The bulletin newspaper 22 june 2018

Issue 181 - FREE

22 JUNE 2018

Community News. Original - accurate - first

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

Firefighters battle a blaze in eMbalenhle. See page 6 for full story

Shifting the blame at SCOPA The Govan Mbeki Municipality tried every trick in the book to shift the blame for the poor state of the GMM finances when they were summoned to appear before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).

The top 10 defaulting municipalities owe Eskom R9.73-billion, and a parliamentary committee has resolved to meet with them to find out why they are not paying their debts.

The standing committee on public accounts (SCOPA) was briefed by Eskom, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the South African Local Government Association and National Treasury on Wednesday to find out what efforts are being made to address escalating municipal debt owed to Eskom.

In an attempt to shift the blame the GMM delegation started to blame Vesta, a program that was acquired by Sasol at a cost of approximately R9m, as

the source of GMM’s problems.

When asked about the costs of the program they downplayed the costs stating that Sasol had paid for the program.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts held a meeting with ten municipalities that owe Eskom to explain their debts. The municipalities in attendance were as follows: Maluti A Phofung, Matjhabeng and Ngwathe in the Free State; Emfuleni in Gauteng; Ditsobotla and Naledi in North West and eMalahleni, Govan Mbeki, Lekwa and Thaba Chweu in Mpumalanga.

The Chairperson indicated the meeting was pursuant to a previous engagement with Eskom to which the entity’s challenges were discussed extensively. Part of the challenges which were identified were of unpaid bills by municipalities.

Therefore, the Committee wanted to hear from the municipalities about

what the real issues were in an effort to map the way forward.

Eskom is critical to the economy, and solutions to these challenges of debts owing needed to be found.

The ten defaulting municipalities explained why they continually failed to settle their debts to Eskom. The numerous challenges which were highlighted included: spiralling debt, compounded revenue losses, a chain of non-payment and ‘ghost vending’.

They cited structural challenges in their own financial practices as well as historical financial constraints. They also blamed their own communities for refusing to pay power rates, and in some cases, said Eskom had unrealistic expectations of their ability to pay their debts. Most municipalities that owe Eskom billions for bulk electricity supply painted a bleak picture of their finances. They cited high unemployment, resistance from

consumers to pay and illegal electricity connections for their inability to pay the entity. Some municipalities indicated that they will never be able to settle their debts to Eskom unless the interest costs were waived.

Here is a summary from the Parliamentary Monitoring group about the procedures.

Govan Mbeki Municipality Mr Thisha Mhlanga, Acting Municipal Manager, Govan Mbeki Municipality, said the conflation of historical debt to Eskom and the debt on the municipality’s current account made it impossible to get a grip on the spiralling debt.

The municipality paid R542 million of the Eskom bill, but was struggling with old historical debt. If this was addressed, the municipality would not have a problem with settling its debt with Eskom.

Continued to page 3

NEWS

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22 June 2018

Law enforcement scare on the N17 Women are cautioned to be alert when traveling on the N17 especially if you are alone.

The area between Devon and Nigel offramps is of particular interest.

On Friday, June 8, Clarise* and two other girls were traveling on the N17 from Potchefstroom towards Secunda when they were pulled over by a police

vehicle.

Clarise was traveling behind a cluster of cars and when they passed a bridge the police vehicle suddenly appeared behind them. The vehicle flashed its lights and Clarise moved out of the way into the left-hand lane when the road became double, to allow the police to pass.

The police vehicle increased speed and came behind Clarise and indicated that Clarise should stop.

Clarise didn’t know what to do and because she thought that there is something wrong she stopped as instructed.

A man in a police uniform then approached the vehicle and asked to see her license. She handed it over to him. He repeatedly asked if she had something to drink and that he could smell alcohol. She denied having anything to drink and was instructed to get out of the vehicle to do a breathalyzer test.

The man wanted Clarise to open her boot and wanted to search her vehicle.

She noticed a second man standing at the passenger side. She replied that they could search her car as she had nothing to drink.

Suddenly the man changed his story, calling her a reckless driver and accusing her of driving at 160km/h. He indicated that he had a unit in his car that could tell the speed that she was driving and that she should get into his car.

When she refused the man started threatening her with “I will ruin your future” and “I will lock you up right now.” Clarise turned around, climbed back into her vehicle and just drove away. Everyone dreads being pulled over by the police but knowing your rights and remaining calm even if you are in the wrong, means you can make the best of a bad situation.

The only thing worse than being pulled off the road by a police officer is having a reason to be pulled over. Whether

you have been naughty or nice you still have rights and there are laws in place that both you and law enforcement need to adhere to. Knowing your rights could help you to make an unpleasant experience more tolerable and keep your nerves intact.

There are a number of reasons you could find yourself face to face with a police officer. You could be stopped in a roadblock, asked to pull over while in motion, or involved in an accident or parking offense. Each situation has laws pertaining to your rights and the reach of the officers.

While a uniformed police officer has the right to stop you at any time, you don’t have to take their word for it that they are legitimate officers. You are entitled to ask the officer for proof of identity. They are required by law to carry their appointment certificate (identity card) at all times. The Criminal Procedure Act states that an officer who cannot or will not provide an appointment certificate on demand is in violation of the Act. If they refuse to produce their card you need to proceed with caution. You do not have to produce your license and or name and address but by doing this you may anger the individual and they could make life difficult. Tell them you will be happy to drive to a police station and or call the station to verify their legitimacy.

Sadly there are a number of criminals impersonating officers and if you have doubt they are legitimate roll down your window and tell them you will meet them at the police station. Criminals will usually speed off.

A traffic officer has the authority to demand your driver’s license, which by law must be kept on the driver’s person or in the vehicle. If you have left the license at home a police officer may give you the chance to show it to any police station within 7 days but it is not an “arrestable” offense.

In fact, the only traffic offenses that are criminal under the 2008 AARTO Regulations are: • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This also applies if you occupy the driver’s seat while under the influence, and the engine is running.

• Operating a vehicle recklessly.

• Exceeding the speed limit by 40km/h or more. This applies to the general speed limit, and speed limits prescribed by signs.

If an officer pulls you over and accuses you of speeding without any traffic

monitoring equipment, and you know you were not speeding you can simply state this is not the case. They will not usually pursue it.

If you are stopped in a roadblock, traffic officers often imply that you must settle fines on the spot or face arrest. The fact is that they cannot arrest you for an outstanding traffic fine for which there is no warrant of arrest. They may, however, serve you with a summons to appear in court.

If a law enforcement official wants to arrest you, you should not resist even if you are on the right side of the law. Call a lawyer and get them to meet you at the police station.

Arbitrary search and seizure of your person, your property or possessions is not permitted unless there is a belief that you may have been involved in the committing of a crime and that a search warrant would be issued by a Magistrate or Judge in support of their beliefs.

If a roadblock has been set up for this purpose and prior permission is obtained they can search your vehicle.

If you are arrested, you must be taken directly to a police station with no detours. If you are held, then your case must be brought before a court within 48 hours of your detention. In most cases, you should be granted bail at the police station.

When it comes to accidents, there may not always be a police officer on the scene but if there is, it certainly helps to have your paperwork in order.

There are hundreds of thousands of unlicensed and uninsured drivers and there are over 1 million accidents a year. While it is illegal to drive without a license, it is not a legal requirement to have vehicle insurance. The chances of being involved in an accident with an unlicensed, uninsured driver are high, so you need to protect yourself. Your insurance company will take care of the headaches so it’s worth the monthly investment.

In South Africa, it takes more than obeying the law to keep out of trouble.

If you are respectful to officers, even if you have done no wrong, the situation should not escalate and you can continue your journey without any consequences. In other words, keep your head down and your fines up to date.

Information by: The Hollard Insurance Company. Ltd (Reg No 1952/003004/06) is an authorised Financial Services Provider. * Not her real name

RDP registration stopped It seems as though Govan Mbeki Municipal officials just can’t get it right. That is if you listen to the residents of Charl Cilliers.

GMM has launched a RDP registration program in Charl Cilliers that aims to register possible candidates for RDP houses. This will place people on a waiting list until the program is finished.

Mr Mlotshwa of GMM told residents that the money for the houses would be from the provincial government.

The procedures that are normally followed to inform residents would include hailing from a vehicle calling residents to the meeting.

Charl Cilliers residents and RDP hopefuls were up in arms about the hailing. They claim that no hailing was

done in the farms areas. Hailing was only done in town. The farm dwellers claimed that the RDP houses would then only go to a select few that stay in town in houses anyway.

At the meeting that was held at the police station, the residents told Mr Mlotshwa that he could pack up and go. When asked about the reasons for not hailing in the farm areas, he said that he didn’t know because it was not his area. The residents should speak to the speaker. GMM officials tried to continue but were shut down very fast.

Mr Mlotshwa and the other officials quickly climbed into a bakkie and left.

Residents felt that the hailing should have been done properly before any progress could be made with waiting lists.

NEWS

22 June 2018

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Sasol and Solidarity CCMA update Johannesburg, South Africa – Sasol and Solidarity held a further conciliation hearing today with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on a dispute by Solidarity regarding Tier 2 of the Sasol Khanyisa employee share ownership plan (ESOP) by designated employee groups.

The conciliation hearing followed earlier CCMA hearings by the two parties held on 9 and 25 May 2018.

This followed an initial referral of a discrimination dispute to the CCMA From page 1

by Solidarity that it subsequently withdrew.

At the conciliation hearing, Sasol and Solidarity could not reach agreement to settle the dispute. As such, the Commissioner issued a certificate of non-resolution. This outcome means that Solidarity could embark on a protected strike after giving Sasol 48-hours’ notice. A certificate of non-resolution does not imply that Solidarity is correct nor that Sasol is wrong on this dispute. The CCMA outcome means that middle ground could not be found on Tier 2 of Sasol

Khanyisa ESOP. It gives permission to Solidarity to withdraw labour and protest in a safe manner.

Both parties will reconvene on 4 July 2018 to establish picketing rules that would apply in the event of a strike. At this stage, Sasol has not yet received a strike notice from Solidarity.

The Sasol Khanyisa ESOP is not a company benefit or compensation scheme. It was specifically designed to address the ownership component of the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Codes and therefore primarily focuses on the

inclusion of Black employees, as defined by the Codes.

As a responsible South African corporate citizen, it is Sasol’s ethical duty to take decisive action to redress the injustices of South Africa’s past.

Sasol Khanyisa, Sasol’s new B-BBEE ownership structure, is one of the key focus areas of the company’s broader transformation strategy.

Transformation, in the form of share ownership in Sasol South Africa by previously disadvantaged groups, is an important ethical, social and business imperative for Sasol.

Shifting the blame at SCOPA

Govan Mbeki Local Municipality has challenges in revenue collection with significant amounts of money owed to the municipality by its customers. The debt book balance has accumulated over a period of time to R1.1 billion to date. Causes of financial distress included unfruitful debt collection service provision; impoverished communities where cut-offs create volatile relations/protests and municipal property vandalism; high distribution losses (electricity & water); dilapidated, ageing infrastructure [electricity, water, sewer and roads]; and unfruitful debt collection service providers. Notably, in an effort to consolidate its R600 million debt book, the municipality outsourced the services of debt collectors. However, the exercise had proven unfruitful with debt escalating to over R1.1 billion over 5 years and resulting in a legal dispute with service providers. Also, up to 22% of potential revenue was lost through illegal connections and ghost vending.

Cllr Thandi Ngxonono, Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, stated that in an effort to curtail the high electricity distribution losses, the municipality, in coordination with Eskom had already generated new Supply Group Codes to Eliminate Ghost Vending. A new Smart Metering prepaid electricity solution acquisition tender was underway, and illegal connections and electricity tampering was to be addressed on a targeted basis with support from South African Police Service and using smart meters that can be monitored on a live basis. She expressed the municipality’s commitment to repayment of Eskom debt and pleaded with the electricity provider for indulgence being mindful of the challenges.

SCOPA asked the GMM delegation if the Budget had been approved. SCOPA chairperson NT Godi pointed out to the delegation that a quorum must be present before every decision taken.

SCOPA instructed the GMM delegation to provide them with a copy of the attendance register for the council meeting of 29 May. The attendance register was only signed by 27 ANC members and they could therefore

not form a quorum. 9 ANC members did not attend the meeting as they were in disagreement with the current leadership. All opposition parties did not sign the attendance register and walked out of the council sitting.

GMM were also instructed to provide a statement on how the equitable share was spent. SCOPA wanted to know the exact amounts that were used to pay Eskom.

In an attempt to explain the financial situation, Mayor Thandi Ngxonono and her team prepared a presentation that was wrought with spelling mistakes.

The poor quality of the presentation is indicative of their seriousness to make GMM a city of excellence.

“I was shocked by the GMM delegation to SCOPA. They are community leaders that are knowingly downplaying criminal activities for their own benefit,” said Angel Khanyile (DA MP and GMM constituency political head) “We are building a better South Africa not only for ourselves but also for our children.

I am saddened that they treat this problem with so much disregard.”

In a statement to the Bulletin, DA Cllr and Caucus leader Ciska Jordaan said that “The DA in Govan Mbeki is very satisfied that the GMM Eskom debt, as well as the municipality’s financial ineptitude, has finally made it to the desk of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts. At last, the Executive Mayor and the Municipal Manager would hopefully be held accountable for the atrocities they have caused financially in this municipality.

We are, however, severely concerned by the distasteful presentation they have made there, making the Eskom account seem salvageable by pretentious turnaround strategies that have numerously failed or been halfheartedly implemented. Some of these include the prior Executive Mayor Maboa Boltman’s operation Kodiko, Vodacom smart meters and expensive locks on electrical boxes that have cost them more than it has saved them - and made no real changes in electricity theft of revenue generation.

What is more disconcerting is that the Executive Mayor and the Municipal manager would attempt to publicly mislead the members of SCOPA and the residents of Govan Mbeki, by claiming that the 2018/19 budget has been approved by the council.

I presume that this is in an effort to prematurely implement tariff increases that would steal more money from residents and avoid that the municipality is placed under administration by the provincial legislature. Their false claim of the budget approval is outrageous as the opposition had avoided the approval of the budget on the council meeting of 29 May, by walking out and leaving a meeting that did not quorate.

We are pleased however that the committee made a demand for the attendance register of the said council meeting, and hope that the provincial legislature would live up to its mandate to urgently intervene in the matter so that the residents of Govan Mbeki could be provided with the services that they are paying for.

The residents of this municipality are tired of the deceiving ANC management, who is clearly doing nothing more than constant leaving rubbish and sewer in our streets and leaving us in the dark with their incompetence to govern.

WHAT’S UP/News

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So is die lewe

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Ds Marius Britz Liewe pa Dis Sondagaand, Vadersdag is amper verby. Ek wou pa bel, maar ek kry nêrens ‘n telefoonnommer vir “Heaven” op Google nie. Al het ek hierdie week op Facebook ‘n video gesien van ‘n prediker wat in die erediens beweer dat hy op sy selfoon ‘n gesprek met die Vader in die hemel het. (Toemaar, pa sal nie weet wat Google en Facebook is nie). En, pa sou in elk geval maar gesukkel het met selfone, soos ma nou doen. Dit reën hier op die weskus vanaand.

Ons het so lank gewag daarvoor.

Maar dis eintlik nuttelose inligting.

Want daar waar pa nou is, is dit altyd mooiweer. Nooit te koud of te warm nie. Want die Son van Geregtigheid met genesing in sy strale skyn aanmekaar. So, ek weet dat pa se sieklike lyf nou

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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

22 June 2018

22 June – 14 July Spcae Park, Secunda Mall, For more details contact 010 001 0254 or visit www.shopsecundamall.co.za

geen pyn meer ken nie, ek gaan nie eers vra hoe dit gaan nie. ‘n Dag soos vandag het nogal baie onthou oopgesluit. En snaaks genoeg, die slae wat ek gekry het toe ek een aand in Durban op die Beach Hotel se dak geklim het om te gaan duiwe vang, daai wat in die dag so op die strand rondgeloop het, dit kan ek net so vaagweg onthou. Maar ek onthou goed hoe pa ons geleer het van goeie maniere. Omdat pa altyd met ‘n oorpak op die fabriek se vloer gewerk het, was pa gesteld daarop om ‘n baadjie en das te dra as pa iewers heen gaan. Soos dorp toe, veiling toe. Haarkapper toe. Ek onthou die Beach Hotelvakansies. Hoe pa en ma elke maand vier rand in ‘n koevert gebêre het om vir Desember se astronomiese vyf dae te betaal. ‘n Volle sestien rand vir die hotel, drie etes ingesluit, plus geld vir roomys en stampkarre vir ons. En veertien rand vir petrol heen en weer van Springs af.

Met vakansie moes ons elke dag gou maak van die strand af om mooi aan te trek voor etenstyd.

Pa altyd met sy enigste baadjie, die bruin strepies-een, daardie einste baadjie wat ek en broer by die begrafnisondernemer gaan 23 June – Boere Mall at Artisan Square Lake Umuz. 09:00 – 14:00 24 June – Rails and Tails-Winter 2018 @The Eendedammetjie 10:00 – 14:00 24 June – Microchipping @ The Eendedammetjie 10:00 – 15:00 30 June - Pappa en sy Prinses, Bosveld Lapa, 10:00 – 12:00 Skakel 017 631 4902 vir besprekings

haal het op dáárdie dag... En terwyl die kelner staan en wag met die doek oor sy arm, het pa met groot gebaar sy bril opgesit en vir ons gelees: “Soup of the day, Fish, Leg of Mutton, Chicken pie, Vegetables, Dessert, Cheese and biscuits.” En dan het pa die spyskaart teruggegee, en met ‘n gesagvolle stem gesê: “We will take one combined each please.”

Maar dis die alledaagse dinge wat vandag terugkom. Hier, in ‘n sportmal dorp waar hordes fietsryers met toerusting ry wat baie meer kos as wat ons huis gekos het, pa, onthou ek pa se fiets. Die een waarmee pa elke dag SAPPI toe gery het. ‘n Raleigh, met drop-handles.

En ‘n driespoed Strumey Archer-ratstelsel. Dit was ‘n luukse fiets, want hy het selfs ‘n kragopwekkertjie gehad teen die wiel, met ‘n lig vir wanneer pa baie aande laat moes werk.

My groot trots was om soms, met spesiale toestemming, met daardie fiets om die blok te kon ry. Pa was nooit te deftig om met daardie ou fiets te ry nie.

Snaaks watter paaie onthou loop, pa. Die bosveldseun wat op die plaas grootgeword het, en wat soveel lewensstorms tèèn hom gevoel waai het, was ook ‘n aartsfilosoof. Die een wat my geleer het van wysheid. Soms met ‘n goeie skeut humor. As ons by ma se familie gaan kuier het, het pa altyd gesê met ‘n vonkel in die oog: “Nou, kom ons ry, dat ons kan terugkom.”

En ook: “As jy by familie gaan kuier, moet hulle flou word van blydskap om jou te sien, en voordat hulle bykom, moes jy alweer gery het.” Maar tog was

pa die een wat my geleer hoe belangrik dit is om kontak te hou met ooms en tannies, met neefs en niggies. En pa se handewerk by ons kerk leef steeds nadat al die dominees wat daar was, se preke vergeet is. Daardie groot doringkroon bo die ingang van die kerk in Strakoschsirkel, dit het mý ouderlingpa gemaak.

47 jaar terug. Ek sien jou elke keer as ek daar verbyry, pa.

Want mens hoef nie papiere en universiteitsgeleerdheid te hê om onuitwisbare indrukke op mense se lewens te maak nie. Jy het my geleer om met woorde te werk, pa. Nie die Griekse en Hebreeuse dosente nie. Daardie aand in Skukuza toe jy jou verskoon van almal wat daar sit, en net daarna weer verbyloop met die driebeenpot om hom te gaan was.

“Waar gaan jy, Cas?”, het almal gevra. “Nêrens, ek is te pap en gedaan,” het pa geantwoord.

Die draaie wat die lewe loop. Jy en ma het dertig jaar gewag vir julle eerste kleinkind. Want jy was baie lief vir kinders. Altyd in die winkels met klein kindertjies gespeel en grappies gemaak.

En daardie aand toe jy jou eerste kleinkind kom kyk in die Moedersbond in Pretoria, het jy ‘n plastiekmotorfietsie saamgebring.

Die eerste en laaste keer wat jy hom gesien het. Want presies drie weke later is jy skielik, eensklaps, weg. Net wèg, na daardie Plek met die vrede toe. Jy sou so trots op al jou kleinkinders gewees het.

Elkeen van hulle het ietsie van jou vingerafdrukke, pa. Daaraan het ek vandág gedink. So, jy is weg, maar jy is nooit weg nie. Tot weersiens, pa. En groete vir ons Vader.

22 June 2018

SPORT

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News

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Crime Fire in eMbalenhle snippets The spectators were packed around a fire that broke out in eMbalenhle on Thursday afternoon around 17H00.

Jelani Security was the first to respond to the scene and immediately started to stop the fire from spreading. The GMM fire services also responded to the fire and managed to arrive in a very short time.

A bystander said that a small field fire spread into a yard where people gathered plastics. The plastics are destined to be sent to be reclaimed.

The fire quickly spread and the whole yard was ablaze in a matter of minutes.

The firefighters managed to stop the fire from spreading to nearby shacks and when a building in the adjacent bus depot caught fire they managed to extinguish that fire also.

The firefighters from the two fire engines managed to achieve control over the fire very quickly and completely extinguished the fire. The fire was extinguished at approximately 18h00.

All the plastic and sheds were completely destroyed in the fire.

No one was injured in the fire.

PROPERTIES eiendomme

Weekend armed robberies Over the weekend, while residents celebrated Youth Day, criminals planned a spree in town, targeting owners of motor vehicles.

A complainant reported an incident to Bethal SAPS in which he was the alleged victim of an armed robbery.

Police report that while driving around Bethal town on Saturday 16 June, he was stopped by three men on the road and pointed with a firearm. They then dragged him out of his vehicle and started assaulting him until they overpowered him. They all got in his vehicle and drove away. The vehicle was later recovered around the CBD. In a separate incident, a complainant alleged that he was followed by a car and thought it was someone he knew, so he stopped for the driver.

From the vehicle that stopped him, one man approached him and asked for directions. While he assisted with directions, another man came and

pointed him with a firearm. They then demanded his vehicle, which also contained R8000 in cash.

The police urge the community, especially motorists, to be more cautious when driving at night.

“Motorists have to be more careful when driving at night and not stop anywhere even if they are stopped by other vehicles other than police vehicles,” said Constable Thomas Mogadime, the communication and social crime prevention officer at Bethal SAPS. He further urged the community to report any form of crime to Bethal SAPS on 017 647 9929/30.

House Robbery in Secunda On Monday 11 June at about 16:00, two men aged 28 and 29 were arrested in Evander by members of Secunda K9 and Secunda Flying Squad for possession of suspected stolen property and possession of unlicensed firearms.

This emanates from a house robbery that took place in Secunda at about 14:30 on the same day. It is alleged that the victim, Mr Quinton Milligan, received a call from one of the suspects who identified himself as a police officer. The suspect requested to meet

22 June 2018 the victim at Secunda Wimpy. The appointment was kept, and the two suspects requested the victim to go with them to his car in order to talk there. Mr Milligan said that the men forced him to get into the back of the car. When they were inside the car, one suspect pointed him with a firearm and instructed him to drive with them to his home, where he rents a bachelor’s flat. On the way, they instructed him to withdraw money (R2000). At home, they took his TV, a car (BMW 320D, Silver Grey in colour) as well as his wrist watch and other electrical appliances.

They then fled the scene. The house robbery was reported to Secunda SAPS. The tracker in the stolen vehicle was activated and led members of Secunda Flying Squad and K9 to Evander, where the two suspects were arrested. The stolen vehicle, as well as the Mercedes Benz which they used, a Samsung Flat Screen TV, two .22 rifles and their ammunition, a magazine with 9 rounds, TV games, wireless earphones, cash and cigarettes which were stolen during the house robbery were found in one suspect’s house.

The duo appeared in Secunda Magistrate’s Court the following day, facing charges of Illegal Possession of Firearms, Possession of Stolen Property and House Robbery. The case was postponed to a later date, and the suspects were released on R2000 bail.

Fathers’ Day for the elderly Bethal SAPS Men For Change (Advocates For Change) and Women’s Network in partnership with Steers, Debonairs Pizza, FishAways and Bethal Sasol filling station celebrated Fathers Day with fifteen elderly men from Siyanakekela Old Aged Centre.

As part of the Men for Change/ Advocates for Change programme, Constable Thomas Mogadime, the Men For Change/Advocates for Change Champion, met with the management team of the sponsors to initiate the Fathers’ Day breakfast, the idea of which the

management team liked.

The manager of the restaurants, Ms Marcia Madida, welcomed everyone and wished all the fathers a happy Fathers’ Day, encouraging them to love one another as the occupants of Siyanakekela. She also blessed the elderly with the performance of a gospel song.

Constable Mogadime encouraged all the fathers to be positive role models in the community by not becoming perpetrators of domestic violence. He further sensitized them about crimes against children as well as elderly persons’ rights.

The Siyanakekela Old Aged Centre projects manager, Mrs Florence Mosia,

Consable Mogadime with the Fathers’ Day recipients from Siyanakekela Old Age Center and Sasol Filling Station staff

thanked Bethal SAPS Men For Change for their support and organising the Fathers’ Day breakfast for the elderly.

She further thanked the sponsors for making the day a remarkable one for the elderly.

Ms Mosia is running the Centre with the support of local businesses and is always open to the contributions of other businesses to assist where it is possible.

Constable Thomas Mogadime thanked the management team and staff at Debonairs, Steers, FishAways and Sasol for pampering the elderly during the day. He further thanked Mr Sibusiso Zondo for helping transport the recipients to the venue.

SPORT NEWS

22 June 2018

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Arrested, Blood Requested!

A cage was set up very early to act as a jail, dividers went up to shield the people from the public’s eye as they donated and chairs were being unfolded. The first donors started to arrive before the Mall opening time and before long a substantial queue had formed. The queue never really

shortened.

It seemed as if chaos has broken out. Everybody wanted to recruit last minute donors to get them released.

The day was enjoyed by all that participated. The “arrested” part quickly forgotten as excited chatter continued with everyone that passed

Set subject

Best Junior

Best Senior

The Sasol Highveld Photographic Club held their monthly meeting where the following winners were announced.

Best Junior - Sussa Pelser Moth on Iris Best Senior - Leon Pelser Makeup Artist Set subject - Sussa Pelser Peanut

SANCO cleans town SANCO decided that they had enough of the poor service delivery in eMbalenhle, especially the refuse removal, and took the matter into their own hands on Wednesday 13 June.

A large truck was used and ward 31, ext 17 was targeted.

All the refuse bags were collected.

Residents carried their bags from far for SANCO to remove them.

Thank you SANCO for a brilliant idea.

This shows commitment and conviction in what you are doing.

Keep up the good work!

Rand Water The amount due to Rand Water by the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality is R141,442,224.46.

An amount of R28,244,849.72 is due to Rand Water by 30 June 2018.

The total amount due to Rand Water is R169,687,074.18.

In a meeting with the Municipality on 1 June 2018, both parties agreed that it would be advisable for Govan Mbeki

to agree to a 20% pressure reduction to curb the Municipality’s consumption to an affordable monthly amount.

The reduction in water pressure was implemented on 5 June 2018.

Subsequently, technical teams from Rand Water and the Municipality have begun to ensure that the reduced water flow is distributed equally to the Municipality’s consumers.

the donation area.

SANBS personnel had their hands full to keep up with everybody that wanted to donate. Papers had to be printed, forms filled, fingers pricked and then the dreaded moment. The needle! The chatter and banter around the donor area made everyone relax and before they knew it, it was all over.

One unit of blood donated!

The SANBS reports that their blood supply will only last for 3,7 days. Blood is in high demand. If you haven’t donated yet, please do so today.

Your blood can save a life.

Thank you to Secunda Mall for allowing SANBS to utilise the space.

Without the contribution of every donor, every Arrested person, the SANBS staff, it would not have been possible to reach a total of 133 units for the day. Well done to every one.

Legal NOTICE

Saturday morning saw a hive of activity at Secunda Mall.

SANBS hosted their Arrested, Blood Requested event in the passage in front of Woolworths. Fourteen “Blood criminals” were arrested and had to buy their freedom with blood. Blood from donors, that is.

NEWS

8

SERVICES

To advertisE call: 017 631 1903 017 631 1845 or Mariëtte 083 476 2860

22 June 2018

Winter Warmer Blessings Basizeni Special School held a Casual Day Winter Warmer on Thursday 14 June. The school hosted representatives (most of whom were principals) from other local schools including Osizweni Special School and Vukuzithathe Primary School.

During the proceedings, the school hall was filled with teachers and students alike. Between performances by learners and staff, the significance of Casual Day to the school was emphasized.

Mr JJ van Wyk, the deputy principal of Basizeni, highlighted the strides the school had made over the three Casual Days that the school had begun to participate in. “The main reason we are here is to acknowledge the achievements of the past three years,” he said.

“We are very proud to be part of this base of support for people with disabilities.”

The school, as explained by Mr van Wyk, had raised almost half a million rand through their Casual Day initiatives over the past three years. On the day of the Winter Warmer, each of the 170 students at Basizeni received a blanket (which was purchased using the Casual Day proceeds) to keep them warm through the chilliest months of the year.

Mrs Mariette Botha, a teacher at the school, said that even though the contribution was relatively small, she found joy in giving the learners a gift that could make even the smallest difference. And the difference was clear when each child walked out of the hall holding a bundle of warmth.

The school will continue to participate and raise funds through its upcoming Casual Day initiatives, urging all potential supporters to be a part of the little differences in the lives of Basizeni’s beloved learners.

To Advertise Call Mariëtte 083 476 2860

Vukuzithathe Primary School was one of the schools that received an award for supporting the disabled at Basizeni’s winter warmer event. Here is the principals of both schools with Louis Botha and the award.

We will remember them The Standerton concentration camp Remembrance Day on Saturday was a poignant experience for all that attended this historic day at the graves of the women and children buried in the now disused cemetery.

The ceremony was attended by direct descendants of the deceased, friends, children and people that had a heart desire to be involved in this sorrow fragment of our history.

This Remembrance Day will be a yearly occasion.

The guards of honour were from SADFA’s Sector 1 Cosmos HQ, Secunda and members of their different units, i.e. Standerskop and Brandwacht.

A heart-rending occasion message was delivered by Minister Martin Jordaan the Chaplain of Unit Standerskop.

Persons that so wished were invited to partake in the symbolic planting of 118 trees, that represents the 118 years that has succeeded the establishment of the camp at Standerton in 1900.

The history ensuing the camps was explained by the proficient Mr Rudi Rousseau, an expert in the field of the camps chronicles in the RSA. The community of Standerton can by proud of those who offered their time and resources to render such a rememberable day.

Veterans that took part in the guard of honour.

SPORT School

22 June 2018

9

Goedehoop Rugby says thank you The first rugby team of Laerskool Goedehoop surprised their main sponsor on Thursday with a visit to his offices.

Timbercity Trichardt and Secunda were featured in the 25 May edition of the Bulletin where they officially handed over the sponsored jerseys as the main sponsor.

Tony DiLoreto, owner of Timbercity Trichardt and Secunda was very surprised when the

inniPark Fees weer in Augustus Laerskool Secunda bied met trots vir die vierde jaar die inniPark Fees aan. Verlede jaar het sowat 4000 mense hierdie groeiende fees bygewoon. Die fees het ‘n erkende gebeurtenis in Secunda geword waarna die inwoners van die Hoëveld elke jaar na uitsien.

Die inniPark Fees word in die groenstrook (reg onder die Sasol Klub) aangebied en is ‘n fees waartydens trots SuidAfrikaanse produkte en ook plaaslike besighede bemark

word. Die fees spog ook elke jaar met sowat 70 stalletjies waar feesgangers unieke produkte en geskenkies kan koop. Stalletjies is beskikbaar vanaf R400.

Hierdie fees vind plaas op Saterdag, 25 Augustus 2018. Daar is vier bekende kunstenaars wat gaan optree naamlik: Leah, Refentse en Die Campbells. Die gospelsanger en oudleerling van Laerskool Secunda, Dewald Gouws gaan feesgangers ook vermaak.

Tjiff en Tjaff gaan ook sorg vir kindervermaak!

Tydens die fees sal daar verskeie speletjies, springkastele, ʼn fietswedren en ‘n Mnr & Mej Fees aangebied word.

Die inniPark Fees gee u ook die geleentheid om as borg op te tree en dus blootstelling in ons gemeenskap te ontvang.

Kaartjies kan vooraf by die skoolkantoor gekoop word of by die hekke op die dag.

10th annual Spur Schools MTB League

The 10th annual Spur Schools Mountain Bike League took place on Saturday 16 June, beginning at Hoërskool Secunda and continuing through the scenic park route surrounding the school.

The league, which was in partnership with the high school, hosted 317 participants this year. Cyclists ranged from ages 7 to 18 and the 6 races varied between 15 to 70 minutes in length. Apart from Hoërskool Secunda learners,

students from various schools participated.

The top 10 participants from Hoërskool Secunda were Fiona Venter, Dané Pretorius, Zegeit Nieuwoudt, Rynhardt Engelbrecht, Geane Engelbrecht, Taegon Esterhuizen, Waldu Bakker and Renaldo Le Roux, who rode their respective categories extremely well.

whole team waited in his office. It took a lot of organising by the staff of Timbercity as well as Laerskool Goedehoop to make sure that he was available.

Laerskool Goedehoop handed him a framed jersey as a token of their appreciation.

The team played together for a very long time and were crowned Mpumalanga winners on 5 June.

The team hasn’t lost a league game since they started to play together as U/9's. Every match they played in the final against JJ van der Merwe, they won by an ever decreasing margin.

Only one match was drawn during this time.

“Out of the 11 Finals played on the day, 9 winners were from the Gert Sibande district.”

Said Uile Steynberg of Mpumalanga rugby.

SCHOOL/SPORT

10

22 June 2018

Hoërskool Oosterland presteer op sport gebied

Eerste Hokkiespan beraadslaag tydens rustyd .

Vernon Kruger, Alex van der Merwe, Kenan Uzunoglu, Percival Mokoena, Kristian Jensen (afrigter) en dan 13 is Tristan Swart.

Die afgelope paar weke was die sportspanne van Oosterland baie besig – meeste wintersportspanne het in die kwart-finaal van die Mpumalanga liga gespeel en vandaar het goeie uitslae gevolg: Die Rugby seisoen het vir alle spanne suksesvol ge-eindig. Die Eerstespan en Onder 14 A span is naaswenners in die Mpumalanga liga. Die Tweedespan het hulle harte uitgespeel in die finaal teen H/s Hoogenhout en met 23-15 is hulle gekroon as die Mpumalanga kampioene. Al drie hierdie spanne

dring dan deur om in die Versekerbeker te speel.

Oosterland se hokkie is kookwater!

Die Eerste seunshokkiespan het weereens die naweek in Nelspruit die teenstaanders uitoorlê: hulle het 5-0 gewen teen H/S Ligbron, H/S Penryn 4-0 gewen, H/s Hertzog gewen 2-1 en is tans derde op die ranglys in die hele Mpumalanga. Op 21 Julie speel hulle in die semi-finaal teen HTS Middelburg en dring ook deur na Noordvaal uitspele. Die 0/16 Seunsspan het self goed gespeel en

Die 0/16 Dogtershokkie span dring deur na Noordvaal na uitspeel wedstryde in Mpumalanga. Van links agter: Kayla Radikoski, Sunelle de Bruyn, Kayla Schreuder, Clarissa Kriese, Veronica Büchling, Jaizelyn Matome, Kamo Nale, Sunette Conradie, Judi Eberson. Voor van links: Enea Moloi, Coach-Nadine Olmesdahl, Goaly-Veronica Botha, Mia Claassen, Smilo Mdluli is 3de in hulle Mpumalanga poel, na hulle H/s Ligbron 2-1 wen en gelykop speel teen H/s Penryn 1-1, gelykop 1-1 teen H/s Hertzog. Hierdie twee spanne het reeds die Hoëveld liga gewen.

Met die dogtershokkie het dit ook voor die wind gegaan: Die 0/14 spannetjie het net-net uitgeval in die kwart-eindrondte, maar die 0/16 dogtersspan het hulle man gestaan en gaan by Noordvaal hulle staal wys.

Die Oosterland skeidregters kom ook hoog aangeskrewe: Mnr Werner JvRensburg, me Nadine Olmesdahl en me Carike Bell is nie net afrigters nie, maar aangewys is om as Mpumalanga skeidsregters op te tree.

Die dogters wat netbal speel is deur na Mpumalanga Skole Netbal kampioenskappe en die 0/14 en

0/16 spanne het albei ‘n vierde plek verower in Witbank op 8-9 Junie se uitspeel wedstryde. Me Jana van der Merwe het met ‘n B+ gradering as skeidregter opgetree en twee ander afrigters met ‘n C+ gradering.

Daar word tans goeie werk by die netbal-akademie gedoen om talent te ontwikkel.

Mense se opinies definieer nie die eiewaarde van ‘n persoon nie, en of daar nou wen of verloor op die telbord staan, die Oosterland afrigters is trots op elkeen. Daar word nie net met die talente van elke speler gewoeker nie, maar sport bou juis karakter en elke afrigter het die geleentheid om hulle spelers as persoon te sien ontwikkel en groei – dis die doel van sportspanne!

Sport

22 June 2018

11

Pumas overpower Namibia The difference between full-time professional players and amateurs was very visible when the Pumas played against the Welwitschias from Namibia.

The Pumas ran in 14 tries and 12 conversions against the Namibian team (Namibia) to end the game at 94-3.

It was clear from the start that the Namibian team would have their work cut out to stem the Pumas. The conditioning of full-time players is so much better than those that have a fulltime profession and only practice a few times a week.

Namibia’s senior team was playing against Uganda in Windhoek. They beat their Ugandan counterparts 55-6.

The Pumas started at a good pace with some excellent handling skills and it wasn’t long before the first points were on the board. The tries started to come with regular intervals. As it became clear that the Pumas cannot be stopped, the game became a little loose and a few unforced errors started to creep in on the Pumas side.

The scrums were just too much for the Namibians and they found themselves on the retreat on a number of occasions.

Lineouts were a fairly one-sided affair as well, with the Pumas stealing the Namibian ball regularly.

The main sting came from the nifty Puma backline, especially the two wings and fullback. Once they had the ball, Namibia had to step up their defences to stem the tide.

The scoreboard tells a story of a totally one-sided affair, but it was not the case.

Namibia may not have had answers to a team that practices every day for the whole day; a team that sleeps, eats and drinks rugby. But, Namibia had spirit! So often in high scoring sides, one would see the players sitting down when they had the chance, players’ heads would hang as they walked back to yet another kick-off.

Namibia held their head high and fought against overwhelming odds.

Even in defeat they stood tall and played their game. Not once did they just give up.

Well done to the Pumas for a comprehensive win! Well done to Namibia for your spirit.

Sasol Digi Mag Rugby club hosted the game and it was very well prepared and organized.

Hoërskool Secunda Netbal en Hokkie presteer

Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge

Kay Motsepe Mpumalanga Netbal 2018 Die O/15A netbalspan het skoonskip gemaak die afgelope naweek en uitsonderlik presteer. Hier volg die uitslae: Poelwedstryde: Klop HTS Middelburg 14 - 5 Klop Hoogenhout 13 - 7 Klop Guduza 24 - 7 Semi-finaal: Klop HS Middelburg 20 - 8 Finaal: Klop HTS Middelburg 13 - 10 Hulle wen Mpumalanga vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar en kwalifiseer vir die 2018 SA’s wat na die vakansie plaasvind.

Dit is ook die eerste keer in die skool se geskiedenis dat daar drie spanne is wat SA’s toe gaan!

Mpumalanga Hokkie 2018 (seuns) Hier volg die uitslae van die naweek se uitspele: o/14 wen Bergvlam 6-0 o/15 wen Curro Nelspruit 2-0 o/15 wen HTS Witbank 3-2 o/16 verloor 1-0 Teen HTS Witbank o/16 wen 4-3 teen Rob Ferreira 1ste Span wen 1-0 teen Rob Ferreira 1ste Span verloor 3-0 teen HTS

Middelburg. o/14’s eindig eerste in die Poel o15’s eindig eerste in die Poel 1stes eindig tweede in die Poel Die o/14’s, o/15’s en Eerstspan gaan deur na die MP Semi Finale (Hockey Farm) en Finale (Curro Bankenveld) op Saterdag, 21 Julie. Besoek gerus ons fotoklub se bladsy vir pragtige aksiefoto’s.

Mpumalanga Hokkie 2018 (dogters) Die eerste en O/16 dogters hokkiespanne het die afgelope naweek deelgeneem aan die Mpumalanga uitspele: Die eerstespan het 1 - 1 gelykop gespeel teen Ligbron en ongelukkig verloor met ‘n ‘shoot-out’. Hul speel wel na die vakansie in ‘n uitkloprondte om te kwalifiseer vir Noordvaal.

Die O/16 span het ongelukkig die naweek verloor maar steeds ‘n skitterende seisoen gehad. Baie geluk aan al die dogters en hul afrigters.

Mpumalanga Hockey 2018 CJ Mashele has been selected to represent the U/16B boys hockey team.

M&S soccer tournament was held on Sunday 17 June under the banner of Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge Under 10 Finals Embalenhle Home Boys beat Embalenhle zone two 5-4 on penalties Home boys are the champions of the M&S CUP Other under 12 game Emba Young Stars 1 Emba Home Boys 0

Other Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge Games under 12 Emba Ervaton 0 Emba Juventus 0 Emba Baroka FC 1 Emba Shisa Boys 2 Royal Force 1 Emba Stars 2 Dream Stars 5 Zone Two 1 Power United 2 Emba Wanderers 1 Emba Green Mamba 1 Emba Getto 1 Emba Shooting Stars 1 Emba Bees Ladies 1.

22 JUNE

2018

Bulletin

25 Comrades Marathons What does it take to reach your 25th Comrades Marathon?

Well, for Hennie Kotzé, it took years of dedication, an amazing support structure and 499 preceding races.

At age 54, Hennie has competed in a multitude of marathons that have him looking and feeling 10 years younger than he really is.

“It keeps me healthy; it’s fun and yes, it is an achievement but at the end of the day, it is by grace,” he says.

Having just returned to his home in Secunda from an intense weekend in Pietermaritzburg, Hennie looks energized, as though he hasn’t recently completed an approximate 89km. His wife, Marita, speaks fondly of the years she has known Hennie and watched him cross one finish line after the other.

But she, along with their two children, has a few races under her belt too.

Running and general physical activity have become part of the Kotzé family culture. “It’s a big thing for all of us, and we have so much fun doing it,” Marita says. And there’s no doubt about it, as Marita pulls out massive photo albums filled with the marathon memories of the family of four. The albums portray the family smiling at finish lines and action shots of Hennie in the heat of a race. In addition to preserving the photographic recollections of the races, the family keeps a ‘shrine’ of medals that twinkle with Hennie’s achievements. It is a section of the house that encapsulates the 500 medals that Hennie has won over the years, and even features a clock crafted from some of the medals he has earned from his 25 Comrades Marathons. When asked if this was his final race (since he is well over 50 years old), Hennie laughs and says he

highly doubts it. The word “retirement” is simply not part of his vocabulary.

Having completed 20 Loskop Marathons and now 25 Comrades’, it really is difficult to imagine him slowing down any time soon. This tenacious attitude has been a part of his persona since he was a young lad. “I have always been competitive; I played rugby until I was 37 years old, took up bodybuilding for some time and even did wrestling for 14 years,” Hennie explains.

The only thing that has slowed down is his competitiveness. “As I get older, I focus more on enjoying the races, not winning,” he says.

The Kotzé family and their friends are really big on support. This year, the “team” made a banner and t-shirts in anticipation of Hennie’s Comrades participation, complete with logo, slogan and Hennie’s beloved nickname: Poer-poer. “The support I got has been excellent,” Hennie says.

“It was a wonderful race and I enjoyed it so much.”

He has now begun to encourage and reach out to youth who want to take it upon themselves to get active. As a mentor, he gives them a running programme to adhere to, and checks in on them every once in a while to see if they are sticking to it. Their independence and accountability remain at the forefront, as he only checks up every two weeks. What happens between those check-ups is entirely their responsibility.

While Hennie savours his latest achievement, he continues to run to and from his day job three times a week, and his faithful supporters watch him with distant admiration as they await his next big leap.

23rd Annual Gold Rush

The 23rd annual Gold Rush golf competition took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Walker Park Golf Club.

The first Gold Rush competition had its conception in 1995 when Paul Hoines and Margaret Smith, the men’s and ladies captains, came up with the idea to hold an annual golf competition with the gold mines as theme. The idea was to have a competition similar to the

Jock of the Bushveld golf competition in the lowveld. Two trophies were designed by Ernst Kleynhans, one each for the men and ladies winners.

The golf club was beautifully decorated to simulate a gold mine theme with rocks painted gold and placed in a wheelbarrow.

To be eligible for the prizes, players had to play in at least two of the three days of the competition. The format

for the three days is IPS points.

The two best scores were used to determine the winners. 126 golfers teed off on Friday and Saturday while 96 teed off on Sunday. The weather was perfect although cold. The course looked good even if it was brown. The greens though, were slippery and fast.

The ladies competition was won by Ella Smit with IPS points of 77 (37 and 40) and Sakkie Pelser with 82 (44 and 38). It is the first time in the history of the competition that a father and daughter are the winners of the competition.

Report and photo(s) by Jan Ferreira