the occasion, numbers had almost tripled.
Buildawoman hosted a women’s empowerment event on 14 April.
“I never planned to host events,” Mokalapa said, reflecting on the past three years of Buildawoman’s growth. The idea came about when she took a gap year after completing matric in 2014. She spent some of her time visiting schools in eMbalenhle and giving hour-long motivational talks during some of the Life Orientation classes. As the talks progressed and she engaged with the students, Mokalapa realised that there were so many personalities from so many different walks of life, and that each of them could benefit from hearing and relating to the stories of different individuals. “I thought to myself, the only story they hear is mine, which is something I don’t want,” she recalls. Thus, the first annual Buildawoman event was born in 2016, bringing together a fusion of young and mature ladies, who spoke of and listened to the lived experiences of one another. “This year, we saw a lot of new faces. I was so humbled to see that women who were much older than me saw the
Outa initiates new branch in GMM
VACANCIES VAKATURES
Outa took the first steps in establishing a local branch in Govan Mbeki Municipality on Wednesday 11 April at Boesies, Lake Umuzi. The meeting was well attended and the conference hall was packed to capacity. Everybody listened attentively to the presentation by Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage as well as Julius Kleynhans and Micheal Holenstein. Micheal is the Manager: Local Government Initiative. The ANC led council are not able to stop the financial backslide of GMM. The Eskom debt is out of hand with over R500m owing to them. Rand Water is owed more than R100m and the outstanding debtor's book is over R1,2 Billion. To top this, a budget with a deficit of R200m is proposed. Why the OUTA Branch? The community of Secunda approached OUTA to assist
in the process of keeping the electricity on, following the Govan Mbeki Municipality’s failure to pay Eskom for electricity usage. After an investigation, it became clear that various issues revolve around the lack of accountability within GMM. Due to the status quo, it was decided to establish an OUTA Branch to enable residents to have an organised platform, free from politics, to hold those who govern the Govan Mbeki Municipality to account and to ensure public funds are being spent efficiently, cost-effectively and economically. OUTA Local provides the local community with a wellestablished and organised support system including research, investigations, litigation, communications, empowerment and a financial platform. The committee will represent
the interests of residents within the jurisdiction of the Local municipality which will be guided and empowered by the Regional Management team and OUTA’s national offices. This endeavour is completely dependent on the sustainable crowd funding method whereby residents within the Municipality fund the initiatives of the OUTA local branch. The only way a local initiative like this can succeed is through residents taking ownership of their problems by enabling the sustainability of their local branch through a recurring monthly contribution. If you believe in the OUTA vision and mission you and your business can get involved through becoming supporters of the OUTA local initiative. It is important to ensure that you join the branch established within Govan Mbeki Municipality.
value of this event and felt that they could gain something from attending,” Mokalapa said. With Buildawoman taking off, Mokalapa has big plans for its future. She aims to launch small group meetings in the respective areas where her guests come from, called ‘Mastermind Groups’. The intent is to create a safe and supportive space where women can empower each other in self-esteem, spirituality, relationships and career goals. “We want women to share ideas and dreams while also motivating each other,” Mokalapa said. She also plans on taking the same event that was held in eMbalenhle to other cities and towns where women have shown an interest, beginning with Polokwane. Mokalapa said that although she is elated with the support that the movement is receiving, the point is not to gain numbers, but rather to gain growth. “We want to increase the quality of women who attend Buildawoman, not just the quantity,” she said. - Rorisang Rathebe
NEWS
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SERVICES
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20 April 2018
Wedding expo inspires brides-to-be A monumental white tent outstretched on a lush green lawn welcomed brides-to-be on 14 April 2018. A wedding exhibition, hosted by Boesies Restaurant in Secunda, served refreshing doses of inspiration to wedding planners. Featuring the works of photographers, decorators, make-up artists, hairdressers, printers, DJs and lighting technicians, the event gave a myriad of options to even the most undecided guests.
At the same time, it displayed the wedding venues offered by Lake Umuzi, as well as accommodation choices. Rolin Booysen, marketer for the event, was elated with the turnout, as the mission was to minimise the stress associated with planning a wedding, particularly for brides. Not only did the expo serve the brides, but it was also an opportunity for a number of small businesses to further market themselves and increase their respective client bases.
A blanket for the cold Winter is on its way and Running Hearts is looking for blankets to keep those in need warm. Bongile Sixhanti and his team, Sibusiso Siteto, Thuto Mahlangu, Lihle Qweleka and Tshepiso Selala want to raise at least 50 blankets before 26 May. Running Hearts is a newly registerd non-profit company that is dedicated to assist the orphaned and impoverished children by providing education and basic needs. “In the near future we are looking at building a center where we will shelter 50 children between the ages of 6
months and 20 years,” Bongile said. The 50 Blankets For Winter Charity Event is one of two events Running Hearts are planning to host annually. “For the 50 Blankets project, we are specifically looking for blankets, we don’t want monetary donations for now,” Bongile said. “We will be hosting our first 50 Blankets For Winter Charity Event on 26 May at eMba mall.” If you want to make a contribution, contact the Bulletin. Blankets can also be dropped off at stand 10501 in extension 14 in Emba.
20 April 2018
SPORT School
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Cafeteria opens at Hoër Skool Secunda It was all posh and glamour on Friday night as HS Secunda officially opened its cafeteria. In a first of its kind in this area a state of the art cafeteria was presented to the guests. Children now have an opportunity to buy good food at affordable prices. It is also a place where children can congregate and catch up on their homework etc. Wifi is available that has controlled access. The menus are set in advance and distributed to the learners. A lot of work was done to actually realize this cafeteria dream. Hours of late nights, breaking heads on how to fund the project were completed. The building is funded in part by a lot of wine auctions and other clever fundraising events. HS Secunda can now proudly say that the building is completed with no funds owing. A lot of credit should go to the current and previous governing bodies as well as Paul van den Berg Director: Marketing, Public Relations & Advertising.
Mnr Lourens Pieterse
Mnr Paul van den Berg
The ribbon is cut
The inside of the Cafeteria
Hoërskool Secunda stel nuwe Departementshoof aan 1 April is vir baie ‘n dag van grappies. Vir Hoërskool Secunda was dit egter ‘n dag om hulle erns met die akademiese opvoeding van hulle leerders te beklemtoon en ‘n nuwe departementshoof: Wiskunde, is aangestel! Stephnie Kroucamp (nuwe departementshoof: Wiskunde) is iemand met ‘n passie vir onderrig, veral vir onderrig in Wiskunde. Met hoofvakke Chemie en Plantkunde het Stephnie haar BSc graad by die Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit (RAU) voltooi. Ander vakke het ingesluit Wiskunde en Dierkunde. As jong student het sy by Hoërskool Linden geproef. Sy het na haar studies by Hoërskool Linden aangesluit en Wiskunde gegee onder die wakende oog van Henna Schwartz 'n legende in Wiskunde kringe. Henna was haar groot inspirasie, en sy het baie by haar geleer. Sy het later by Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie skool gegee, en daar onder die baie bekwame Lenie van Zyl gewerk. Die ondervinding wat sy daar opgedoen het, is vir haar van onskatbare waarde. Stephnie se passie vir
onderwys het egter nie daar begin nie. Sy wou van kleins af 'n onderwyseres word, en so het haar pa sy motorhuis vir haar ingerig as ‘n klaskamer. Hier het sy dan vir die buurt se kinders klas gegee in die skoolvakansies. Sy het selfs huiswerk gegee en baie ongelukkig geraak as hulle dit nie doen nie, en hulle derhalwe daaroor gestraf. Van die ouers het later by haar ma gekla en gevra dat sy liefs die straf moet los! Stephnie het as student verskeie prestasies behaal en net ‘n paar word hier genoem: Een van RAU se top presteerders in 2002. Beste plantkunde student in 2002 en 2003. Dameskoshuisvoog in 2005. As onderwyser het sy die volgende toekennings ontvang: Beste graad 12 uitslae in Wiskunde: Klub 100 (2013) Beste graad 12 Wiskunde uitslae in Gert Sibande (2014) asook beste presterende Wiskunde onderwyser in Gert Sibande (2015). Die lys hou aan en aan. Stephnie se droom is om elke kind te help om sy volle potensiaal in Wiskunde te ontwikkel, om na die beste van sy/haar vermoë te presteer. Sy wil ook graag voortbou op die goeie resultate wat Martie de Beer behaal het. Hoërskool Secunda kan uitsien na ‘n opwindende Wiskunde toekoms!
Hoërskool Secunda neem deel in NWU Pukreeks finaal Hoërskool Secunda het die afgelope Saterdag (14 April 2018) deelgeneem aan die Finaal van die NWU Pukreeks. Hier volg die uitslae: Rugby: o/14A wen 38 – 14 vs Hoërskool Hartebeespoort (eindig 4de in NWU Puk-reeks) o/15A wen 19-12 vs Hoërskool Hartebeespoort (eindig 9de in NWU Puk-reeks) o/16A wen 13-12 vs Hoërskool Hans Moore (eindig 3de in NWU Puk-reeks) 2de span verloor 3-0 vs Hoogenhout (eindig 8ste in NWU Puk-reeks) 1ste span wen 48-10 vs Hoërskool Bastion (eindig 3de in NWU Puk-reeks) Netbal: o/14A wen 18 – 12 vs Hoërskool Dr Malan (eindig 1ste in NWU Puk-reeks) o/15A wen 37 – 10 vs Hoërskool
Standerton (eindig 1ste in NWU Pukreeks) o/16A verloor 14 – 25 vs Hoërskool Brits (eindig 8ste in NWU Puk-reeks) o/17A verloor 19 – 25 vs Hoërskool Linden (eindig 2de in NWU Puk-reeks) 1ste span verloor 22 – 28 vs Hoërskool Linden (eindig 4de in NWU Puk-reeks) Hokkie Meisies: o/14A gelykop 1 – 1 vs Hoërskool Dr Malan (wag nog vir posisie in NWU Puk-reeks) o/15A wen 3-0 vs Hoërskool Brits (eindig 5de in NWU Puk-reeks) o/16A verloor 1 – 3 vs Hoërskool Dr Malan (eindig 2de in NWU Puk-reeks) 2de span gelykop 0 – 0 vs Hoërskool Linden (wag nog vir posisie in NWU Puk-reeks) 1ste span verloor 4 – 5 vs Hoërskool Dr Malan (eindig 2de in NWU Puk-reeks)
School
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20 April 2018
Wanneer die liefde runnik
In Mei maand stap Salomé Joubert en haar perd Savanna agt jaar saam en die liefde tussen hulle groei steeds. Van dresseer en spring tot skou, dié twee is soos Vinkel en Koljander. “Ek is baie lief vir Savanna, op ‘n manier het sy my leer perdry,” het die blondekop gesê. Sy het as klein dogterjie saam met haar ma se vriendin op ‘n perd gery en beide haar oupas het perde gehad. “Ek dink dit is ‘n ingebore liefde,” het haar ma, Suzette gesê. “Sy het aangehou dat sy haar eie perd wil hê en ons het gedink dis net ‘n fase.” Salomé is ‘n perderuiter van formaat en het verlede jaar so goed gevaar dat sy aan die Nasionale Kampioenskappe deelgeneem het, al het Savanna een van die vier kwalifiserende proewe gemis. “Sanesa het vier skoue per jaar en dan word jou punte gekombineer en as jy ‘n sekere persentasie bereik het, word jy genooi vir die Nasionale byeenkoms. Ons het nie geweet sy gaan na die Nasionaal toe nie, dit was vir ons ‘n groot verrassing. Sy het ‘n skou gemis, maar haar punte was so goed dat sy elk geval genooi is,” het Suzette trots gesê. In 2011 het sy vir die eerste keer aan ‘n skou deelgeneem, hoewel sy op die skou deur iemand gelei is. Alles was goed op dreef toe Salomé van hoofpyne begin kla het. Haar ouers het haar na die oogarts geneem en uitgevind dat haar retina sedert
geboorte nooit vasgegroei het nie. Die dokter het gesê as sy van die perd af val of haar kop stamp kan sy haar oog verloor. “Teen die tyd het sy reeds 3 of 4 keer van haar perd afgeval en al wat ek kon dink is hoe geseënd ons is dat sy nie eenkeer iets oorgekom het nie,” het Suzette gesê. Salomé moes gaan vir ‘n oogoperasie en hoewel sy drie weke af was, het sy en Savanna nog steeds tyd saam spandeer en mekaar geleer ken. “My grootse bekommernis was dat ek nie weer kan perdry nie en ek het nie altyd in die aande geslaap nie,” het Salomé gesê. Marjorie Greyling, SANESA se hoofvoorsitter, het gehelp om Savanna te leer. “Ons het Savanna op tweejarige ouderdom gekoop. Die verkopers het gesê sy is reeds geskool, maar eintlik het sy niks geweet nie. Majorie het ‘n baie goeie werk gedoen.” Salomé wat ‘n Hoërskool Secunda leerling is, wil eendag ‘n professionele perderuiter word. Hoewel Salomé en haar familie op Secunda bly, loop Savanna in Bethal waar sy professionele versorging ontvang. Van ‘n tandarts tot ‘n stalkneg, Savanna is omtrent bederf. “Die beste was om te leer spring want vir daardie paar sekondes verdwyn alles, maar die ergste was die afval deel,” het Salomé gesê. “Maar ek sal altyd weer opklim, want as ek afval is dit gewoonlik my eie skuld.”
Op Saterdag, 14 April het die 1ste Landloop Ligabyeenkoms by Hoërskool Secunda plaasgevind. Drie Kruinpark dogters het deelgeneem en baie goed gevaar. Dogters O/9 - 2km: Anja du Toit - 1ste Plek, Goue medalje Dogters O/11 - 3km: TP Stratten partook in a Cross Country meeting on 14 April Luzelke van Wyk - 1ste Plek, Goue medalje at Hoërskool Secunda. Here are Sam Mabe (u/12) who Ilse-Mari Eksteen - 2de Plek, Silwer received a 3rd place, Buhle Masuku (u/13) got 1st place medalje and Thandiwe Thabethe (u/13) who also received a 3rd Van Links na Regs, Anja, Ilse-Mari en place, with their coach Mr. Steven Grabie. Luzelke
Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk se Gr. 7 Top Tien is: Marlize van Rooyen (89%), Michael van Eck (87%), Dezeré Porter (82%), Rudy Allers (82%), Juanita de Alcantara(81%), Hanroux Roux (80%), Zane Volschenk (80%), Adriaan Davel (79%), Elandri Kleynhans (79%) en Jan Alberts (77%).
Salomé en Savanna ken mekaar al agt jaar
Marietjie van Niekerk se onder 11 rugbyspan het gedurende die April vakansie na Volksrust getoer vir ‘n rugbyweek. Die volgende seuns is aangewys as Rugbyspelers van die wedstryd: Dandré Els, Damian de Beer, Pieter Viljoen en Ruan Ludwig. Damian is ook as Agterspeler van die week aangewys.
Marietjie van Niekerk se Eerste rugbyspan het gedurende die April vakansie na Volksrust getoer vir ‘n rugbyweek. Die volgende seuns is aangewys as Rugbyspelers van die wedstryd: Connor Purcocks, Willem Shepherd, Michael van Eck en Dullon Venter.
SPORT
20 April 2018
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GRACELAND CANCER GOLF DAY In a cool and breezeless day, perfect for playing golf, 80 golfers, 74 men and 6 ladies, teed off in the annual Sanlam Cancer golf day. The golf day is organised to raise funds in aid of patients suffering from cancer. Numerous sponsors supported this venture. A total of R42 160 was raised and R3 060 was received in raffles. As in the past, the competition was well attended by local golfers as well as players from the region. The competition is played in the IPS format in three divisions, A, B and C divisions. A division comprise of players with handicaps ranging from 0 to 9, B from 10 to 18 and C from 19 to 30 for the men, the ladies divisions are A handicaps from 0 to 16, B from 17 to 24 and C from 25 to 36. Various prizes were up for grabs like novelties for nearest to the pin on all four par three holes and nearest to the pin in two strokes on holes numbers 2 and 5 on the first nine and holes 11 and 18 on the second nine. Players who teed off at 07:00, found the course still wet from heavy dew, temperature of 11 degrees and a thin
layer of mist. None of these conditions seemed to be a deterrent for the eager players. Later in the day the course dried off and the temperature rose to a more comfortable 24 degrees. Water holes were also deployed on several tee boxes to quench the thirst. All participants enjoyed a well organised game by Andre Blom, president of the Graceland Country Club and organiser, and all his staff. The following winners in the three categories will advance to the regional competition to be held at Ermelo on 18 August 2018. The different division winners are: A division winner: C Cilliers. B division winner: R Burger. C division winner: R Nolte. Congratulations to the three players.
Peet van Zyl teeing off
The fallen hopes of Rising Stars Rising Stars Football Club, formed in December 2016, is yet another organisation in constant battles with the officials of its government. The club, which is made up of 150 members of both genders, has been struggling to get maintenance assistance for the stadium in which they train. The Flour Daniels Stadium in eMbalenhle, also known as KaNdiza, has been turned into a dumping site and party venue, where players of RSFC allege that drug use is common. The height of the uncut grass on the field makes it impossible to constructively play any sport. MJ Khumalo, co-founder of club, said that they had been in contact with a number of officials who continue to give the team false hope. “We have called several meetings with our ward councillor Mr Ace Vilakazi to ask for assistance but he has never been of any help to us,” he said. “Not only are the kids suffering, but we also know of elderly members of the
community who used the grounds to exercise in the mornings, who are now affected by this.” Khumalo is concerned that the children, who depend on the football club as a way to keep positively active, will begin to fall into wrongful activities when they have too much time on their hands. The club was once a way to “keep the kids off the streets”. Without a safe and decent location to hold club activities, Rising Stars Football Club is suffering heavily. “Mr Vilakazi told us that he will make a plan, but nothing has come about,” Khumalo said. We even spoke to our former mayor, who promised that the issue would be sorted out by the following Monday, but two months have passed and nothing has been done.” When Mr Vilakazi was contacted for his right of reply, he refused to comment. RSFC is now desperately seeking any individual or institution who will hear their plea and assist them in carrying out their cause, which they strongly believe to be worthy.
The poorly maintained Flour Daniels Stadium in Embalenhle
Martinus, Frik, Andre en Peet
20 April
2018
Bulletin
Sasol klop Middelburg
Willa storm voort met ondersteuning van Jackie
Sasol 1 en 2 klop Middelburg op ‘n dag waar sportmanskap en goeie rugby geseëvier het. Sasol 2 het Middelburg 2 geklop met ‘n telling van 57-24. Die Pompe het gespeel met die struktuur van ‘n eerste span. Dis duidelik dat die kombinasie tussen Dirkie Coetzee, AE van Wyk en Edmund Soule (10,12,13) ‘n klas kombinasie is wat nog baie moeilikheid gaan veroorsaak in die liga. Sasol sal ook bly wees oor die terugkeer van Neo Maliehe wat gespeel het soos ‘n man met vuur in sy are. Op die punte by die 2des het Eddi Mphuthu en Jaco Jacobsz gehardloop soos vleuels op “Jet Fuel”. Die spelers van die wedstryd was Given Tshabalala
en Eddi Mphuthi. Sasol se eerstespan, die “Busse”, het Middelbrurg geklop 17-0 in ‘n wedstryd wat gestop was teen rustyd as gevolg van dreigende weerlig. Die “Busse” het ‘n baie goeie eerste helfte gehad. Die voorspelers het 100% van hul lynstane gewen en ‘n baie goeie fondasie gelê vir die agterspelers. Deon “die Lip” Greef en Hanco Nel het mekaar gereeld gevind in die lynstane. Ruan van der Colff het gehardloop soos net hy kan en het “sweeties” uitgedeel soos by n kermis. Jackie Smit het sy tweede wedstryd vir Sasol begin en dit is duidelik dat hy sy voete begin vind in die Sasol los trio. Sasol se vories het n fantastiese platform gelê vir Faanster Booysen Ys en die agterlyn. Booysen en die senters (HJ Neetling en Lourens Basson) het gelyk soos ‘n kombinasie wat al jare saamkom en het die bal gemaklik geskuif na Theunis Kruger (regter vleuel) wat
‘n skitterdrie gedruk het in die regterhoek. Shaun Jacobs, op linker vleuel, moes hard werk om skoppe van Middelburg te keer en het hard gewerk op verdediging. Afrigter Jannie Van Der Merwe het niemand uitgesonder as speler van die wedstryd nie en genoem dat die hele span as ‘n eenheid fantasties gespeel het. Willa Martin se leierskap was duidelik sigbaar in die feit dat Sasol slegs rugby kom speel het, en nie die man nie. Buiten die telling wat goed was vir Sasol, kan ons met trots sê dat SASOLHEART gewys was in die harte en gedrag van ons spelers. Jacobus Beyleveldt en Christiaan Wessels, die supersubs wat geen speelkans gekry het op die dag nie as gevolg van die wedstryd wat gestop was na die eerste helfte het HEART gewys deur te dien maar nie te speel nie. Sasol se Derdes, die trokke, het ongelukkig vasgeval teen Bethal se tweede span met ‘n telling van 24-12. Die trokke sal opstaan en sterker terugkom! - Werner Joubert
Lip in die lug