ISSUE 251 - FREE
29
NOVEMBER 2019
COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST
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GMM under investigation “ W e met with workers of all municipalities to try and enhance the work of all municipalities because we are not looking good,” stated MEC for COGTA, Mr Mandla Msibi. He continued: “We are one province that have serious challenges of infightings, non-spending and high debt to Eskom and so forth and so on.” There are three municipalities that are the focus of the province’s investigation. Namely: DR JS Maroka, DR Pixly Kaseme and Govan Mbeki Municipality. The MEC visited GMM council on Thursday, 21 November, to discuss the Terms of Reference for the Forensic Investigation in terms of section 106(1)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000. This act states: 106. Non-performance and maladministration. (1) If an MEC has reason to believe that a municipality in the province cannot or does not fulfil a statutory obligation binding on that municipality or that maladministration, fraud, corruption or any other serious malpractice has occurred or is occurring in a municipality in the province, the MEC must - Govan Mbeki Municipality Page 5 of 7 (a) by written notice to the municipality, request the municipal council or municipal manager to provide the MEC with information required in the notice; or (b) if the MEC considers it necessary, designate a person or persons to investigate the matter. (2) In the absence of applicable provincial legislation, the provisions of sections 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Commissions Act, 1947 (Act No. 8 of 1947) and the regulations made in terms of that Act apply, with the necessary changes as the context may require, to an investigation in terms of subsection (1)(b). (3) An MEC issuing a notice in terms of subsection (1) (a) or designating a person to conduct an investigation in terms of subsection (1) (b), must submit a written statement to the National Council of Provinces motivating the action. The council of JS Maroka could not meet at the time requested by the MEC and was placed under section 139(1) b. “I am taking over the powers,” said the MEC. “Our responsibility is simple; it is to deliver services to our people.” The MEC presented the Terms of Reference of an investigation to the council. Mandla requested maximum cooperation from everyone in the municipality with the investigation process. The terms of reference are as follows: 1. Acts of maladministration levelled against office bearers and the employees. 2. Irregular payments of overtime. 3. Non-compliance with the budget
and integrated development plan processes. 4. Non implementation of municipal council resolutions. 5. The under-spending of municipal infrastructure grants (MIG). 6. Irregular extension or termination of contracts of service providers. 7. Abuse of non-compliance with the supply chain management processes. 8. Misuse or abuse of municipal council assets, properties or services. 9. Advertising of tenders without complying with supply chain management processes. 10. Non-compliance with recruitment, selection, acting and appointment processes, including policies. 11. Irregular awarding of bursaries. 12. Incomplete or inaccurate financial records. 13. Failure to complete initial projects that are initiated by the municipality. 14. Irregular selling of RDP houses and empty stands. 15. Irregular expenditure in respect of water services, infrastructure and municipal grants. The process will be completed within 60 days. The investigating team will report to the office of the premier fortnightly on the progress. Govan Mbeki Municipality’s council took a resolution in March 2018 to ask the MEC to investigate findings in an audit report. It was reaffirmed during the council sitting in June 2018. Here are the two resolutions: Resolution A37/03/2018: That the MEC BE REQUESTED in terms of Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, to investigate the findings in the 2016/2017 audit report and to assist the municipality to address the findings. Resolution A63/06/2018: That point two of resolution A37/03/2018 BE REAFFIRMED: 2. That the MEC BE REQUESTED in terms of Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, to investigate the findings in the 2016/2017 audit report and to assist the municipality to address the findings. The MEC made it quite clear that they are not instigating the investigations on the request of the council but by their own resolutions. This begs the question as to when will the MEC act on requests from a municipal council. Could this extraordinary debt that the municipality finds itself in been averted or at least been curbed if the MEC acted sooner? Why did they not respond when the leader of DA at the time, James Masangu asked them to intervene? These are some of the questions that councillors were asking.
Continued on pg 3
Die reën het baie verligting gebring in ons omgewing. ‘n Paar fietsryers het die geleentheid gebruik om die nat veld te verken. In die foto is Brandon Enever. Foto: Annelize du Toit
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Crime
snippets A 30-year-old teacher arrested Police have arrested a 30-year-old teacher for Child Grooming, as well as Supply, Expose and Display an article of pornographic material to a child. Reports indicate that the mother of a 14-year-old girl was at home on Tuesday, 5 November, when she entered her daughter’s bedroom. Upon entering the room, the mother noticed a cell phone that she had never bought for her daughter. The cell phone was placed under a pillow. The child was then confronted by her
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mother about the person who bought her the cell phone. The daughter eventually admitted that a 30-yearold man, who is believed to be the educator at a school the child attends, bought it for her. Out of curiosity, the mother went through the cell phone and discovered pornographic pictures that were exchanged between the teacher and the minor. The police were immediately contacted and two cases were opened in this regard. The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has welcome the arrest of the suspect and expressed his disappointment on the disgusting actions displayed by this man. “As a society we cannot allow such men of his calibre to prey on our innocent children like this one. Children go to school to learn so that they are well equipped to face the future. If adults, that have been tasked with a huge responsibility to look after kids, turn against them, then our future is doomed,” he said. General Zuma further made a call to parents and members of the community to always be vigilant when it comes to children. Parents should be more involved in their children’s well-being and this will enable them to detect things earlier in case there is something unusual taking place. The man was arrested on Tuesday 19 November. He was charged and appeared in the Kabokweni Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 20 November, where he was remanded in custody for a formal bail application. Police are busy with investigations and the possibilities of adding more charges are eminent.
by a multi-disciplinary team which included Crime Intelligence and SAPS detectives. The operation followed a complaint by the National Treasury after it transpired that the suspects allegedly colluded in accessing the Amathole District Municipality funds through flaunting of procurement processes afterwards they were awarded a contract for ventilated improved toilets in the Eastern Cape. The Hawks’ preliminary investigation discovered that over R 600 million was to be awarded for the contract, of which R 286 million has already been paid to the suspects. All ten (10) suspects appeared in the East London Magistrate’s court on Friday, 22 November, on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). Asset Forfeiture processes are underway. The outstanding collaboration with the office of the Director Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape made it possible for the case to proceed. The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Yolisa Matakata has applauded the team for the arrests. “This development is most welcome in our greater fight against corruption to ensure that clean and credible governance prevails. We will stop at nothing to ensure that corrupt perpetrators, be it in the private sector or government, are brought to book,” she said.
Ten suspects arrested for over R600 million tender fraud
Mpumalanga police commissioner, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, urged the public, especially those who own livestock, to be vigilant during this festive season. The warning of General Zuma comes when police are readily geared up and in full swing to deal drastically with those who break the law whether within or outside the service. Police have gone all out to intensify their efforts in turning the tide against lawlessness this festive season as always. “This is a period
In a continuous effort to root out malfeasance in Government, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has arrested ten suspects, aged between 34 and 60, in the early hours of Thursday, 21 November. The simultaneous intelligence driven raids took place in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal
Police commissioner warns livestock owners to be vigilant this time of the year
29 November 2019 whereby perpetrators target, amongst others, owners of livestock. These kinds of suspects usually sell their stolen stock to people who are disparately in need of meat for festivities. Any crime committed, including stock theft, will be dealt with thoroughly without fear or favour even if it means arresting some of our own,” General Zuma said. The unwavering warning by the General came after the arrest of five suspects for stock theft which were effected between 2 and 21 November. Amongst these suspects is a police Sergeant identified as 45-year-old Anthony Ronnie. The others were 32-year-old Chris Ndoyi, 26-year-old Yanga Singangayi and a 53-yearold teacher, John Moses Twala, who was nabbed with 56-year-old Vusi Fani Mavuso. The arrest of Sergeant Anthony Ronnie happened after information was provided to SAPS by members of the public. Reports indicated that on 2 November members of the Crime Intelligence and Stock Theft Unit followed information received about four suspected stolen cattle that were to be transported as well as auctioned in Gauteng. Upon arrival, police found the suspect driving his private pick up. The vehicle was stopped and searched by the members wherein four cattle were discovered loaded on a trailer. The cattle were seized whilst the suspect was detained. During further investigation, police discovered that the cattle were stolen in the Tweefontein area from two different kraals. Two separate cases were found to have been opened in this regard and the cattle were identified and handed back to the lawful owners. In addition, the arrest of Ndoyi and Singangayi came after police received information on Thursday, 14 November, from community members about two males who were rearing stock and kept it in a kraal at Pieterskraal. Police swiftly acted on the information which led them to the address where Ndoyi and Singangayi were. The two were found with 18 cattle, suspected to have been stolen. Clarity was sought with regard to the ownership of the stock but no reasonable answer could be provided by the two suspects.
Baby thrown out of Editor’s second floor window Saturday night, 23 November, it was alleged that a fight erupted between a mother and her boyfriend at Sasol Flats, near extension 1, eMbalenhle. A child, between the age of 1 and 2 years, was thrown out of the window of the second floor flat into rainy conditions during a fight. One of the people who live nearby saw a young child flying through the window and immediately contacted an ambulance. The ambulance responded very quickly and saved a young baby’s life. “I thought that somebody was throwing away waste until I heard a loud scream of a baby which shocked me till now,” according to one of the neighbours. The neighbours wished they knew what had happened between the couple that led to the small child almost losing her life. Upon arrival, the emergency personnel found the mother of the
child in a state of shock. They tried to stabilise the child before transporting her to the hospital. Her condition remains unknown at the moment as the statement from the mother was still to be confirmed by the police. Some people who saw the incident didn’t waste time to get on social media to shame the family. According to the police, at the time of going to print, there was no case opened at the station. The eMbalenhle community had mixed emotions after two people were killed and three people died in separate incidents last weekend. The increasing number of senseless killings in eMbalenhle is a major concern for everyone and police cannot fight it alone. It is high time that serious steps should be taken against killings and hijackings that are happening in eMbalenhle. - Sandile Mkhwanazi
Note
This is to notify all our readers and advertisers that Mariette Loram Prinsloo is NO longer employed by The Bulletin as of the end of October 2019. Therefore she does not represent The Bulletin in any way. Romans 2:1 - You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. - New International Version
NEWS
29 November 2019
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Danger on the road: keep a watchful eye... With the advent of the festive season upon us there will be an increase in road usage and this will bring an increase in road accidents. What is more concerning is that the people that are taking chances are the taxis and the large trucks. When these vehicles are involved in accidents it is nearly always fatal and horrific. Trucking companies do not close over the festive season nor do taxis. As long as there is a demand there will always be a supply; power stations need to run and people want to see their families. Even though the road rules are clear, some drivers, of all types of vehicles, still overtake on solid white lines. Solid white lines are there to indicate that it is unsafe to overtake another vehicle. The car, truck or taxi that is coming from the opposite direction has to give way and drive in the yellow lane (emergency lane). Recently a video surfaced on a busy road where one truck overtakes another truck. The truck overtaking the other truck struggles while other cars were approaching from the opposite direction; one truck and six smaller vehicles have to drive in the yellow lane (emergency lane). The Bulletin contacted the truck company but was met with condescension. The company replied and said the following: “It’s an old video of a few weeks already. Steps
are being taken internally and we will handle the matter. Please leave it to us to resolve.” Almost 80% of cargo/freight is transported by road in South Africa. In most accidents human error is the most significant contributor but little is known about the human factors that contribute to the carnage on our roads. In South Africa less is known regarding the demographic of drivers who are involved in accidents. One of the causes that was highlighted was bad driver behaviour. This was a result of poor driver training. A survey was done and 60 operators were asked to take part in this survey. These operators indicated that driver management is an important factor. They added that health, training, skills to handle specific vehicles and years of experience all factor in to prevent accidents. Furthermore, the survey revealed that 75% of operators said that they do not employ foreign drivers.
But the companies that do employ foreign drivers said that they employ them because they are prepared to
work at a lower rate. Another interesting topic that surfaced was that most operators do not offer formal training to drivers. This training should include medical testing. Some operators indicated that they have monthly toolbox talks to manage driver wellness. It seemed that only larger companies had the means to educate their drivers at their inhouse training facilities. The reality is that an 18-year-old can obtain a professional driving permit, commonly known as a PDP, to transport any goods, dangerous goods or passengers for an income. This permit
GMM under investigation Continued from pg 1 The MEC made it clear that the investigators should not entertain any favouritism, requests or bribery. “There should be no meetings at night!” he said. While all parties welcome the investigations, there were some reservations. Cllr Ciska Jordaan, Caucus leader of the DA said: “Considering the state of the municipality, it is baffling to understand why suspicions only arose now when there had been an underfunded budget for close to two years and several instances including court cases, CCMA cases and an HSRC case implicating that the Municipality does not fulfil its statutory obligations.” “In addition, the DA has also urged the MEC and the independent investigator to protect and encourage whistle blowers - both employees within the municipality and members of the general public - to speak out against any wrongdoing that is taking place in the municipality.” Ciska continued: “However, concerning the undesirable responses of the MEC to the questions
and proposals that were made by the DA, we believe only time will tell whether the investigation is yet again another blindfold on the eyes of the general public who has been left without quality services for far too
long; or whether there is a will to finally deal with maladministration that has brought this Municipality to its knees.” The Bulletin will continue to update residents on the investigation as and when information becomes available.
is issued once the normal driver’s licence has been obtained and has to be renewed every 24 months. There are three categories: D – For vehicles transporting dangerous goods. It also permits the driving of category G and P vehicles. Driver must be at least 25 years old. G – Restricted to goods vehicles (nondangerous) and breakdown vehicles. The driver must be at least 18 years old. P – For buses seating more than 12 passengers, taxis and any vehicle carrying more than 12. It also permits the driving of category G vehicles. The driver must be at least 21 years old. None of these categories allow for experience before obtaining these permits… Sources: The importance of heavy vehicle driver education in South Africa – L. Magazi and S. Mohammed – Department of Transport https://www.iol.co.za/news/southafrica/kwazulu-natal/7-000-truckcrashes-inone-year-1335013 https://www.miway.co.za/blog/ business-insurance/the-truth-abouttruck-accidents-on-sa-roads https://truckandfreight.co.za/category/ news/truck-crashes-collisions-andaccidents/ https://www.matrix.co.za/motoristresources/truck-accidents-a-seriousproblem-on-sa-roads - Ané Prinsloo
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29 November 2019
Ds Marius Britz Daar is baie legendes oor die beroemde koning Tsjaka van die Zoeloes. Hy was ‘n briljante militêre strateeg wat met groot welslae ‘n nuwe krygstegniek ontwikkel het: in plaas van die lang spiese waarmee die vyand op ‘n afstand gegooi word, het hy ‘n kort steekassegaai ontwerp. Die vyand word dan ook heeltemal anders benader. Tsjaka het die bulformasie ontwerp. Die vyand word bestorm met ‘ n middelste kernpeleton van soldate wat direk op die vyand afstorm, en twee flanke van die kerngroep wat wegbreek en die vyand weerskante omsingel, terwyl hulle die linie rondom toemaak soos die horings van ‘n bees. So was die lang gooi-assegaai uiters oneffektief gemaak, en die kort steekassegeaai is met groot welslae gebruik. Tsjaka en sy impi’s het met hierdie tegniek groot welslae op die slagveld behaal, en hy kon sy ryk wyd uitbrei. ‘n Ander legende lui dat een van sy offisiere op ‘n dag die mite wou uitwys dat Tsjaka alwetend was. Hy het in ’n groot vergadering voor die koning kom staan met ‘n klein voëltjie in sy hand, en gevra: “Koning, u is die alwetende. Lewe die voëltjie in my hand, of is hy dood?” Die uitgeslape koning het geweet dat as hy sou sê die voëltjie leef, kon die soldaat met een druk van sy hand die voëltjie doodmaak, en as hy sou sê die voëltjie is dood, kon die impi bloot sy hand oopmaak en die voëltjie laat wegvlieg. Toe antwoord Tsjaka met die wyse woorde: “Die antwoord is in jou hand.” Van die grootste lewenslesse wat ek geleer het, was ook by ‘n klein voëltjie, ‘n blou budjie genaamd Ounooi. Die voëltjie het heeldag in haar hokkie in ons kombuis gesit, en alles belangstellend dopgehou. Sy kon vir ure na haar spieëltjie kyk en na haar eie beeld hap. Soms het sy aan die agterkant
van die spiëeltjie geloer om te sien wie daar sit, maar het dan maar weer steeds alleen gesit en fluit. Op ‘n dag het ons die telefoon hoor lui. Iemand het gehardloop om te antwoord, maar toe die telefoon opgetel is, was die gelui steeds daar. Dit was Ounooi. Op ander dag het die huishulp na my ma gegaan, en gesê: “Ja. Mevrou? Mevrou het geroep?” My ma het gesê: “Nee, ek het nie.” Toe hoor ons dit. Ounooi roep met presies dieselfde stem as my ma die huishulp se naam: “Baby! Babyyy!” Met so verhoging in stemtoon. Ons was in ons noppies. Ons het gemeen Ounooi was dolgelukkig. Sy het meer en meer huisgeluide begin namaak, en haar koppie so skeefgedraai as ons sê ”Koppiekrap.” In daardie tyd het ek egter begin sien dat Ounooi ongedurig is. Sy het op en af teen die tralies van haar hokkie geloop, en uitkomplek gesoek. Dit het my toenemend gepla. Dit was asof ek haar frustrasies, haar verlies aan vryheid, haar smagting na iets ver buite die horison aangevoel het. Tot een blou Sondagmiddag toe ek die hokkie se deur oopgemaak het, en weggestap het. Ek was van mening sy sou net in die huis rondvlieg. Maar sy het reguit koersgekies venster toe, en op, op, op in die winterslug verdwyn. Ek het histeries agterna gehardloop van boom tot boom, óp in Kentsirkel, links in MacPhailstraat, regs in Ronkettisirkel. Die hele tyd het ek geroep, meer gesmèèk: “Ounooi, kom terug!” En as ‘n plan B het ek geskreeu: “Koppie krap! Koppie krap!” Maar Ounooi het net verdwyn in die takke van die groot bome op die sypaadjie. Daardie aand was dit, om dit sagkens te stel, ‘n hartseer aand in die Britz-huishouding. Ons vreugde, ons klokkie, was weg. Die oop hokdeurtjie het meewarig gegryns elke keer as ek daarna gekyk het. Ons telefoon het nie meer gelui nie. Baby is nie meer geroep nie. Daar was geen gesiggie in die spieëltjie nie. Haar kossies en water was onaangeraak. Dit was ‘n lang, slapelose nag vol verwyt en rou. Die volgende
oggend, egter, was dit ‘n vrolike en luidrugtige Ounooi wat op die stoep gesit het, en geroep het “Baby!” En ook net daarna: “Trieng-trieng!” Ons het die deur oopgemaak, en sy het doelgerig en kordaat na haar hokkie gestap en bo-op gaan sit. Vir die huidige wou sy nie ingaan nie. Dit was eers later wat sy gaan eet en water drink het. Maar ons het die deurtjie oopgelos. “Dis beter so”, het Pa gesê. Van daardie dag af was Ounooi ons budjie. Werklik ons s’n. Die hartklop van die huishouding wat vrye toegang tot haar hokkie gehad het. Ek het meer geleer uit daardie gebeure as ooit op kweekskool oor verhoudings. Persoonlike verhoudings, Werksverhoudings. Huwelike. Ouer-kind verhoudings. Snaaks genoeg, ook mense se
verhouding met God. Nie omdat jy moet nie, maar omdat jy wil. Nie deur kerkordes en konvensies en wat-ook-al gedrewe nie, maar deur ‘n volledige aanvaarding van die ander se menswees, en veral deur onvoorwaardelike liefde. Ounooi het geweet waar haar hokkie was. Sy wou net nie daarin toegesluit wees nie. Jou menswees kan in verbondenheid blom as jy net jouself kan wees. Die hokkies van die lewe, verhoudings, strukture, kerk, werksomgewing, kan versmorend raak as jy ingeperk word. Maar jy kan groei, lèèf, tot jou volle potensiaal kom, as jy die kans en die vertroue het om juis dit te wees, om jou eie menswees te verwesenlik. Ook as jy nie versmorend deur jou medereisigers op die lewe voortdurend in ‘n hok toegesluit word nie, maar self kan kies om te bly. Die antwoord is in jou hand.
Tannie Poppie se Dadelballetjies Maak sowat 50 balletjies 230 g (230 ml) botter of margarien 200 g (250 ml) suiker 500 g dadels, fyngesny 2 x 200 g – pakkies Mariebeskuitjies, fyngemaak 10 ml vanieljegeursel Sowat 100 g fyn klapper Plaas botter en suiker in ‘n kastrol. Smelt oor lae hitte
tot suiker opgelos is. Voeg dadels by en kook oor lae hitte tot dadels gesmelt is. Roer elke nou en dan. Voeg fyngemaakte beskuitjies en vanieljegeursel by. Roer goed. Gebruik ‘ n 15 ml-maatlepel en skep die vulsel in jou hand. Rol in balletjie en rol onmiddelik in klapper. Herhaal tot dadelmengsel op is. Bêre balletjies in lugdigte houers.
Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee
29 November 2019
SPORT NEWS
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16 Days of Activism for No Violence against women and children The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Other key commemorative days during this period include World Aids Day on the 1st December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December of every year. The official opening of the 2019 16 Days Campaign will take place in Limpopo on 25 November under the theme: Enough is Enough – 356 days to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Given the scourge of Gender-Based Violence in the country, which is declared a national address, government is implementing the Emergency Response Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which was announced by President Cyril in September 2019. The 16 Days Campaign forms the centre point of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and
Children. At the end of the campaign on 10 December, government will officially launch the 365 Days Behavioural Change Campaign. During the 16 Days period,
government together with civil society and the private sector will host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with GBVF. Objectives of the campaign
The objectives of the 16 Days Campaign are to: Attract all South Africans to be active participants in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children. Expand accountability beyond the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster to include all government clusters and provinces. Combine technology, social media, the arts, journalism, religion, culture and customs, business and activism to draw attention to the many ways violence against women and children affects the lives of all people in all communities around the world. Ensure mass mobilisation of all communities to promote collective
responsibility in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children. Encourage society to acknowledge that violence against women and children is not a government or criminal justice system problem, but a societal problem and that failure to view it as such results in all efforts failing to eradicate this scourge in our communities. Emphasise the fact that the solution lies with all of us. What is violence against women and children? Violence takes many forms, for example: Physical violence in the form of domestic violence, terrible violent crime such as murder, robbery, rape and assault. Emotional violence and trauma at many levels caused by many factors. Women and children in their homes, at work, at schools, on our streets, in our communities suffer this form of violence for various reasons. Together, let us take actions to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. https://www.gov. za/16DaysofActivism2019
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29 November 2019
SANAC visited GMM for the first time Deputy President David Mabuza visited the Gert Sibande District on Saturday, 23 November. The meeting took place to discuss the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs and also to talk about the functionality of Provincial District AIDS Councils. This was the sixth extended plenary but the first in our area. The SANAC Plenary received and discussed progress updates on the country’s comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS, TB and STI’s including the roll out of the Checka Impilo National Wellness Campaign, preparations for the World AIDS Day 2019, SANAC’s Sex Worker Plan, Human Rights Plan as well as addresses by Chairperson of SANAC Civil Society Forum, Ms Steve Letsike, Minister of Heath Dr Zweli Mkhize and Mpumalanga Premier Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. Deputy President David Mabuza also addressed the Provincial Men’s Parliament on Saturday. This is an initiative of the South African National AIDS Council and the Department of Social Development with the broader Takuwani Riime movement in mind, supported by Deputy President David Mabuza. This outreach was the first of its kind in the Gert Sibande District. In Deputy President David Mabuza’s opening remarks, he said the following: “Earlier this year, the Department of Health reported that just over 838,000 people tested
positive for HIV for the period from January to December 2018. The highest incidence rates were recorded in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The province of Mpumalanga is sitting with 76,007 of new HIV-positive cases.” He continued: “As we have said before, one HIV infection is one too many. Working with our partners in civil society and in the business community, it is possible to reverse the HIV pandemic that has affected approximately 7.4 million people who are HIV-positive. We need to continue putting in practical and decisive measures to reduce this level of incidence as we know how disproportionally it affects young women.” Ms. Mmapaseka
Steve Letsike, SANAC Co-Chairperson representing Civil Society, also had a chance to address the people. Here are excerpts from her speech: “Let me take this opportunity to again congratulate the 6th Administration in securing the trust and confidence of the South Africans in taking the country forward. Since a clearer look at the ESA Commitment and integration of School Health Programme between DBE and DOH, and also with the support programmes by Civil Society Organisations such as Rise, Dreams, First Things First, AGYW, Boys Projects, YOLO, Treatment support programmes and so forth we noted a steady decrease in new infections among adolescent girls and young women from 2 500 to 1 000 infections per week and early and unintended
pregnancies from over 99 000 in 2013 to 82 00 in 2017.” In Deputy President David Mabuza’s closing remarks he said: “Of continuing concern to all stakeholders gathered here, is that our HIV pandemic is linked to pervasive gender inequality accompanied by the violation of human rights of vulnerable sectors in our society. The abuse, murder and rape of women, children, persons with disabilities, lesbians, gays and transgender persons must be addressed as part of our comprehensive response to the challenges of HIV and Aids.” He continued: “The functionality of these AIDS Councils must be our urgent priority. Premiers and Mayors must play a central leadership role. We expect all Aids Councils to be functional by the end of March 2020. Not only should we ensure that they are set up and functional, we must ensure that regular meetings are convened, and there are tangible programmes that are being implemented and monitored. We are determined to work even harder in mobilising more support from the private sector as we strengthen our response to the challenges of HIV and Aids and TB. Once again, let me thank all of you, and invite you to be part of our community outreach programme today.” The day was characterised by the blue light brigade speeding through town and even an accident because of their speeding. – Ané Prinsloo
SANBS hosts “Arrested, Blood requested” SANBS Donor Committee is hosting an “Arrested, Blood requested” on Saturday 30 Novem-ber. This is an exciting event on the SANBS calendar. Volunteers are “arrested” by the blood squad and their supporters need to donate blood in order to secure their release. The atmos-phere is always festive and SANBS has a lot of staff available to speed up the donation process. It is an important day for SANBS as the holiday season is upon us and blood is normal-ly in high demand. Please come and support them at the Donor Centre next to Bakers Bin. Remember each do-nation can save 3 lives. You can make a difference!
Please read the press statement from SANBS regarding the shortage of blood: “It really is an awesome thing to do,” said blood recipient, Sunita Morar. She received blood in August 2019 due to a haemorrhage during labour. Thanks to a blood donor, Sunita was able to survive and be a mother to her new-born baby. Sunita and thousands of other pa-tients who incur trauma related incidents have a second chance at life because of the gener-ous donations made by South Africans. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urgently calling on Group O and donors to donate blood to meet demand. Scheduled blood drives at universities, businesses and on other sites yield a significant amount of the units of blood collected annually and although SANBS has systems in place to minimise the effects of shortages, there has been an in-creasingly high demand for blood in hospitals leaving Group O blood stocks at a low. As a result of the low blood
stocks, SANBS is appealing to members of the public to visit the nearest donor centre as soon as they can. “We are experiencing a high demand of blood from hospitals and are in serious need of blood donations across the country. Our Group O blood stocks are approaching a low. We are appealing to all South Africans to donate a unit of blood in aid of those who may need blood or blood products during this period,” said Si-lungile Mlambo, SANBS Chief Marketing Officer. Group O is considered the universal blood group because anyone — regardless of blood type — can receive type O blood without risking a transfusion reaction. Mlambo said: “The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of life. We know that South Africans have huge hearts and we call on them to fully embrace the spirit of
Ubuntu by giving their blood donation today.” SANBS has planned various blood drives around the country with extended hours and addi-tional weekend blood drives to ensure a stable supply of blood during this period. However, it is only possible to meet the demand with the help of regular and committed blood donors. Blood donations go beyond just the person who receives blood – its’ not just blood, it is saving a nation. There are donor centers, clinics and mobile clinics throughout the GMM area. Please contact Dot Prinsloo, Donor Relations Practitioner: 017 631 1652. Email: customerservice@sanbs.org. za Visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact 0800 11 9031 to find out where you can donate blood this festive season. Follow us on Facebook (@SANBS).
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29 November 2019
SERVICES Inkosinami Drop off Center opens doors Inkosinami Drop Off Center situated in extension 17 will soon move to extension 14.
Govan Mbeki Municipality has leased a spot for them because of their continuous commitment to bettering
TO ADVERTISE CALL: 017 631 1903 017 631 1845 ANNALIE 082 906 0546
the lives of young children, especially those who are orphans or those who live in shelters. “Our mission and vision are very simple and straight forward. Reduce stress and hunger to the less fortunate children and also help them with homework and also to help them with donated clothes.” “Growing up in the most disadvantaged community in eMbalenhle, is forcing a group of young and vibrant youth to be strong because life doesn’t owe them anything.” They decided to cook chicken soup to focus on helping the less fortunate and also to help working parents with their children’s homework and after care. It only takes one helping hand to change and eradicate poverty amongst the community. The Inkosinami Drop off Center is opening its hands to any sponsors. Donations ar welcome that will help bettering the lives of those they are helping. If you have clothes and toys that you do not use anymore you can contact them to make a donation. - Sandile Mkhwanazi
MRP Foundation: One Ride, One Purpose
A dedicated and determined group of cyclists are mentally and physically preparing to cycle 606 km to break the cycle of poverty and inequality in the tenth edition of the Ride for MRP Foundation, taking place on 1 - 2 Dec. The challenging two-day ride from Secunda to Durban, brings together individuals and businesses to raise funds and awareness for MRP Foundation to empower young people through education and skills development. In 2019 alone 5,971 youth participated in skills development
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and 96,495 learners were impacted through the schools’ programme. The annual 606 km gruelling event, is a 2-day stage ride aiming to raise much-needed funds for MRP Foundation. The 2018 edition saw a 72-strong peloton raising the target of R2 million. This year’s Ride will feature a diverse peloton of men and women, ranging from ordinary South Africans and school children, to business executives and sports stars, all riding with a common purpose. South African triathlete, Mhlengi Gwala will be riding for the third consecutive year. South African Rugby Legends have once again pledged their support with Jeremy Thompson, Wayne Fyvie and Joel Stransky taking on the challenge. Stage 1 of the Ride is from the Graceland Hotel in Secunda (Mpumalanga) to The Royal Hotel in Ladysmith (KZN): 346km. The peloton will travel across three provinces, tackling the daunting Majuba Pass between Volksrust and Newcastle. Stage 2 of the Ride is 260 km. Departing from Ladysmith at 04h00 on 2 December, arriving at CMH Nissan Durban 115 Monty Naicker Road at 16h00. The Ride for MRP Foundation partners include Absa, CMH Nissan Durban, SPAR, Maxed, Expand-a-
Sign, City Logistics, Zapper, Trader Plus, Corruseal, KTM, Westville Cycle Club, Giant, Cyclesphere, SA Rugby Legends and Hirt and Carter. The public can support the riders in their mission to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation through EFT, Paygate and Zapper donations. Sunday, December 1 - Secunda to Ladysmith - 346km 04h30 Depart Graceland Hotel: Turn right onto Secunda Road, right onto the R546. Turn left onto the R547. 09h00 Arrive in Standerton in Krogh Street, right into Charl Cilliers Street and left into Prinses Street. Breakfast at the SPAR in Prinses Street. 09h30 Depart Standerton at 09H30 heading for Volksrust. 12h30 Arrive in Volksrust. Lunch at Laerskool Pioneer. 13h00 Depart Volksrust and head for Ladysmith. 18h00 Arrive in Ladysmith at the Royal Hotel in Murchison Street. Monday, December 2 - Ladysmith to CMH Nissan - Durban 260km 04h00 Depart Royal Hotel Ladysmith from Murchison Street, for Colenso and Estcourt. 08h00 Arrive in Mooi River. Breakfast at the Mooi River SPAR. 08h30 Depart Mooi River for Nottingham Road, Midmar, Howick and Hilton. 10h30 Tea break at SPAR at the Quarry in Hilton. Escort by the Pmb Police from the SPAR at the Quarry in Old Howick Road and through Pmb to the top of Polly Shorts. 12h00 Polly Shorts. Lunch. 12h30 Depart Polly Shorts to Pot & Kettle. 14h00 Bothas Hill. Metro Police escort from Pot & Kettle, along Old Main Road towards M13. Continue on King Cetshwayo (Jan Smuts) Highway, left along N3 towards Tollgate. Continue upon Johannes Nkosi (Alice) Street, onto KE Masinga (Old Fort) Road, right onto Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue, onto Walnut Road, right onto Monty Naicker (Pine) Street to finish at CMH Nissan Durban. 15h00 / 16h00 Arrive at CMH Nissan Durban 115 Monty Naicker Road.
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Zali Swim School hosts gala and awards day
Zali Swim School hosted their first annual gala and awards day on Saturday, 23 November. The hot weather made the splish splash more exciting as under the awning the pool’s water was boiling and waiting for the children to dive in and show their
parents what they have learned so far. There was also a hotdog stall to fill the hunger gap in their stomachs after the children swam. All of the children received medals and were congratulated by their coach, CharnĂŠ Needham.
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Laerskool Kruinpark spog met Eisteddfod prestasies
Lizemari Barnard - Beeldende Kuns, Gr 7, Teagen Wallace - Beste Gedig (Skryfkuns) Gr 5 - 7, Janka Myburgh - Beste Skilder Gr 5 - 7, Charlize Roos - Best Poem (Writing) Gr 5 - 7, Jaydien Grobler - Beste Skilder Gr 1 - 2, Janru Pretorius - Beste Solis Gr 2 - 3, Juf. Jurene Kemp - Beste Solis met klankbaan – Ope (Afwesig), Imke v.d. Lith - Beste Spraak & Drama deelnemer Gr 2 - 3
Laerskool Kruinpark se 2019 Kultuurjaar sluit af op ‘n hoogtepunt met 17 spesiale toekennings. Nie alleen moes hierdie deelnemers hul kategorieë wen nie, maar moes hulle ook die hoogste gemiddeldes vir hul afdelings gekry het. Baie geluk aan almal! Spreekkore: Gr 1 - 2: Spreekkoor Wenners - Juf Soné Sykes en Juf Annelize Theron. Gr 5 - 6 Spreekkoor Wenners - Juf Jolinda vd Merwe. Gr 7 Spreekkoor - Hoogste gemiddeld van enige spreekkoor met 98% - Juf Marianna Victor Vokaal: Beste Sangspeletjie - Juf Melanie vd Linde en Juf Chris-Zelda Olivier Beste Junior Primêre Koor - Juf Hannerie Mouton en Marianna Victor Beste Senior Primêre Koor - Hoogste punt vir ‘n koor in Eisteddfod met 95% - Mnr Stefan Nienaber
Ninette Grobler - Beste Beeldende Kunstenaar, Beste Gedig Skryf Gr 7. Sy is ook aangewys as die beste deelnemer van die Laerskole in die hele dorp! Victrix Artium. Saam haar is Mnr Stefan Nienaber
Hoërskool Secunda lewer drie SA Rhino rugbyspelers op
TP Stratten learners excelled during prestige function
VLNR: Fana Lombard, JP Booysen, Dian Landman.
Mr Ourique, principal of TP Stratten and his staff, is extremely proud of all the children who received certificates, prizes and trophies during their annual Prize Giving Functions on respectively 5 November (Foundation Phase) and 7 November (Intermediate and Senior Phase). FLTR: Ammaarah Ahmed, Gr 1 - 94%, Layyana Ahmed, Gr 2 - 95%, Londiwe Sindane, Gr 3 - 94%, Hanzalah Ahmed, Gr 4 - 92%, Phaphama Mayeza, Gr 5 88%, Lesedi Motloung, Gr 6 - 88% and Kripa Prakash, Gr 7 - 85%. With them is the principal, Mr Mossie Ourique.
Hoërskool Secunda het 3 leerders wat aangewys is as deel van die 0/17 SA Rhino rugbyspan. Hulle is: Fana Lombard, JP Booysen en Dian Landman. Hulle gaan ook hierdie komende Desember op ‘n toer na Ierland waar hulle daar sal speel.
Happy Tods Daycare donates money to Bethal SPCA
Laerskool Secunda leerders verkies tot Mpumalanga hokkiespan
Die volgende Laerskool Secunda wenners is opgeneem in die Mpumalanga hokkiespan vir 2020: Natalie Maciel, Alonzo Blankenberg en Matshidiso Makgato. HJ Hobkirk vorm deel van die nie-reisende plaasvervangers! Left: Happy Tods Daycare visited the Bethal SPCA on Monday, 25 November, to donate R 3000.00 that they raised. The children enjoyed playing with some puppies but the puppies enjoyed it more!
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Xolani: Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge’s Lords and Ladies: A Cycling Affair Sasol Cycling Club hosted a Lords and Best Player Ladies Charity ride in aid of Janelle Huis in Evander. This was as part of their community involvement project for the year. The format of the event was a safari picnic on bicycles through the green area in Secunda. All this while being dressed in High Tea styled clothing with a cycling helmet. There were a number of picnics arranged on the course with cakes and scones on offer. Some of the cyclists were over dressed for the occasion but they fit the theme perfectly. The event will surely become one to diarise as one of the fun events on the cycling calendar.
FLTR: Jacob Mtakwende, Alroy Peterson - Bidvest Wits Junior Head Coach, Xolani Savanguane, Rainer Abraham - Bidvest Wits Junior Manager Photos: Annelize du Toit
Xolani Savanguane was selected to play for the Junior Bidvest Wits U/12 team. Head Coach, Alroy Petersen said: “Xolani has the best technique and is a brilliant football player. I like what he does on the field!” Xolani is also selected to play in the South African Junior Masters VW tournament starting on 7 December at Wits University sportsground in Johannesburg. Xolani’s previous coach, Roy Dijaro Dlongolo said that he was very proud of him.
“All the young players that want to be selected to play in the big teams must also work hard at their academics,” said Jacob Mtakwende, organiser of the Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge. “I urge the parents to register their children at the Inkwunzi Isematholeni Football Developement Scholarship. Children must be born between 2004 and 2009.” For more information contact Jacob Mtakwende of the Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge at 0661230411 or 0827051247.
AC Potgieter: Northern Regions Rally Champion AC Potgieter from Team AC Potgieter Rally received an award at the South African Motorsport awards ceremony and was awarded as the Northern Regions Rally Championship 2019 winner. The event was hosted last Friday, 22 November.
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Hankook 4x4 Extreme Challenge A warm day made for good spectator viewing at the Hankook 4x4 Extreme Challenge. With over 20 vehicles entering the challenge, spectators had more than enough to feast their eyes on. There were 4x4s from plain standard vehicles up to the custom-built top
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trucks. The Monster truck arrived in style only to be hamstrung by an overheated gearbox. Izak Maritz, owner of the monster truck, vowed to be back next year. There were a lot of disappointed children who were looking forward to drive in the monster truck. They are also looking forward to next year. I’m
Photo: Piet Potgieter
sure that Izak will have something up his sleeve for the little one’s next time round! The obstacles were challenging but not unassailable and with the coaching from the marshals it should have been possible to overcome on the first try. Experienced drivers found it a little easier but the novices, sometimes, tried more than once to clear the obstacle. Jaco Horn, GTR,
Photo: Carel Greyling
was unfortunate to miscalculate the driving line and gracefully turned his Landcruiser on its side. The damage was fortunately minimal and he could manage a smile after the scare. He also managed to complete the course. The day was well attended by the public with over 700 spectators visiting the 4x4 track. “We, the organisers, would like to thank all the entrants for their participation as well as the spectators for their support!” said Rikus Radley of 4x4 @ LakeUmuzi. “Without them and our sponsors, this day would not have been possible. We will list our sponsors in next week’s publication of The Bulletin. Bulletin.”