Issue 190 - FREE
24
AUGUST 2018
Community News. Original - accurate - first
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
Kriel invasions averted
Sunday morning (19 August) saw Kriel becoming the latest victim of the wave of nationwide land invasions. A group of people moved to land adjacent to Kriel and started to peg out stands. The farmer tried to open a case but was initially given a cold shoulder. A case was eventually opened and Police had to respond. The crowd of approximately 150 people gathered around the police, farmers, Afriforum and councillors. The crowd claimed that the farmer agreed to share half the farm with them for housing. The Acting Station commander asked the farmer to verify the claims. Even in the threatening situation the claims were denied by the farmer. The farmer pointed out to the police as well as the occupiers that the land is not suitable for housing as underground mining operations will commence there in the near future, making it unsafe to build any structure in the area. The crowd slowly grew to about 300. It is alleged that some of the crowd don’t even reside in Kriel or nearby. Some members of the crowd became very emotional and were difficult to reason with. It was then decided that the occupiers should chose 5 representatives and that the negotiations should move to the police station. At this stage the farmers withdrew
themselves apart from the crowd and just observed the situation. At the police station the situation was easier to discuss and negotiate. The acting station commander pointed out to the representatives that if they return to the land at this stage, she would have to enforce the law as a case had been opened for trespassing. It was also pointed out that the Public Order Police Services are on their way to restore law and order. The land invaders stated to the police and councillors that they don’t want to violate any laws but that they are tired of all the empty promises made by the ruling party (ANC). Kriel has been neglected for a very long time. New housing is being built in other areas and if anyone would like to benefit from the housing schemes they should move away from Kriel. It was then agreed that a memorandum would be drawn up, demanding that the situation receive the attention it deserves and that land be made available for housing. The Mayor of eMalahleni should respond within seven days. Democratic Alliance Councillor Dirk Grobler stated to the Bulletin that they have repeatedly warned eMalahleni council that Kriel is being totally neglected as far as RDP and stands are concerned. Continued to page 5
Integrated forces clamp down on illegal mining See page 2 for full story.
NEWS
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24 August 2018
Integrated forces clamp down on illegal mining Illegal mining is a growing business in Mpumalanga. Members of the South African Police Service and other stakeholders in Mpumalanga continue to resolve clamping down on illegal mining. This spirals from illegal mining becoming an ongoing concern for police in the province, especially in areas where there are disused gold mines. These areas include interalia Evander, Graskop, Waterval Boven, Barberton and at times the surrounding areas of each mentioned place. In the recent past, there were numerous arrests for this surge in areas like Waterval Boven, where a number of foreign nationals were arrested and property worth hundreds of thousands of Rands including illicit goods and counterfeit money were confiscated. In another incident, three men were arrested while another was fatally wounded at Low’s Creek near Barberton, during a shootout with police, after mine security had arrested a man in possession of a high calibre firearm. The suspect was soon snatched by a group of armed men before police could arrive. An operation to tracethe suspects was launched and in the process, a shootout ensued after the group opened fire on the police, at which point one man was killed, another sustained injuries, while two were arrested and four firearms were seized. On Friday, 17 August 2018, mine security at the Pan African Resources owned Evander Gold mines had an incursion wherein six people were arrested, two of them were hospitalised after sustaining gunshot wounds while four are presently in custody. The suspects appeared before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 August 2018, on charges relating to the
contravention of the mineral legislation In another most recent incident that took place at Evander on Wednesday, 15 August 2018, four people were arrested, two fatally wounded in a shootout with police. Six firearms and ammunition were confiscated . This incursion took place after an integrated operation involving Crime Intelligence in Mpumalanga, National Intervention Unit, K9, Criminal Record & Crime Scene Management as well as external stakeholders intercepted an alleged support group that was bringing provisions and/or supplies to illegal miners. The group when accosted did not hesitate to open fire on the police which led to a shootout culminating in the death of the suspects and subsequent arrests. The suspects, aged between 24 and 30 also appeared at the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 August 2018, bringing the
total number of suspects arrested to ten. The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma stressed the need to clamp down this type of crime and warned the community to refrain from illegal mining. He cited the fact that many people are unaccounted for as they may have perished while underground through interpersonal conflicts or the ground caving on them. The Bulletin has continuously reported on the illegal mining activities in our area. The mining activities seem to become bolder every day. It is reported that the mining cartel abducts young men in Gauteng and force them to work underground, mostly with no pay. The exact figure of miners underground may never be known as deaths are easily concealed. There is ample place to dump bodies.
Old mining buildings at no 5 shaft
Fire disaster averted On Saturday, 18 August, just after 01h00, one of the class rooms next to Marietjie school almost went up in flames due to a pottery oven that was left on for the weekend that contained children’s pottery projects. The pottery projects needed to be in the oven for the weekend to ensure that the baking process is complete. Several pieces of cloth was left on top of the oven that started to smoulder. A call was logged on the Secunda 911
Zello channel. Delta 1 was contacted and despatched to investigate. Delta 1 also contacted the GMM fire department. Thank you for the quick response from Secunda 911, Delta 1 rescue, GMM fire Department, Chaplain Brad Blake and Afriforum. The continual support and collaboration of everyone involved once again averted a possible tragedy.
An accident occurred on Thursday 16 August at 18.00 on the corner of Walter Sisulu and Helen Joseph street. A taxi and a Lexus collided in the middle of the intersection. Several passengers were injured, none of which were serious. The Lexus wanted to turn into Helen Joseph and the taxi allegedly skipped the robot and crashed into the Lexus. Langamed and other emergency services were on the scene.
NEWS
24 August 2018
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Pan African Resources pours first gold at its R1.7bn Elikhulu project in Mpumalanga Pan African Resources produced its inaugural gold pour at the R1.7 billion Elikhulu tailings retreatment project in Evander, Mpumalanga, on Thursday 16 August 2018. It was witnessed by several dignitaries including Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe. Speaking at the inaugural gold pour ceremony, Pan African Resources CEO Cobus Loots said: “The completion of Elikhulu’s construction and the inaugural gold pour, ahead of schedule and in line with the Project budget, is a further significant milestone as we deliver into our strategy of repositioning the Group as a low-cost, long-life gold producer. Elikhulu is delivering much needed new employment opportunities and is an economic boost for our local communities and for South Africa’s Mpumalanga province. We expect Elikhulu to be a flagship operation within our low-cost, longlife asset base, and we will continue to focus on improving and expanding our portfolio in a sustainable manner to the benefit of all stakeholders.” The construction of Elikhulu was completed ahead of schedule and within its R1.74-billion budget. The Project’s commissioning phase is scheduled to be completed in September 2018, with a steadystate production of approximately 55,000oz of gold per annum, at an all-in sustaining production cost of between US$650/oz and US$700/oz. During construction, the project paid R162-million to 67 local contracting companies as part of its preferential procurement programme. Pan African Resources also invested R2.4-million in upgrading the infrastructure of four local schools As previously announced, the incorporation into Elikhulu of the Evander Tailings Retreatment Plant (ETRP), which has a tailings throughput of 200,000 tonnes per month, is on track and scheduled for completion in December 2018, after which the enlarged Elikhulu plant is forecast to process tailings throughput of 1.2-million tonnes per month and is expected to produce approximately 70,000oz of gold per annum. Elikhulu’s construction phase employed as many as 1,769 people and will directly employ more than 350 permanent employees and contractors during its operational life of 14 years. Gwede Mantashe said he expected the Elikhulu project would have a positive impact on the economy of the community of Evander and exhorted beneficiaries to invest their money to grow their businesses and create new employment within the area and beyond as they grow. “The contribution to the local economy must make a difference. I would advise that you prepare yourself for more demands as a result of the positive impact of the project. However, the Elikhulu project already has in place 30% ownership by workers, local community and empowerment partners,” he said. “Fraud, corruption and bribery were anathemas to the longevity, success, sustainability and developmental impact of mining,” added Mantashe. He emphasised the importance of ethical leadership within mining companies, the Department of Mineral Resources and in mining stakeholders.
Pan African Resources also announced the company’s next big project, Royal Sheba, which will be built within the company’s existing mining right at Barberton, Mpumalanga, before the end of 2019. The Royal Sheba orebody has potential to deliver an estimated 30 000 oz/y of low-cost production for Pan African. “The project will employ 300 permanent workers,” said Cobus Loots. The Elikhulu Project Construction of the Elikhulu Project entailed establishing facilities and infrastructure at Evander Gold Mining (Proprietary) Limited, owned and operated by Pan African Resources, to retreat historic gold plant tailings at a rate of 1-million tonnes per month. Three existing tailings storage facilities will be reclaimed, in the following order: Kinross, Leslie and Winkelhaak. The three tailing facilities will, after processing, be consolidated into a single enlarged Kinross facility, thus reducing Evander Mines’ environmental footprint and associated environmental impact.
The mineral reserve estimate is a probable 185.3Mt, comprised of the Kinross (45.2Mt), Leslie (70.1Mt) and Winkelhaak (70Mt) tailings storage facilities at Evander Mines. The combined mineral reserve contains an estimated 1.7-million ounces, of which an estimated 688,000 ounces will be recovered over the life of the project. This estimate excludes the inferred resource 244,398 ounces of gold leached and contained in the soil beneath the existing tailing dumps, which could potentially increase the project life. The mineral reserve estimate assumes a non-selective mining method whereby the whole of the mineral deposit is mined in a predetermined sequence. The mining method allows for complete extraction of the targeted mineral deposit. Hydraulic mining has been selected as the mining method as it is a proven technology, cost-effective and technically and operationally well understood. Pan African Resources’ Evander Tailings Retreatment Plant (ETRP)
exploits historically generated gold tailings deposited in the Kinross tailings storage facility and surface sources of gold bearing material. It produces approximately 20,000 ounces of gold per annum from a tailings throughput of 2.4-million tonnes per annum. The gold is extracted at a carbon-in-leach hybrid plant. The incorporation of the ETRP into Elikhulu is scheduled for completion in December 2018.
WHAT’S UP/News
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So is die lewe
• 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845 Wie is ons / Who are we: Redaksie / Editorial 017 631 1903
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Distribution: We pride ourselves in delivering a Bulletin to businesses in Secunda, Trichardt, Evander and Bethal and Kriel. We also distribute additional copies to several points of business in Kinross and eMbalenhle. Should you have a delivery enquiry or complaint, send us an email containing your name, contact details and home address to admin@thebulletin. co.za. COPYRIGHT All rights of reproduction of all reports, photographs, drawings and other materials are hereby expressively reserved in terms of section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act No 96 of 1978 and any amendments thereof. Banking details: The Bulletin Absa RBB Commercial Secunda Branch code: 637256 Account number: 408 499 2285 Checque /Current account
Isaiah 33:2 LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.
24 August 2018
Ds Marius Britz My kind. Snaaks hoe die onthou terugspoel in klein dingetjies. Ek staan jou en dophou terwyl jy op Kaapstadlughawe deur die formaliteite van inweeg en paspoorte en visums gaan. My opgewonde, gefokusde meisiekind wat op pad is oorsee. Of nee, nie meer meisiekind nie. Volwasse, gefokusde vrou wat haar eie besluite neem. Al wat ek sien, is daardie bos krulhare. Of eerder, wasig sien, verwronge deur my trane. Eensklaps word ek in tyd en ruimte teruggevoer na daardie dag, baie jare terug, toe jy as klein dogtertjie net weggeraak het die oomblik toe ons by Rob Ferreira-vakansieoord gestop het. So tydens die afdra van tasse en houers deur het jy tussen neus en ore verdwyn. En daar word ons toe meer en meer paniekerig toe jy wegbly, en ons roep oral, later selfs met krete wat grens aan histerie. Die koorsige soeke na ons krulkopdogtertjie met tienduisend moontlike rampe wat in ons gedagtes afspeel. Die groot rivier net daar langsaan... Die gerugte
van kleutermeisietjies wat so maklik ontvoer word... Net toe ek desperaat die polisie probeer bel, kom daardie bos krulhaartjies met ‘n breë glimlag uit die riete tevoorskyn. “Hier is paddatjies”, verklaar sy stralend. Here be dragons, of Terra Incognita, het ek onthou, soos kaarte onbekende plekke in die 13e eeu aangedui het waar ontdekkingsreisigers nog nie was nie, maar net voorspel hoe dit daar lyk. Onbekende plekke. Plekke waar jy mooi moet trap, waar enigiets kan gebeur. En dit is waarheen jy nou gaan, ons krulkoppie wat van altyd af so sterk kon fokus op dinge wat jou interesseer. Boeke en diere is jou passie, jou groot liefde. Jy lees Jane Austen en Lien Botha en Markus Zusak met oorgawe. Jy verslind die een boek na die ander, doen ure navorsing sonder rus, praat met gesag oor vroulike distopiese letterkunde. Jy skryf skripsies oor die rol van diere as eerstepersoonsvertellers in Afrikaanse letterkunde. Jy praat met jou worshond, Marx, asof hy die bekende filosoof Karl Marx is. Maar jy kan met net soveel argeloosheid dinge ignoreer wat buite jou belangstellingsveld val. Motors, kontrêpsies, mansdinge, dit laat jou koud. Soms verhewe bo aardse geploeter, soms so ondenkbaar onprakties as dit by meganiese en administratiewe dinge kom. Hoe sou jy regkom in die vreemde met selfone en treine en busse en mediese
versekering en bankkaarte en duisend ander dinge, wonder ek. En daardie tydsgees in Europa wat so anders lyk as diè van die Karoo en Trichardt waar jy grootgeword het? My hart krimp ineen. Maar die wyse waarop jy jou uittog na Europa georganiseer en geadministreer het, gee tog ‘n bietjie gemoedsrus. Dalk is jy veel meer prakties as wat ek tot dusver gedink het. Want daar waar jy nou gaan, is dit voorwaar Terra Incognita. Ekself het geen idee hoe lyk dit daar nie. Al wat ek kon uitvind, is dat Leiden ‘n tipiese studentestad is. Met ‘n kosmopolitiese studentesamestelling. En dat daar dragons is, het jy vinnig agtergekom tydens al die Skypesessies op soek na studenteverblyf. “Do you smoke pot?”, is vir jou gevra. “Because we do it in the house.” En net daar het die Karookind in jou ingeskop. “No, I don’t. Thank you. Good bye.” Al is studenteverblyf peperduur en so skaars soos vleis in ‘n hondehok in Leiden, glo jy wat jy glo, en basta. Vir die eerste keer verstaan ek soveel mense wat ek ken en van weet se harte. Mense wie se kinders oorsee ‘n heenkome gaan soek het. Wat selfs nog nie eens hulle kleinkinders gesien het nie. Of wat in gebroke Engels met hulle kleinkinders kommunikeer, omdat diè geen Afrikaans verstaan nie. Oueroë wat blink as hulle vertel van hulle kinders in die noordelike of suidelike halfrond iewers, wat daar ‘n
lewe gaan oopkap het. Selfs elders in Afrika. En vir die eerste keer verstaan jy die sèèr van ‘n ouer wat, so half terloops, asof nonchalant, sê: “Hulle sê hulle sal nie weer terugkom nie.” En dan dadelik praat oor iets anders. Jy verstaan skielik hoekom kersfees en verjaarsdae rooiletterdae word. En dan, ook die moontlikheid van daardie Swart Dag, wat jy doelbewus uit jou brein verban. Jy groet twee, drie keer. En gee dan verlaas nog ‘n soen, nog ‘n drukkie. Net ingeval.... Jou kind, jóú, kind, is op pad na haar eie Terra Incognita. Nooit het jy gedink dit sou gebeur nie. Jy dink meteens anders oor mure vol foto’s van laggende mense. Die plaasvervanger, die substituut vir my kind en kleinkinders. Die foto’s wat gemoedsrus moet bring, wat jou elke oggend en elke aand moet herinner: hulle is hier, of eerder, dáár, maar tog hier. Soos konings in Bybelse tye standbeelde van hulself laat oprig het om hulle teenwoordigheid te proklameer, so word jou foto’s jou kind se proklamasie. Al kan jy nie ‘n foto hoor lag nie. En jy kan nie vir Skype tee maak nie, Watsapp kan nie laataand styf onder ‘n kombersie by jou op die bed kom sit nie. Nou, vir die eerste keer, verstaan jy. Weet jy van ‘n gat in jou hart. Van grys verlang wat veel mistiger is as die grou wat hier in Langebaan vanuit die see die land toemaak. Hamba Kahle, my Afrikakind. Jy het nou ook net weggeraak. Dit help nie ek roep hierdie keer nie. En sê vir so baie van ons mense se kinders groete. Hulle is daar oral oorsee. En onthou: Here be dragons.
Bethal SPCA Leeu (6)
The Bethal SPCA are desperately looking for a home for these three dogs. If you wish to adopt, please give Christine or Denise a call at 072 5733 122. Hitler (2)
JR (4)
WHAT’S UP
21 August – Uitblinkers Konsert – Kruinpark 17:30 – 20.30 25 Augustus – inniPark Fees van Laerskool Secunda – Groenstrook onder Kruik 09:00 Kontak Lizelle 017 634 7612 of epos skakel@
secundalaer.co.za 25 August – Boere Mall @ Lake Umuzi Artisan Square – 09:- 14:00 25 August – Kruinpark Mini-Hokkiedag – 8:30 at Laerskool Kruinpark 31 August – Fit City Extreme Make-over challenge – 08:00 08 September – Cuppa vir Cansa, Evander Klub, Kontak Ansie 083 605 9385 15 September – Dewald Gouws – NG Vriendskapskerk Evander 09:30 Kontak Rianna 082 681 5468
24 August 2018
SPORT News
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Bank cards skimmer remanded in custody Sfiso Joshua Mashika (39) was rearrested by members of Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit Mpumalanga for Contravention of Section 60(11B)(d)ii of the CPA, Act 51/1977 for supplying false information to Court on Friday 10 August 2018. The accused was first arrested at Bethal in February 2013 for Contravention of Section 86(3) of the ECT Act, Act 25/2002 that of card skimming and he was found guilty and convicted. Between November 2017 and July 2018 the accused committed a similar crime in Witbank and Secunda, was arrested and released on bail and absconded several court proceedings. On Friday 10 August 2018 the accused was re-arrested and upon investigation, it was discovered that he supplied the court with false information and failed to disclose his previous convictions which influenced the court to released him on bail but absconded all the court proceedings scheduled for him for different courts according to crimes he committed. The accused appeared before Witbank Magistrate Court on Monday 13 August 2018 and he was remanded in custody until 20 August 2018 for a formal bail application. Here is some information on Card skimming theft Card Skimming or card cloning uses a Card Skimming device to fraudulently copy bank customer details stored on the magnetic strip (brown/black strip at the back) on a debit or credit card. Whenever you present your card for payment you run the risk of being skimmed. However, the majority of skimming incidents in South Africa are recorded around ATMs and, to a lesser extent, at retail merchants when bank cards are presented for payments. The customer and card information stolen with skimming devices is often used to manufacture counterfeit (duplicate) cards which criminals use to make fraudulent transactions on a victim’s account. Card Skimming Around ATMs Card fraud perpetrators use various scams and social engineering tactics to trick naïve ATM users and skim their bank cards. These are some of the most widespread scams: Skimming of Card and Shoulder Surfing Customer PINs The perpetrators approach unsuspecting ATM users prior to or after concluding a transaction and claim to work for the bank. The target is advised to ‘re-activate’ their cards by swiping the card through a ‘card reactivating device’. The ‘card reactivating device’ is actually a handheld skimming device. This type of skimming requires accomplices to loiter around the ATM shoulder surfing
for the customer PINs. The perpetrators use the stolen card information to manufacture a counterfeit card and match the customer PIN to the new card to make fraudulent transactions. ATMs that are tampered with or damaged Customers should never use ATMs that seem damaged or tampered with because this creates opportunity for card fraudsters to take advantage: When a customer is confronted with an ATM that is damaged or tampered with, the perpetrator will approach the customer and use social engineering tactics to take the customer’s ATM card. The customer is often escorted to another ATM in order to assist the customer to make a withdrawal. The card is then secretly skimmed on the way to the second ATM with a hand held skimming device. The victim is handed back their card without noticing that it has been skimmed. The interaction between the perpetrator and the customer creates trust and the perpetrator often stands next to the customer while the transaction is conducted. The perpetrator will memorise the customer’s PIN when it is keyed in. The unsuspecting customer will only realise they have fallen victim to a scam when money is withdrawn from their account. Card Skimming at Retail Merchant Point of Sales Criminals often collude with staff working at retail outlets such as waiters or cashiers. The card fraud perpetrators provide business staff with hand held skimming devices and reward them for skimming customers’ cards. Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Card Skimming Theft: ATM Safety Tips: • Never give your card to someone at an ATM for any reason. • Never let anyone assist you at an ATM, even if they appear to be a bank official or security personnel. • Beware of people standing close to you when you are concluding transactions at an ATM. • Ensure you hide your pin when keying it into an ATM. • Never use an ATM that looks tampered with or damaged. • Always use an ATM in a well-lit area. • If possible, use an ATM that is monitored by a CCTV camera. Shopping Safety Tips: • Ensure your card never leaves your sight. Most restaurants and shops have portable card swipe machines so there should be no reason for your card to leave your presence. If the person needs to use a different machine always accompany that person. • Ensure that your card is not swapped for another card after paying. • Use cash instead of your card if you
From page 1
Kriel invasions averted “One example is the 6 Churches that have been pleading for years to have a place to worship but to no avail” said Dirk. Dirk further stated that he told the land invaders that “the only promise that I can make to you is that we will drive this matter as much as we can but only in a legal way. Not in a way that transgresses the laws of South Africa.” He further expressed his appreciation that the meeting concluded in a positive manner without any violence
or damage to property. Some of the people alleged that a previous ANC Councillor, Cllr Mahlangu is behind the latest invasions. He has been observed making lists of the people. The country have seen a wave of land invasions since the calls for expropriation without compensation were made. The calls by EFF leader Julius Malema to take land might also have added fuel to the newest spate of invasions.
have any suspicions. • Monitor you bank statements for any unusual transactions. • If married, reconcile your account transactions with your spouse on a regular basis. http://www.banking.org.za/consumerinformation/bank-crime/cardskimming-theft
VACANCIES VAKATURES
News
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24 August 2018
Spring Bots finish 6th in the World Robotic Olympics but win Gold!! Team South Africa departed for Mexico City on 12 August to participate in the World Robotic Olympics which was held from 15-18 August at the Ciudad De Mexico 22 000 seater indoor Arena. First Global is an initiative which focusses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and currently has more than 65 000 robotics students around the world who compete in national leagues aimed at solving the worlds grand challenges. The South African team (known as the Spring Bots), is sponsored by CG Holdings and their operating companies, Prommac and New Age Engineering. The team was put together in April and started prepping for the tournament in May with assistance from Vodacom who allocated some training space at their Innovation Centre in Midrand. The team made up of four pupils from various schools, was managed by Roxanne Reddy and coached by Wernich Van Staden. “Both Roxanne and Wernich have been superstars during this process. They have literally dedicated their lives to these kids over the past few months and I want to thank them for their efforts.” Jason English said. The Opening An incredible opening ceremony attended by the President and various ministries of Mexico, Rick Perry the US Secretary of Energy, sporting Olympians and other celebrities including the Black Eyed Peas, set
the way for an exciting tournament which was attended by more than 180 countries and more than 10000 people. Tournament Format Each country was randomly paired with 2 alliance countries who made up either a red or blue team. The red and blue alliances had to compete in 8 qualifying rounds against 24 Countries to determine their overall ranking for the tournament. The theme for this year was energy impact, and thus the format was such that points were scored for energy efficient solutions on the playing field. Points were scored for activating the wind turbine, loading 5 solar panels, filling up the combustion chamber with fuel cells, and then filling up the reactor. The robots were used to load and activate electricity over 2min 30sec heats and team South Africa had a robot which was very effective at Solar Panel Installations which scored highest on the score sheet. Day 1 - Thursday 16th The Springbots woke to a message from Faf de Klerk, wishing the team well on behalf of the South African Rugby Team (The Springboks) and this was a catalyst for the team who dominated their heats beating Portugal, Belarus, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand and South America to finish 3rd in the competition on Day 1. Day 2 - Friday 17th As day 2 dawned, the team received further messages of support from communities, other teams and Ian Schwartz from SA Rugby. Again, the team dominated initially winning all their matches in which they beat the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Gabon, Cote d’ivoir, El Salvador, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Timbiti, Palestine,
South Korea (ranked 36) and Croatia (ranked 67th) in the Octofinals where they narrowly beat Poland, Ukraine and Timor-Leste to gain a place in the quarterfinals, where they had to face off against the Maldives, Iceland and Columbia. Sadly the team had a malfunction and because they had given team Georgia their spare robot, ended up competing 2 against 3 robots which resulted in a narrow loss and ultimately the knocking out of Team South Africa together with the host nation Team Mexico. What started out as an initiative to finish in the top 70 countries, ended in an inspiring story which caught the eye of Walt Disney who was a main sponsor of the tournament. The South African team journey was tough, from initially having no sponsors, to kids not having passports and challenges with visas, to find a space big enough to practice, to the logistics of getting the team together to practice, to having no spare robot; Walt Disney did the unexpected and awarded the Springbots a Gold Medal for their inspiring story and creativity in building an innovative robot which ultimately led to the team being placed 6th in the world amongst some of the global great robotic countries. “I will forever remember this day Watching a group of youth walking out onto the global stage to receive a gold medal from the Walt Disney team brought me to tears. There we were walking out to receive gold competing against countries who have national, provisional and inter-school robotic leagues. It was an emotional experience and all of these kids will no doubt remember it forever” said Jason English. The tournament was ultimately won by the alliance of Singapore, Columbia and Germany,
Lebanon, and Australia, Mexico, Lithuania and Tanzania The team had initially beaten the host city Mexico in a hotly contested match, but the decision was later swung into Mexico’s favour after they posed an objection resulting in a loss by a mere 20 points. In their second to last game of the qualification rounds, the Springbots, who had an alliance with Jamaica and Sri Lanka did the unthinkable and broke the world record for the most points ever scored on the energy impact field against Venezuela who was ranked number 2 in the world and held the previous world record. This record was however lost on day 3 when Romania, who was allianced with Singapore and Germany beat the record in the semifinals. The Springbots finished the qualification rounds ranked 6th in the world and dedicated their record to Nelson Mandela in what would have been his 100th birthday year. Day 3 - Saturday 18th The Springbots were paired with
Conclusion “When our group of companies embarked on this journey with the Springbots, we never imagined the result. Although as an organisation we focus on innovative solutions and disruptive technologies, I was expecting to come to Mexico to inspire team South Africa, to just do their best and have fun. What happened was the reverse in that every team from around the world inspired me, they inspired their communities, they showed signs of hope for a better world. These were kids who did not allow politics, race or problems to define who they were. These were kids with a purpose - a purpose to break down boundaries and work together to solve global challenges - a group of kids who understand that the challenges they face tomorrow are their collective problems - these were a group of kids who want to create a better world, and no tears or words would ever be able to express how happy we are to be a part of the Springbot journey.” Jason English (CEO - CG Holdings)
24 August 2018
SPORT NEWS
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Meghan oorkom Anoreksia Nervosa ‘n Besluit om aan die International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB) kompetisie deel te neem het groot veranderinge vir Meghan Oelofse gebring. Gewig het ‘n groot rol In Meghan se lewe gespeel. Effens oorgewig op skool het die gevoel van ‘n innerlike konflik laat posvat. Klein dingetjies soos om nie maats se klere te kan aanpas nie het stadig maar seker ‘n obsessie met gewig begin word. Die skaal het ‘n al hoe groter rol begin speel in haar lewe. Meghan was nie meer gelukkig met haar uiterlike nie. Meghan het begin om die skaal te besoek elke keer as sy iets geëet het. Sy het ‘n skamele 38kg geweeg. “Elke 100g het vir my ‘n verskil gemaak” se Meghan, Elke keer as ek iets geëet het, het ek op die skaal geklim.” Op die ouderdom van 17 is 'n eetversteuring by haar gediagnoseer. Sy het Anoreksia nervosa gehad. Haar eetgewoontes het veroorsaak dat sy verskeie kere in die hospitaal beland het. In matriek het sy besef dat sy ‘n probleem het. Die obsessie met die skaal was groot. Elke keer as sy iets geëet het, het sy skuldig gevoel en dan na die gimnasium gegaan om die kos weer af te werk. Matriek afskeid het sy eie probleme
gebring, die rok moes elke keer kleiner verstel word. “ ‘n Deel van jou wil nog steeds daardie dissipline toepas om min te eet” se Meghan “en die ander deel besef jy is siek.” “Tydens die matriek vakansie het ek twee kilogram swaarder geword” vertel Meghan, “ek het ‘n Love-Hate verhouding met kos gehad. Ek moes dadelik terug gimnasium toe.” Die besef dat sy siek is in 2017 het tot ‘n kruispad gedurende Mei 2018 in Meghan se lewe gelei. Die groot stap om aan die IFBB (Bikini) kompetisie deel te neem is geneem en voorbereiding is getref. Sy het begin gesond eet. Iets wat sy vir ‘n baie lang tyd nie gedoen het nie. Sy het begin met goeie oefeninge. Vandag is sy ‘n fiksheid instrukteur by Fit City en
studeer ook om as ‘n “personal trainer” te kan werk. Die kompetisie was vir Meghan baie suksesvol en sy het tweede geeindig. Per navraag het sy aan die Bulletin gesê dat die kostes baie hoog is vir kompetisie deelname. “n Bikini kos byvoorbeeld maklik R2000 en meer. Meghan sê dat sy graag ander jong meisies wil help met hulle selfbeeld wat hulle gewig aanbetref. “Daar is baie meisies wat sleg voel oor hulle self” sê Meghan, “maer wees is ok as dit gesond is.” Haar boodskap is “Fokus op jou innerlike. Wees’n mooi persoon vir jouself en die om jou. Vergeet van die skaal, gooi hom sommer weg.” Familie ondersteuning tydens eetversteurings is baie belangrik asook die regte
vriende volgens Meghan. Tans is haar gewig nie veel meer as voorheen nie maar dit is nou ‘n gesonde lyf. Die bene is nie meer so opmerklik nie en het nou sigbaar plek gemaak vir spiere. Die besluit om in die Bikini kompetisie deel te neem was ‘n reuse stap en ook ‘n groot uitdaging aangesien Meghan redelik skaam is en nog nooit so iets gedoen nie. By die kompetisie het sy amper kop uitgetrek maar uiteindelik besluit dat sy tot daar gekom het en baie tyd en opoffering gemaak het om tot op daardie punt te kom. Sy het deurgedruk en uitstekend gevaar. Meghan het in die provinsiale kompetisie eerste in haar kategorie geeindig en ook die Puma span gehaal.
NEWS
8
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24 August 2018
Eskom declares a dispute with trade unions Wage disputes at Eskom brought about a new wave of load shedding. The ongoing wage disagreement nearly crippled the countries energy supplies. Load shedding was implemented on a number of occasions. This was eventually averted by Eskom but negotiations stalled and Eskom declared a dispute with trade unions, threatening the stability of the power supply once again. Eskom has declared a dispute with trade unions National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), The National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) and Solidarity over the precondition that NUM and NUMSA introduced as part of the wage negotiations on Wednesday, 15 August 2018. Last week at a meeting convened through the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)(Section 150) the three recognised trade unions all in principle agreed to Eskom’s threeyear wage proposal and conditions of employment where bargaining unit employees would see a salary adjustment of 7.5% in 2018/19 and 7% in 2019/20 and 7% in 2020/21, an annual cost of living (CPI) adjustment to their housing allowance as well as a once-off cash payment of R10 000. However, at the time NUM and NUMSA introduced a precondition that Eskom should not discipline employees who took part in the July/August unprotected strike. Eskom could not agree to this precondition. In June 2018, NUM and NUMSA defied the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and its essential service provisions and embarked on unprocedural, and therefore unlawful and unprotected, strike action. This strike action included various acts of criminality, including alleged acts of sabotage and destruction of property.
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The industrial action led to the power system being constrained and rotational loadshedding for three days, negatively impacting the economy. The Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, intervened and convened a meeting where all parties reached an understanding that the unions would end all unlawful industrial action and the company would not discipline employees who engaged in the June 2018 unlawful industrial action. Negotiations resumed in a peaceful and orderly fashion in the Eskom Central Bargaining Forum. Regrettably, no agreement was reached and at the end of July 2018 all parties commenced with the section 150 mediation process in terms of the LRA. In July some employees embarked on further unprotected industrial action until the 3rd August 2018 despite a court interdict and company communication to staff reminding employees that Eskom is an essential service. These events again led to power system constraints and load shedding. The power system will take about 30 days to recover from the effects of the illegal strike and there is a risk of further load shedding during this period. Today the CCMA closed the section 150 process in terms of the LRA as the parties deadlocked during talks. NUM and NUMSA demanded that irrespective of the outcome of the disciplinary process, no member should be dismissed. “Eskom reserves its right to follow the disciplinary process in line with the company’s Disciplinary Code and Procedure,” Eskom Group Executive for Human Resources Elsie Pule said. “In an effort to bring the process to a conclusion, Eskom has referred a mutual interest dispute to the CCMA. We remain positive that the process will be expeditiously resolved,” she said.
24 August 2018
SPORT School/sport
9
Morgenson Virseker wenners
Na afloop van ‘n baie bedrywige en harde rugby seisoen kan Morgenzon Landbou Akademie die Virseker Trofee omhoog hou. Morgenzon Landbou Akademie se rugbyseisoen het afgeskop op 24 Februarie en met harde werk en baie deursettingsvemoë en verwagtinge triomfanklik op 18 Augustus 2018 geeindig waar hulle aangewys is as die Virseker Noordvaal Afdeling 4 (klein skole) wenners. Morgenzon Landbou Akademie se uitspeel rondtes het begin met ‘n kwarteindstryd teen Swartruggens waar by Morgenzon landbou Akademie die knoop deurgehaak het met 67-3. Daarna, die halfeindstyd teen Heilbron en die wedstryd beklink met ‘n telling van 31-12. Die finaal was die afgelope naweek aangebied op Tukkies se velde teen Hoërskool Stella. Lanties het die wedstryd veral met die
voorspelers gedomineer en drie prag drieë was gedruk deur die vleuel Ruan Vunderink. Ruan is dan ook as speler van die wedstryd aangewys. Die eindtelling was 37-15 in Morgenzon Landbou Akademie se guns. Morgenzon Landbou Akademie se O/15 rugbyspan het tot met die kwarteindstryd gevorder en toe teen Hoërskool Edenvale verloor. Landties se O/17 span het in die halfeindstyd die knieg gebuig teen Hoërskool Evander. Opregte dank aan elke Landtie ondersteuner (ouers en groot ouers), asook aan elke borg wat saam aan hierdie seuns geglo het. Punte is aangeteken deur Ruan Vunderink (drie drieë), Kyle Coetzee (een drie), Daniël Celliers (een drie) en die laaste drie is gedruk deur Ewoud Rossouw. Die ander 7 punte is aangeteken met die skopskoen van Ulrich Venter.
Die volgende Goedehoop seuns is gekies vir die Puma 7’s-span. Die toernooi vind plaas vanaf 27 – 29 September in Bloemfontein. Foto: Puma’s 7’s Tyron Moolman, Handré Hattingh, Luan Lottering
Die volgende Laerskool Secunda landloop atlete het aan die Gert Sibande landloopbyeenkoms op 18 Augustus in Breyton deelgeneem en het deurgedring na die Mussa landloopbyeenkoms wat op 15 September in Lydenburg sal plaasvind. Links na regs: Lu-Mari du Plessis , Meceila Brits, Jason Brits , Schalk Brits, Liane Smit
Laerskool Secunda het op 15 Augustus hulle Wow-Spelfees kompetisie gehou in samewerking met die Universiteit van Stellenbosch Woordfees. Die volgende leerlinge is deur na die Mpumalanga rondte wat op 11 September in Middelburg plaasvind. Voor: Louan Hattingh, Mila Visser, Abigail Barnard, Melè Joubert, Leilani Kruger. Agter: Carmen Rebolo, Aimee van der Merwe, Leandri Fourie, Ruben Strydom, Anja Smit, Ruben Meister, Isabel Louw, Janco van Zyl, Steffan Meister
School
10
24 August 2018
Oosterland Krieket presteer Vir die afgelope paar jaar is daar baie tyd en geld in die Oosterland Krieketkliniek ingesit en uitslae in die liga wys baie beslis dat die geleenthede en ontwikkeling van krieketspelers op hoë vlak gebeur! Die liga is tans aan die gang en elke week het die Oosies uitstekende krieketuitslae! Die eerstespan het in ‘n T20 wedstryd Ligbron Akademie afgerantsel! Die oorwinning was soet en met 7 paaltjies – Oosterland kon 140 lopies aanteken en het Ligbron in die 16e beurt almal uitgeboul gehad. Adriaan Prinsloo en Mfiso Mngomezulu het albei 51 lopies geslaan en Gerhard
Engelbrecht het 4 paaltjies geneem. Die tweede Krieketspan het HS Piet Retief gewen met 10 lopies en Curro met 7 paaltjies. Die O/15 span het die afgelope week teen HS Standerton kragte gemeet: Daar is 213 lopies aangeteken en HS Standerton is uitgeboul vir net 68 lopies. Ruan Jacobs het 69 lopies aangeteken, Devon Smith 58 lopies
en Marco Viviers 68 lopies en hy het 2 paaltjies geneem. Die O/14 span se wedstryde vind hierdie week teen H/s Ermelo plaas. Die Dogterskrieketspan het H/s Standerton met 11 lopies gewen. Mnr Nicus Boshoff wat die Gert Sibande krieketkoördineerder en afrigter by Oosterland is, glo dat dit in skole-krieket nie net die wen-tellings is
wat saak maak nie. Dit is ook belangrik om aan die kriekespelers en leerders se karakter te bou. Selfvertroue en nederigheid gaan hand aan hand en die belangrikste is om as ‘n span en nie as individu te werk nie! Hy is baie opgewonde oor die toekoms van krieket by Oosterland en die leerkurwe van spelers wat hard werk en elke week verbeter!
Jody Schambreel, grade 7, from TP Stratten was chosen for the Mpumalanga 7’s Rugby team on Monday 13 August at the 7’s trials in Witbank. With him is MR Johan Labuschagne and Mr Marcus Mdlalose (Coaches) Jahné Fourie, Ava Steyn, Danél Fourie en Herco Radley van laerskool Trichardt het Saterdag 18 Augustus aan die Gert Sibande landloopkampioenskappe te Breyten deel geneem en dring deur na die Mpumalanga Landloopkampioenskappe wat op 15 September 2018 te Lydenburg plaasvind.
Laerskool Goedehoop het Saterdag ‘n mini-hokkie dag gehou. Dit was ‘n besonderse koue dag maar die kinders het hulle nie aan die koue gesteur nie en die hokkie met geesdrif aangepak. Daar was 9 skole wat deelgeneem het.
24 August 2018
school/sport
11
Under 17 “Virseker” Champions
Evander High achieved one of the biggest achievements in the history of the school. They won the “VirsekerBeker” for small schools. They played an attacking game throughout and did not give their opponents any chance to dominate the game.The team was physically smaller than their counterparts but stood out in sheer determination and courage.
Mr Attie Rudolph and Mr Nico Sauerman at the scoreboard
They played the game wide and stuck to their game plan. The backline outran their opponents to score tries. The lineouts were not always on target but they managed to win most of their own lineouts. The game was played at a fast pace and the ball changed hands very quickly. Congratulations to Evander High on this excellent achievement.
24 AUGUST
2018
Bulletin
Virsekerbeker wenners
Hoërskool Secunda is die grootskole kampioene. Hoërskool Secunda verslaan Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer van Thabazimbi 20-14 om met die kroon weg te stap. Die wedstryd het vinnig begin en Frikkie Meyer het sommer gou ‘n drie aangeteken en dit verdoel. Secunda het egter deurentyd aangeval en
druk toegepas. Frikkie Meyer se verdediging het egter telkemale gehou en gekeer dat Secunda punte aan teken. Secunda se voorspelers het ‘n goeie grondslag gelê. Een van die toeskouers het opgemerk dat Secunda te veel die bal kry en nie weet wat om dan daarmee te doen nie. Die losballe is met reëlmaat terug gesteel na Secunda se kant toe. Soms het die beslissing teen Secunda gedraai maar die voorspelers het met volle mag ingeduik. Secunda se voorspelers het die wedstryd van hulle lewens gespeel. Bakkies Botha,
oud Springbok speler, het Donderdag oggend met die span gepraat om hulle te motiveer. Hy het klem gelê op die voorspelers en aan hulle gesê dat wedstryde gewen word deur die voorspelers. “As die voorspelers nie die bal beskikbaar stel nie kan die agterlyn niks doen nie.” Bakkies het aan die span gesê dat hulle rugby speel om stories te maak. As alles verby is, is al wat oorbly die stories wat hulle gemaak het. Hulle bepaal die storie wat hulle wil vertel oor die eindstryd. Bakkies het ook gesê dat mens jou hele lyf op die spel moet plaas en vergeet van die matriek afskeid. “Daar is net een Virsekerbeker vir die matrieks. Matriek afskeid kom na die tyd.” Die voorspelers het die raad ter harte geneem en hulle harte uit gespeel. Die lynstane was oor die algemeen baie goed uitgevoer. Duikslae is met presisie uitgevoer. Balle is gesteel en
losgemale gewen. Die spelers het soms probeer om die span van Secunda te ontsenu maar kon dit nie reg kry nie. Secunda se dissipline was puik. Die agterlyn het elke keer aangeval en druk toegepas. Dit was asof die damwal enige oomblik kon breek. Ongelukkig het Frikkie Meyer ‘n heldhaftige poging aangewend om die manne van Secunda in toom te hou en die druk af te weer. Sodra Frikkie Meyer die bal gekry het, het hulle teenaanvalle geloots maar Secunda se verdediging het gehou. Frikkie Meyer is egter met ‘n troosdrie in die doodsnikke van die wedstryd beloon. Nie dat hulle nie gewerk het vir hom nie. Bakkies se praatjie het voorwaar gehelp om al die spelers gefokus te kry, en hulle het die spel gespeel soos ‘n span wat wou wen. Wel gedaan, met ‘n spog vertoning!