Issue 169 - FREE
30 MARCH 2018
Community News. Original - accurate - first
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
Homeless rejected Inhuman or fair?
Some homeless people were left with the wet clothes on their bodies while others lost their last meal when authorities swept through Secunda conducting Operation Fiela on Thursday. Operation Fiela originally had several goals, one of them being to remove homeless people from the street after CBD business employees were allegedly threatened with rape and assault by some of them. One of the vagrants, whose possessions were confiscated, was apparently arrested for housebreaking previously. Why he is on the street again is unclear. Several departments, including GMM Compliance and Law Enforcement, GMM Waste Management, GMM Traffic Department and Home Affairs took part in the operation which started by them splitting into groups and firstly moving into CBD from various angles. No mercy was shown and authorities and vagrants fought about blankets and tents. The situation in CBD is dire, with vagrants excreting and sleeping on pavements, a few meters from where businesses are trying to operate. “The operation is a collaborative and integrated approach to stem out lawlessness in the Secunda CBD. It is thus a direct response to the flagrant disregard of applicable legislations,” a statement read. Fiela was also aimed at the search for and seizure of illegal items. In the CBD a vagrant was found with a special nail clipper, suspectedly stolen from a salon near the post office. Another goal was the “issuing of notices and the impoundment of goods for non-compliance,” according to the statement. But one homeless man, the 36 year old Quinton Hendriks, said that he never got a notice. “They took everything.” Quinton was clearly in shock when the fleet of police cars and municipal vehicles stopped behind Shell garage and started grabbing his things. He initially fought back, but later let go. “This drives you to other things,” he said,
fighting the tears. “I could save my ID, but they took my food.” The removal of waste was also part of the original plans. The statement said “some waste of which is used to commit illegal acts.” It is unclear what waste the statement was talking about because what is waste for one may be someone else’s most prized possession. The boxes and rubbish is still lying around and drug dealers are most probably still roaming the streets. Choppies supermarket was the only supermarket that went along to retrieve their trolleys. The statement said that illegal immigrants would be tackled. “Home Affairs are to assist with the tracing and identification of undocumented immigrants and the verification of resident status, among other,” the statement read. One of the plans was to trace their families but how this will be done with some of them losing their ID’s in the process, is an open question. “My Identity Document is in my bag, they won’t let me get it,” one woman said while clinging onto her dog. She didn’t want to be named and later walked away with the dog, leaving her soaking wet husband/partner to deal with the crowd. “They took my blankets, they took all I had left to keep warm and they left me with the clothes on my body,” he said. He also didn’t want to be named. Drug peddling and dealing was also on the bucket list, but not much attention was given to this. Needles used for getting high on Nyope, was confiscated in the part of the taxi rank that was raided. The taxi rank is apparently a well known drug dealing spot, but only part of it was raided. “It is acknowledged that homelessness is not a crime, however, erection of makeshift structures, pollution of the CBD, sleeping on pavements and thereby obstructing the movement of pedestrians and the blocking of entry into shops is forbidden.” Continued to page 3
Possessions that was taken away.
NEWS
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30 March 2018
17th Oxygen train largest Sasol and Air Liquide have signed an agreement in 2015, under which Air Liquide will invest around €200 million in the construction of the largest Air Separation Unit (ASU) ever built at Sasol’s synthetic fuels and chemicals complex in Secunda, South Africa. Today saw the official opening of the
17th train. This is a 5000 ton per day air separation train to supply oxygen and nitrogen to Sasol’s proprietary synthetic fuels and chemicals manufacturing process. Owned and operated by Air Liquide, it is the first ASU that Sasol has chosen to outsource to a specialist of industrial gas production at this site. The startup of the air separation unit (ASU) represents a new milestone in the partnership between Air Liquide and Sasol which brings to 17 the number of ASU’s delivered by Air Liquide over the last 40 years, with a total oxygen production capacity greater than 45,000 tonnes per day. Using the latest air separation technology and economies of scale, this train is the most energy efficient oxygen train on the Secunda site with a significantly reduced impact on the environment. The oxygen capacity created enables Sasol to operate this complex up to the middle of the century, which is a cornerstone of the group’s Project 2050 strategy.
Crypton and Zenon is also generated as by products. The gases, which exist in tiny quantities in air, are used in a variety of industrial applications such as lamps, lasers, propulsion systems for satellites and medical applications. They are extracted by compressing and freezing air until the various gases are progressively liquified. Sasol has also over the past 12 years invested R25 billion rand in a range of environmental programs to ensure that they sustainably manage and improve on their key safety health and environmental risks. “One key example in South Africa is the significant progress made recently with our volatile organic compound, the socalled VOC abatement programme. The R3,4 billion VOC abatement project has shown significant progress over the past financial year,” Said Bongani Nqwababa (Sasol Joint president and CEO), “from 46 kilo tons in 2016 to 41 kilo tons over the reporting period. Providing momentum for further emission reductions this year.”
“ The new Air separation unit will be operated by Air Liquide and would supply Oxygen and all the gasses that Sasol needs in the Secunda operations,” said Benoit Potier (Air Liquide Chairman and CEO), “at Air Liquide, we understand how vital oxygen is. This is the world’s largest plant of its nature” Benoit also said, “not only is it the world’s largest but also the world’s most energy efficient plant of this nature.” The Premier of Mpumalanga, Refilwe Mtsweni, was called to introduce the Minister of environmental affairs, Minister Molewa. Refilwe took time to elaborate on agreements to eradicate the sewer problems in Embalenhle. Minister Molewa said that in 2012 South Africa adopted the national development plan. “This development that we are celebrating here today, that we are launching here today, is part of implementing that NDP.” Said Molewa, “we are happy that Sasol is continuing to work with us.” As she declared the unit officially open.
Boy (10) drowns in eMbalenhle A 10-year-old boy drowned in eMbalenhle on Saturday, 24 March. He and five of his friends were playing near the banks of a river near Gate 3 when he fell into the water and was carried downstream by the heavy current, a result of recent rainfall. DA Councillor, Annitah Zodwa heard screaming and commotion around
2pm when residents began shouting that a child was drowning. She then alerted the police, who dispatched divers from Secunda Diving Unit/Delta 1 Rescue Unit to look for the boy. His body was found near Gate 6. Distraught at the loss of his beloved son, his father called him a bright and clever child.
Photo supplied by Langamed South Services
NEWS
30 March 2018
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Terra Nova’s new mall
Terra Nova Village’s newest expansion opened on Wednesday 21 March. Situated on the N17 adjacent to Trichardt, the 37-store mall’s opening attracted an eager crowd for its first day of full operation. Official ribbon cutting by MEC of Culture, Thandi Shongwe, and Govan Mbeki’s Municipal Executive Mayor, Thandi Ngxonono was carried out at the mall’s main entrance. The 5500 square metreshopping mall is designed in a leisurely farm style tradition, and includes an OK Grocer store, liquor store, a pharmacy, banks, restaurants and other franchised and independent businesses with 400 fronted, easy-access parking bays. Shops have the convenience of LP gas with generator backup to keep the lights on, allowing customers the option to shop on those tough loadshedding days that we’ve come to know so well. Currently, Terra Nova features a retirement village alongside the mall, which is the first centre in the Continued from Page 1
area to boast an array of specialty shops, such as a pet shop, a vet, an estate agency, a perfume shop and a tantalising chocolate shop and wine bar. The area is expanding rapidly with the recent launch of The Meadows development of 350 full title deed units and the retirement
village. According to Ms Mandy Loubser, centre manager, there are still office spaces to let from the landlord, TroniCorp. A second wing, which is likely to be completed by mid July, will introduce a fresh experience for young and
old alike, in the form of an iJump Trampoline Park. This national iJump franchise will be the 8th outlet in South Africa, but the first in Mpumalanga. Plans to expand the centre also include a Total filling station with an off ramp from the N17 highway.
Homeless rejected - Inhuman or fair?
“It should be noted that the process to arrange alternative place of safety for some of the Secunda “homeless” people started in 2017. That process is ongoing. GMM is again engaging other stakeholders such as the Centre of Hope Church. The church offer accommodation and various support options for homeless people. The service is offered with a view to helping homeless off the street and linking them with their families.” Once again it is unknown who counts under “some of the Secunda homeless people” and how ID-less people will be linked to their families. The homeless got told straight that “the people don’t want you here” and that they must get out of Secunda. “They don’t want to go to the church because then they have to adhere to rules,” the head of GMM Law Enforcement said. But
several homeless confirmed that they were never given the option to go to the church and they didn’t even know about it. Nombulelo Radebe, a resident,said: “These people are not homeless, they run away from home because of drugs. It’s easy talking about sympathy when you are not being abused daily, we face this traumatic acts daily and some people just want to come here and act all Godly while they do nothing to help, talk is cheap.” “It is inhuman. I can’t understand how someone can be so heartless, it is raining, it is cold. Where must I go? We are all being kicked like dogs because some of the homeless people can’t behave,” Quinton said. Other slogans like “you don’t care about your own people” and “I hope you can sleep tonight in your warm bed” was
thrown at authorities who ruthlessly went on, focusing on the homeless and forgetting the rest of the goals of this operation. Comment on social media is divided with some congratulating authorities on a job well done and others criticising authorities for conducting the operation in rainy weather, a day after human rights day. Omar Beukes said: “They are not dogs and the worst part is that it is a cold, rainy day. **** Human Rights Day, I wish that those involved suffer the same faith one day.” Nirvana Kissoon, also a GMM resident, said: “Wow, our communities are so quick to remove people like trash.....but the actual trash lying all over the streets and shopping areas don’t get removed. Why don’t we remove the drug dealers from the taxi ranks instead of enabling them? We have become so evolved as a species that we even believe we have the right to judge and then we take justice on the homeless? What is compassion? Secunda does not have it but our churches are full. Some feel it is fair, others don’t. Everyone has got a valid point. Yes, Secunda does have a drug problem.
There are lots of break-ins, refuge does lie in residential areas for up to five weeks and some people are allowed to overstep by-law boundaries with no consequences. But with bigger problems at hand, there are being focused on the homeless. Is it because all of them create problems or has it just become too easy to get rid of inconveniences and make them easy targets or are GMM, law enforcement and some business owners and residents’ actions and feelings fair?
WHAT’S UP/News
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So is die lewe
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John 1:16
Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
30 March 2018
WHAT’S UP Sasol Hydra-Arc Rugby Practice @ Sasol Club - Every Tuesday and Thursday @ 18:00 to 20:00. Contact: Theuns Kruger Club Captain on 082 602 4035. 6 April - Eish Craft Beer Festival with Snotkop performing. From 14:00 till late. Free entry for Craft Beer Festival. R150 per person for Snotkop. For bookings contact 087 701 0919. 14 April - Wedding Exhibition at Boesies. From 9:00 till 16:00. For more information contact 072 580 8563. 19 April - SACBW seminar with Henriette Brand. Mastering Facebook Marketing like a pro. From 18:30. R200 per non member. Bring your laptop. RSVP 073 635 5682
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Pretoria-dink. En jy karmosyn in die sononder sit, soos Boerneef sê. Daardie diep, alleenverlang wat moeilik in woorde gegiet kan word. Daardie vêr dink wat jou wegvoer na onthou. Só helder, só intens, dat jy die Oktoberjakarandas van Pretoria in die lug kan ruik. Die jakarandablomme onder jou voete hoor bars as jy loop kampus toe. Die luglyn van Pretoria afgeëts sien vanaf Meintjieskop as die son sak, en jy en ‘n meisie wat jy probeer beindruk by die Uniegeboue ‘n kombersie op die grasperk gooi. En jy kaas en soutbeskuitjies met ‘n groot gebaar opdiep, saam met ‘n bottel wyn en geleende koshuisglase. Daardie diep dink aan gister wanneer jy stemme êrens, vêr in die wind kan hoor lag. Lank vergete, lanklaas gehoorde stemme. Mense van jou Tukshart wat jy in jou kop saamdra, waar jou spore ook heen mag gaan. Die wintersaande in die taallaboratorium waar jy moet leer Duits praat: Ich, Meiner , Mir, Mich. En die meisie langs jou wat jou so mooi help. Saam met wie jy dan bibberend koshuis toe loop. En natuurlik jou arm om haar lyf sit om haar te beskerm teen die koue en Ander Gevare wat in die Donker skuil.... Die deurnaggesprekke in iemand se koshuiskamer oor die eienskappe van die Ideale Vrou (Vandag, in retrospeksie, weet jy daar bestaan nie so iets nie) Die onthou is bittersoet: die paar kere toe jy en jou maters in donker kerkklere teruggekeer het van die begrafnis van een van julle wat vroeg, tè vroeg, julle verlaat het na ‘n motorongeluk. En Händel se Dodemars van Saul wat oor en oor op die motor se kassetspeler weergalm om die hartseer bietjie te salf. Maar die lekker-onthou is, soos wat mens ouer word, veel meer as die slegonthou. Soos die lang kuiers om die teekan. En al die tokkelokke, wat
hulleself onteenseglik beskou het as ontluikende Hegels of Heideggers, teugend aan pype, hoesend, borsfluitend, filosoferend oor die sin van die lewe. Daar móes ‘n pyp betrokke wees, want die groot teoloog Karl Barth het dan pyp gerook. Tot diè keer toe almal daar sit en wyshede kwytraak, en een opmerk dat die tee vandag darem snaaks smaak, en by verdere navorsing ‘n onnoembare voorwerp sien dryf in die tee wat deur die buurkoshuis, ons aartsvyand, daarin gegooi is. Of die keer toe daar ‘n sogenaamde “broekraid” teen die buurkoshuis geveg is. 720 adrenalien-gedrewe jong manne, net in hulle onderbroeke, takel mekaar vir ‘n klompie minute. Die koshuis wat die meeste onderbroeke ingesamel het as die fluitjie blaas, is die wenners van die geveg. Dan word kragte saamgesnoer, en die ander vier koshuise op Tuks se proefplaas word aangeval, in ‘n gedetermineerde soeke na mansonderklere, aan of van hulle lywe af. Op een so spesifieke geleentheid het daar vier onskuldige meisies op die malende massa manslywe afgekom: hulle was netjies aangetrek met sykouse en crimplenerokke, gewapen met twee kitare en ‘n blokfluit. En glad ingeoefen aan “Tell me why” en “Jy is my liefling” om te kom sêrrie vir die manskoshuise. Ek vermoed hulle het toe vir die eerste keer ‘n Volkswagen Kewer laat spin en gatomswaai, en tweedens naarstiglik by hulle koshuis gaan gryp na hulle kopieë van “Wat elke dogter wil weet”. Natuurlik nadat hulle emmers vol suikerwater vir die skok gedrink het. Daardie spesifieke broekpaartie het ‘n effe bitter nasmaak gehad. Omdat adrenalien nie ‘n aan-en-afkraantjie het nie, is daar toe opsluit ‘n peleton gevorm, en die voornemende en gewese soldate het in Lynnwoodweg afgemarsjeer Tankotiekoshuis toe om te gaan swem. Natuurlik was daar nie gesofistikeerde kledingstukke soos swemkostuums of
Power outage fixed A Distribution box (mini sub) exploded into flames at Olienhoutstreet on Thursday evening. It affected power supply to a large area. A new sub was ordered as the old one was completely destroyed. The new sub arrived on Saturday and the process of installation could begin. Govan Mbeki Municipality handed the installation to a contractor that installed the sub. Unfortunately GMM procedures dictate that when subcontractors work on projects, GMM personnel should stand aside. This led to some bystanders hurling insults to GMM workers. The insults were uncalled for and GMM personnel had no other choice but to ask for intervention from the ward councillor. The power were eventually restored on
handdoeke of onderbroeke byderhand nie. En een van die manne, wat die vorige jaar sy diensplig as korporaal voltooi het, het kliphard met sy armystem geroep: “lieks, has, lieks, has, lieks, has links!!” Sulke militêre bevele, met soveel gesag geroep, het natuurlik die geneigdheid om tweeuur in die oggend mense deur hulle vensters te laat loer in ‘n beskaafde voorstad soos Brooklyn. Dit was immer die tyd van Rooi en Swart en Geel gevaar. Lang storie kort: die Brooklynpolisiestasie, en al die omringende stasies, se beskikbare vangwaens is volgestop met hierdie krygers. Dis nou diè wat nie vinnig genoeg kom wegkom nie. En so tien-tien is hulle in selle gestop waar ‘n konstabel pynlik netjies die leggers geopen en opdateer het. Wat opsigself ‘n ingewikkelde taak was. Want aangesien niemand enige klere aangehad het nie, het niemand uiteraard beursies in hulle sakke gehad om R10 borgtog te betaal nie. Kort-kort het daar uit ‘n sel ‘n vriendelike versoek na die konstabel gekom: “Generaal, vat julle kredietkaarte?” en, “Brigadier! Kan ek ‘n rekening oopmaak?” En ook: “Edelagbare, kan ek afbetaal?” Die betrokke konstabel moes ‘n spesiale toekenning gekry het vir buitengewone selfbeheersing en geduld. Nog groter konsternasie die volgende dag in die Hebreeuse klas: die dosent het die onsmaaklike gewoonte gehad om elke periode “roll-call” te hou. Toe hy daardie oggend in die halfleë klas name uitroep, het die dagstudente (diè wat nie in koshuise was nie) na elke afwesige se naam uitgelees is, geantwoord: “In die tronk, prof!” Die koshuisvader het later al die betrokkenes in groepe na sy kantoor laat kom en die leviete voorgelees. “Dis julle laaste kans, julle heel, heel, laaste kans!”, het hy gebulder. Die een kryger het sy hand opgesteek. “Wat is dit?”, het die koshuisvader geblaf. “Ek het al my laaste kans gehad, prof!” kom die antwoord.
Saturday at approximately 19H30. The GMM personnel were stretched with three major pipe burst also within GMM. Thank you to everyone that contributed to fixing this problem.
Photo of burning sub, supplied by Remouna Landman en Ananja Smit
SPORT News
30 March 2018
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Legal Drone operations The global drone industry is booming and policy makers are having a tough time keeping up. However, in South Africa we have clear, established drone laws since 2015. Drones, UAVs, UAS, RPAs, or whatever you may call them, they are set to become a defining feature of this century. Many are already in operation in South Africa and that is likely to grow further as it is safer and more cost effective than some industry solutions. RPA’s can create 3D models of construction areas, calculate volumes, measure surfaces and create progress reports to mention but a few. In 2018 Salaria, who is owned and run by Mr PC Annandale and Ms Ina Annandale, became one of only 22 companies in South Africa to receive their ROC. “After a 2-year process and a few hundred thousand rand later, we finally managed to obtain our ROC (RPAS Operators Certificate), it has been a tough journey, but well worth it. We realized early on, that if you want to operate in the Secunda area, you will need an ROC.” said Ina Annandale. Unfortunately, in South Africa there is still some confusion regarding the laws that govern South African RPAS operations. Mrs Dale McErlean Director at Ntsu Aviation Solutions, who was responsible for the accreditation of RPAS operators and issuing of RPAS operators certificates at the SACAA until January 2018, gave us some insights into the matter. “The long and the short of it, should one wish to fly for commercial, corporate or non-profit purposes, you need to have a valid RPL (“Drone Pilots
License”) and fly under a company with a current ROC (operators certificate). Having an RPL alone, does not make you legal. A RPL is one of the requirements to fly commercially, however one still need an RPAS Operators Certificate (ROC) for commercial, corporate and non-profit operations. For all private operations, one is required to comply with Subpart 5 of Part 101, with the stated exceptions. All flights are limited to R-VLOS and the maximum take-off mass of the RPA may not exceed 7kgs. One may not fly within 10kms of an aerodrome (heliport, private airstrip, registered airfield, major airport), within controlled, restricted or prohibited airspace, above or adjacent to a National Key Point, police station, crime scene, court of law or strategic installation. In addition, private operations shall remain away from people, buildings/ structures and public roads. For all operations, adequate safety provisions are required to be in place to protect other airspace users and people and property on the ground.” Said Mrs D McErlean.” “We are both excited and humbled by receiving our ROC, but we could not have done it without the support and guidance of family, friends and role models like Mr Jason English, Robbie Kuhn, Christoff Legrance and Elmarie van Huyssteen who have been a great source of inspiration to us.” said Mr PC Annandale If you need any further information on the regulations you can visit www. caa.co.za and search for the heading Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
Ina en PC Annandale with their Drone licence
Annatjie groet Laerskool Secunda Woensdag is ‘n blye en terselfdertyd hartseer dag vir Laerskool Secunda. Hoewel groot opgewondenheid heers oor die komende skoolvakansie, groet dié skool vir Annatjie Odendaal wat hul finansies vir 36 jaar behartig het. “Hoe het dinge nie onder my neus verander nie, maar my roete het dieselfde gebly. Ek was gelukkig hier tussen al my vriende, ons was een groot familie,” het sy gesê. “Ek dink met innige waardering aan al die personeel en die drie skoolhoofde wat my deur die jare ondersteun en onderskraag het en ek wil almal bedank daarvoor. Bou voort aan die skool en doen dit na die beste van jul vermoë. My taak by die skool is afgehandel en ek besef dit was alles genade van Bo” was haar hartseer afskeidsboodskap. Annatjie is ook die vrou van Lool Odendaal, Secunda se eerste inwoner. “Ek is hier gebore en het op die plaas Driefontein gebly voor Sasol die plase uitgekoop het en Secunda ontstaan het,” het sy gesê. Vandag staan die polisiestasie op die grond wat sy eens huis genoem het. Sy is op hoërskool na Devon toe en het later in Springs se poskantoor gewerk waar sy vir Lool ontmoet het. “Na ons troue het ons nog ‘n rukkie in Springs gebly voor ons Badplaas toe getrek het waar Lool as onderbestuurder van die hotel gewerk het. Hy is later ‘n pos aangebied by die ontspanningsklub en ons het verskeie winkeltjies begin,” het Annatjie gesê.
Annatjie is later gevra om by Driefontein Winkelsentrum se drankwinkel te gaan help toe dié oopgemaak het, maar toe ‘n pos in Mei 1982 by die skool oopgaan is sy ook genader vir hulp. Hoewel sy reeds drie jaar afgetree is, het sy die beheerliggaam steeds uitgehelp. Sy gaan egter nog nie rus nie. “Daar was ‘n advertensie in 1999 in
Huisgenoot waar hulp gevra is met die tik van Braille boeke. Ek gaan my nou toespits daarop.” Annatjie is tans besig met die tik van haar 108ste Braille
boek, Judasbok deur Wynand du Toit. Annatjie sê sy sal nooit Secunda verlaat nie omdat haar kinders Lolie en Pieter Odendaal nog hier woon.
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News
30 March 2018
Municipalities in trouble staged extraordinary council meeting has shown the total disregard for law and order. It has also shown that the current administration has no regard for the citizens of GMM. Her appointment has been opposed by all opposition parties and there are renewed calls for her removal. There are even calls from within her own party that she should be removed according to reliable sources. Thandi Ngxonono has, in her term as MMC Finance, not been able to stem the financial decline of GMM nor has she implemented any measures or turn-around strategies that had any impact on the financial status of GMM. In fact, since her appointment after the death of Cllr Mtsweni, thing have been on a steady decline. The handling of the municipal services accounts under her tenure has shown a severe lack of capacity as well as a stubbornness to do things their way. Input from opposition parties
VACANCIES VAKATURES
Municipalities are in trouble. That would be the general response if asked what they think about the municipality. Especially Govan Mbeki Municipality! Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) has seen its own share of controversy, bad decisions and bad management. The recent saga around the redeployment of the previous mayor Cllr Flora Maboa-Boltman is a good example of bad decisions taken by the current administration. The appointment of MMC Finance Cllr Thandiwe Ngxonono (Thandi) as the new executive mayor have shown their lack of commitment to turning this administration around. Even the whole
and other role players are not given any thought as a matter principle. MMC Ethel Nkosi said it so clearly, “it doesn’t matter what you do. We will push it through anyway.” Service delivery is now being hampered by the lack of finances to the extent that it is slowly but surely becoming a health hazard. The refuse removal has slowly but surely grinded to a standstill. Refuse bags are lining the streets in stark contrast to the well-maintained sidewalks. Trucks regularly don’t have diesel as suppliers refuse to supply diesel until the accounts are settled. Dumping sites are not maintained and closed as a result of non-payments. Sewer is flowing freely into every river and stream within the boundaries of GMM. The Eskom and Rand Water accounts is also a clear indication of the lack of skills within GMM. Both these accounts have spiraled beyond control. There is no budget that will facilitate the repayment of these two accounts nor can it be repaid in any foreseeable future. Rand water has restricted flow and has threatened to restrict a further 20% if agreements weren’t met. The problem of GMM is not unique,
however. In a recent press statement, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Zweli Mkhize said that “No fewer than 55 municipalities have been identified as distressed or dysfunctional.” Mkhize announced that he would be deploying technical capacity experts who would provide support to municipalities in their core functions. “The focus of the teams will be to provide infrastructure planning, delivery, operation and maintenance, infrastructure management, financial management as well government and administration issues,” he said. Cogta identified that 31% of the country’s municipalities were dysfunctional, while 31% were almost dysfunctional. Only 7% of municipalities were well functioning and 31% were reasonably functional, Mkhize said. It would be a welcome relief if GMM would be included in this support. The history of some of these support programs (or interventions) are known not to be foolproof and only time will tell if GMM would be included in this program. If so, could GMM be saved from its current majority rule?
Unexpected ID Fraud What should have been an ordinary visit to the bank turned sour for Tsakani Nghondzweni, who attempted to open an investment account for her son. Upon arrival at Capitec bank in Secunda, Nghondzweni was informed that an account had already been opened using her details, and that someone had applied for a loan using her identity. “I had never set foot in Capitec bank before, and had I not done so, I never would’ve found out about
this,” Nghondzweni said. She was then shown a copy of an ID which looked exactly like hers, except that the picture in the document was of a face she had never seen before. The fraudulent account was apparently opened in Pretoria, where Nghondzweni claims she has never visited a bank. “When the teller at Capitec called the head office, it was found that this fake account was opened years before,” she said. Nghondzweni then attempted to report the matter to the Secunda police, whom she says could not help her, stating that she should sort it out with the bank and Department of Home Affairs. A representative of the Secunda police said that this might have been a mistake or miscommunication, and that a citizen could in fact open a fraud case for detectives to investigate. “I went to Home Affairs to ask whether it was possible that they issued a fake ID to someone else. They said that it was not possible,” Nghondzweni said. Nghondzweni was also concerned that if something were to happen to her, the person impersonating her would be able to claim her pension and investments. “I also don’t want to end up paying off a loan that I did not make,” she said. As far as she can tell, there has been no further activity under her identity, and the Capitec account has been closed. Nghondzweni says she remains concerned, however, and will do so until the matter has been fully resolved.
30 March 2018
SPORT NEWS
7
Vroueoggend groot sukses Laerskool Secunda en Lynco het Saterdagoggend ‘n uitmuntende vroueoggend by Graceland Arena aangebied. Maande se beplanning en vergaderings het vrugte afgewerp want die funksie het ooglopend seepglad verloop. Die skool se skakelbeampte, Lizelle van Zuydam, was die hoofdryfveer agter die geleentheid. Gasvroue het self gesorg vir die dekor op hul tafels en honderde vroue het van Bethal, Kinross en Evander gekom om die funksie by te woon. Graceland het gesorg vir kraakvars quiche, verskeie croissants en Bar One koek en Dieter Uken het die vermaak verskaf. Ian Wessels het vroue gemotiveer met sy toespraak “Laat jou breintuin blom”. Marietha Cole van die laerskool het vroue laat skaterlag met haar borrelende persoonlikheid. Na die bedankings en formaliteite afgehandel is, is ‘n gelukkige trekking is gehou en vyf wenners van verskeie speletjies het elkeen weggestap met ‘n geskenkpak wat duisende rande werd is. Goed soos handsakke, juwele en gratis hotelverblyf was van die vele dinge wat in die pakke was. Die oudste dame het ‘n bos blomme ontvang. Almal is bederf met geskenkpakkies wat onder andere handeroom, koekies en ‘n inspirerende boekie bevat het. ‘n Portret van ‘n reuse protea is vir
R2500 opgeveil, terwyl ‘n geraamde foto opgeveil is vir R6000. Die grootste opwinding het egter gekom toe Marietha net daar en dan ‘n besluit geneem het om ‘n parkeerplek voor die skool op te veil. Dit was ‘n baie gewilde besluit en ouers het gespring om te bie op ‘n gereserveerde parkeerplek voor die skool. Die aanbod is geldig tot die einde van die jaar. “Niemand sal op jou plek stop nie, die skoolpatrollie sal daar staan. Ander hoopvolles het moed begin opgee om en by R7000 en die stryd is voortgesit deur Susan Ritchie en Fransie Odendaal, beide ouers van Laerskool Secunda leerlinge. Susan was eers op die foon met haar man en dié het gesê sy kan R8000 opdok vir ‘n parkering. “My kinders is klein, so ons loop saam met hulle klas toe. Dit is ‘n nagmerrie om parkering by die skool te kry,” het sy gesê. Toe die aanbod haar afsnypunt van R8000 nader, het sy haar vriendin, Jaqueline Jones, geskakel wat bereid was om R4500 by te las. Die bod vir die prestige parkeerplek is toegeslaan op R12500. Marietha het egter besluit om nog ‘n parkeerplek, wat effens verder is, beskikbaar te stel en vir R12000 aan Fransie te verkoop. Laerskool Secunda het gesorg vir ‘n heerlike dag en dit was belis die moeite werd om die funksie by te woon.
Marietha Cole, skoolhoof van Laerskool Secunda het die parkerings opgeveil.
Roadblocks – Know your rights They make your palms sweat and make you rethink a few months’ driving habits in a few seconds, but roadblocks, although frustrating at times, are also necessary. But what are your rights and when does legal turn into illegal? First you must know which type of roadblock you are dealing with. In South Africa, you get informal roadblocks and K78 roadblocks. Informal roadblocks: -They are aimed to tackle drunk driving, speeding and unroadworthy or unlicensed cars and drivers and outstanding fines. -No one is allowed to search you or your vehicle without a warrant. They can however search you if the officer believes you are involved in a crime. It is illegal in South Africa to be searched by someone from the opposite sex. -Traffic officers need a warrant that is signed by the magistrate and stamped by the court to hold this roadblock and you are allowed to request a copy. A K87 roadblock: -These roadblocks are approved by the National Police Commissioner and are usually set up to find a specific vehicle or criminal. You as a driver may ask for the authorisation letter from the National Police Commission. The letter must contain the duration and purpose of the roadblock. -Officers are allowed to search you and your vehicle without a warrant. But legally, if they can’t provide the authorisation letter, you can prevent them from carrying out the search. -Officials are allowed to confiscate any suspicious items What is legal and illegal in roadblocks? -You are legally not required to pay your outstanding fines if there is not a copy of the official summons or
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warrant that you must pay it on the spot. -The police are legally allowed to arrest you without a warrant if you are found to be under the influence, driving recklessly, obstructing a roadway, driving without a valid driver’s licence, if you are suspected of a crime or about to commit one, or if you verbally or physically abuse a police officer. -You may also ask for identification from the officer. Get a badge number and also their vehicle number. -You are allowed to film them and take photos if you believe your rights are being violated. Call 10111 to report it and make sure to get a badge number to assist your case. Officials are not allowed to confiscate or damage your phone or equipment used. -If you intentionally and unlawfully violate the dignity of the officer (racial slurs, hate speech or preventing him
from doing his job), you can be taken into custody. -Legally, you are not required to pay outstanding fines if a copy of the official summons or warrant can’t be shown. -Officers must be in full uniform when working at a roadblock. Tip: If police or traffic officials want to pull you over while you are driving and you feel unsafe, do the following: 1.Call 10111 and inform the person that you feel unsafe. Provide them with a license plate so they can check the authority of the vehicle in question. 2.Slow down to 40km/h, put on you hazard lights and indicate the car to follow you. 3.Drive to the nearest police station or somewhere where there are cameras that can monitor the encounter. Your best option may be a filling station.
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30 March 2018
Dan Patlansky – Legend at Misty Waters The word “legend” is loaded with meaning – especially when one thinks of Blues-legends. It conjures up images of seasoned older players that have been touched with a rare gift, and whose talent has been salted through the onslaught of years in the music business. To achieve legend-status as a Bluesmusician at the age of 30 is almost unheard of. Enter Dan Patlansky – an artist who shares the muse that touched Hendrix, Zeppelin and Stevie Ray Vaughan. What Dan Patlansky can do with a six-string Fender Stratocaster at the age of 30, most critically acclaimed guitarists will never quite achieve in a lifetime. Dan Patlansky is a conglomerate of charisma, charm and musical genius - and all of this comes wrapped up in an unassuming, startlingly attractive package that bespeaks his JudeoSpanish heritage. And yet, he doesn’t seem to realise the extent of his tactile appeal – both on stage and in person. Humility suits him well and is as much an extension of his being as his Fender. There are no airs and graces here – just sincerity and an incredible musical talent. In only a little over a decade on the music scene, Dan Patlansky has become one of the busiest and most respected blues artists to ever come out of South Africa. His music can best be described as vacillating between slick, soulful blues and the renegade psychedelic angst and raw emotion of Hendrix and Zeppelin – fire encased in ice...if you will. After his debut, “Standing at the Station”, an independent album that amazed critics and garnered Dan a reputation as a Blues-phenomenon and his subsequent “Readers Choice” vote as “Best Blues Guitarist in Southern Africa” – Dan released a second album, “True Blues” which was produced and released by EMI on the famed “Blue Note label” in 2004. Dan is one of the only South Africans to ever achieve “Blue Note” status. And the accolades kept on coming. In 2006 Fender Guitars recognised Dan’s fiery playing and offered him an endorsement deal to promote Fender Guitars and amps. Dan is one of only six Fender endorsed guitarists in South Africa. In February 2005 and again in July 2006, Selwyn Miller, New Orleans based manager of David Gates and Bread, Randy Crawford, and Petula Clark amongst others brought Dan to New Orleans to showcase this amazing talent. In his time living in the city of the Blues, Patlansky performed at legendary venues such as Maple Leaf, Rock & Bowl and Checkpoint Charlie with many Blues giants such as Henry Gray (Howlin’ Wolf’s Pianist), Snooks Eaglin, The Batiste Family and RockinDopsie Jr.
Whilst abroad, Dan performed live on both television and WWOZ radio. What this South African boy achieved in a few months, and the following he built up, many thought would have taken years. Touring was cut short due to Hurricane Katrina and he was deprived of the opportunity to play with legendary and world-renowned slide guitarist, Sonny Landreth. During the evacuation of New Orleans, Dan was separated from “The Red,” probably his most prized possession. She is the 50-year-old Fender Stratocaster that Dan used to compose and play his music on. He had to leave her in New Orleans and he thought Katrina took her along with the greater part of the French Quarter…but fate stepped in. The American band that played with Dan in New Orleans were scheduled to play with him in South Africa a year later…when he met them at the airport, they were carrying “The Red”. It seems that the muse has not only touched Dan with an extraordinary gift, but she is looking out for him as well. Dan followed his first two albums with two more releases Real (2007) and Move My Soul (2009), each garnering wider acclaim than the former – solidifying Dan’s status as a world-class Blues musician. He continues to perform all over the country and globe in the company of world-renowned musicians, including Guy Buttery, Albert Frost, Steve Fataar (ex-Beach Boys / Flames), Cedric Sampson, Valiant Swart, The Late big voice Jack (who performed with Mango Groove and the Dave Mathews Band) and Alistair Coakley, to name only a few. His epic talent as a musician aside, this man can really sing…Dan’s voice has a gut-wrenching quality that compliments the renegade approach to the Blues. Imagine a young Tom Waits and Marianne Faithful (postLucy Jordan) producing a musical heir – and you’re close to understanding the emotive quality of Dan’s voice. When he grabs hold of his Fender he becomes a modern-day knight slaying dragons on stage and bemoaning the carnage all at once. He is one of those rare talents capable of whisking an audience into a netherworld of sonic orgasms. David Batiste Sr. once said that “Dan Patlansky is one of the most renowned and fiery blues artists in the southern hemisphere and one of the greatest I’ve ever seen.” Anyone who hears him play will agree. Meanwhile, Dan Patlansky just carries on playing and blazing musical trails across South Africa and the world, as effortlessly as a summer breeze. One might call him an enigma. Perhaps. But would one call him a legend? For sure. Source: Internet
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30 March 2018
SPORT News/School
9
Summer market a huge success The Secunda Steamers held their annual Duckpond summer market over the past weekend. It turned out to be an absolute lovely day after the heavy rains the previous two days. People came with their dogs to participate in the Rails and Tails walk, and the steam train was going
nonstop. It was a fun day for everyone. There were a lot of stalls that offered a variety of products. And, of course, there were enough food stalls to cater for everybody. The market has grown a lot since last year with a lot more stalls. Even after the day was moved and a few stall cancelled.
Plaasjuppie fees groot sukses Daar was ‘n wye verseidenheid stalletjies en vermaak by die Plaasjuppie fees wat Woensdag ten bate van Jim van Tonderskool aangebied is. Die fees het op die skool se terrein plaasgevind. Die oggend het sonnige weer gehad wat perfek was vir die model- en sangkompetisies. Laerkool Secunda se trompoppies het ook die kinders gewys hoe daar gemarsjeer word. Van juwele, tot ‘n biertuin en bokkaas,
daar was iets van alles. Kinders het hul eie hoek vir vermaak gehad met springkastele en verskeie ander speletjies. Vir die vrouens was daar handsakke, potplante, klere en juwele. Teksa Veteraan Spogmotor klub se lede het ook hul besonderse motors hier uitgestal. Die heerlike en ontspannende atmosfeer het egter later die dag uitgereën toe ‘n storm oor Bethal toesak.
Ruan Potgieter, Nadine du Plessis en Rinus van der Merwe by die fees.
A festive atmosphere hung in the air as there were people everywhere. There were even stalls with food for dogs. Some were even homemade food! Two designers showcased their clothes at a fashion parade and the models were stunning. Some even had dogs that modelled with them.
One of the special moments were when Kaptein, the pitbull of Pottie and Lize, came for a walk. Kaptein is blind and has been for the past 5 years. He became blind when he was two. He lives a quite normal life according to Lize and Pottie. Be sure to attend the next Duckpond market. It is always a lot of fun.
SCHOOL/SPORT
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30 March 2018
PTA Tech causing dissatisfaction Students and parents of PTA Technical College Secunda have had enough of what they deem unsatisfactory operations of the school. “I am paying a lot of school fees, and it breaks my heart, as a parent, to hear of the way they are treating my child and others who attend the school,” said a parent who declined to be named. Several students, whose names cannot be mentioned for fear of persecution, have come forth regarding the behaviour of lecturers at the institution. Learners allege that they are often told to leave the classroom when they give an incorrect answer during a lesson or arrive a few minutes late for class, and most pertinently, claim that one particular educator requests that students buy her lunch when they attempt to submit a late assignment, otherwise it will not be marked. When a parent visited the school to complain about her daughter being told to leave the classroom on one such occasion, the lecturer suggested that the action was part of
TP Stratten scores goals TP Stratten Primary took part in a rugby/netball day that was held on 17 March 2018 at Laerskool Leandra. More than 10 schools took part.
school policy, and that it would not be ethical to give this one student ‘special treatment’. No such stipulation exists in PTA’s terms and conditions of registration, however, and in fact, the contract states that “no terms, conditions or representations not contained herein are relied upon”. One parent was baffled by the idea that students of a tertiary institution could be removed from lectures for such reasons. Parents are mainly concerned that the money they are paying to the institution seems to be going to waste, as what they expect of a educational organisation is not being delivered. “My child says that sometimes she will go to class and instead of being taught what I am paying for her to be taught, has to listen to her teacher telling the students stories of her [the teacher’s] personal life, some of which are inappropriate,” a parent said. When given the opportunity to respond to these allegations, the principal of PTA Technical College said that they were all untrue.
Voor is Natasha de Jager, Chandler Amos, Willem de Beer en Destiny Marnewick. Agter is Jaun Oosthuizen en Nathan Moruke.
LSEN atlete presteer goed Laerskool Goedehoop se Leerders met Spesiale Behoeftes (LSEN) het op 7 Maart aan hul atletiekbyeenkoms te Nelspruit deelgeneem. “Hulle het pragtig presteer,” het Juanita Fourie, skakelbeampte vir die skool gesê. Willem de Beer het ‘n goue medalje in die 100m behaal, terwyl Destiny
Marnewick drie goue medaljes ingepalm het: Een vir 80m, een vir gewigstoot en een vir verspring. Sy het ook ‘n brons medalje vir hoogspring losgeslaan. Jaun Oosthuizen en Nathan Moruke het beide silwer medaljes in die 80m losgehardloop.
Curro holds expo Curro Independent School held an expo on 26 March that allowed students to brag about Social Science, Natural Science and Technology and Life Skills projects they made. Students had the chance to present their skills and work on public relationships while showing the public
Right: Uphilile Silavela scored a goal for the u/12 Netball Team. Below: Mr Marcus Mdlalose and the 1st Rugby Team praying before the team talk and the match.
Morghyn Kruger (gr.5) with her project.
what they made and achieved in a specific subject. No two projects looked the same and all of them were creative in its own way. Outside professionals judged the projects and vouchers and prizes were handed out afterwards.
Sport
30 March 2018
11
Sasol scores in dying minutes Sasol scored in the last minute to clinch a 31-27 victory over fellow Gold Cup Rugby contenders, Sishen. It was clear that both teams are focused on preparing themselves for a year of positive rugby. This was evident in the fact that there was no sign of "off-theball" stuff. There was only rugby, big hits, great runs etc. Hats off to Sishen for their flat-out rugby attitude. In a game where regular senior forwards like Captain Willa Martin, Izan Green and Erik de Vos was unavailable because of work commitments, it was the youth who rose to the occasion in the "engine" room. Mention has to be made of the youngster duo of Calvin Clack and Wian Prinsloo. Calvin excelled at lock and collected restarts like a seasoned player and made valuable contributions on the attack. Wian packed on side of the scrum and contributed with strong carries and solid defense. First team stalwart, Ruan van der Colff played from the bench as the youngsters led the charge. In the back-line, there were some moments that really got the crowd going. The young Ruben Lello, who started at 10, punched well above his weight and scored 2 tries. Sasol coaches will also be happy with the return of Berty Visser who also scored 2 tries and looked hungry for a big 2018. At this stage, most of the 2017 first team squad has represented Sasol in recent warm-up games. Sasol will welcome the return of first team
10&12, FaansterBooysen who is out of the country for the moment. Fanie will be back before the start of the league. Christiaan Wessels will also be back in the next week after recovering from a cracked cheekbone at the Cape Town Tens. Build on this one guy. Remember who we are! We don't measure our discipline against the standard of our opposition. We measure our discipline against who we want to be as a club. Sasol 2 beats "Potchdorp" 2: 54-24 Sasol 2 played like absolute machines to beat PotchDorp 2. Dirk Lowies "the honey badger" scored a few tries and looked extremely dangerous on attack and defense. Kevin Wayne Hanger, Pompe number 3, had a great all-around game and ran like a wing at times. It has to be said, JaunSchambreel tackled like a crazy person. Juan played at 10 and facilitated the back-line like a boss. Edmund Soule ran very hard in the midfield while Jacobus Beyleveldt stepped like a gangster in the police station. Righ Potgieter was on point as a goal kicker. This was a great all-around performance for the Pompe. Coach William Anthony Pretorius can be very happy with the progress of the pompe in the preseason so far. Unfortunately, the 3rd team against Bethal were cancelled because of flooded fields. The game will take place later in the season. -Werner Joubert
Pumatjie Stoeiers wen trofee vir beste kreet
Secunda Stoeiklub se Pumatjie Stoeiers het op 17 Maart aan die Mpumalanga Pumatjie Toernooi op Witbank deelgeneem. Secunda se Pumatjies het die wisseltrofee gewen vir die span meet die beste kreet. Die Secunda Stoeiklub se Puma span het bestaan uit: Lucan Lessing, Gert vd Merwe, Simeon Oosthuysen, Christopher Polenakis, Du-Handre Putter, Brussow Francke, Kamden Lessing, Keegan Lessing, Noel Oliver, Hennie Lee, Benjamin Oothysen, WC Strydom, Anrich Venter, George Poenakis, Nicholas Polinakis, Chreistaan Steyn, Pieter Bezuidenhout, Hendrik Nel, Rikus Lourens, Reagen Meyer, Rick Robertson, Tyrone Swanepoel, Hein Meyer. Die afrigters is Michael Francke, Christiaan Steyn, Dawie Lessing.
The young Calvin Clack (5) and Wian Prinsloo (6) showed their talent and played their hears out, several senior players were unavailable for the game because of work commitments
30 March
2018
Bulletin
9th Cosmos 3-in-1: A muddy affair “Wet and muddy” is the best way to describe the Cosmos 3-in-1 mountain biking race that took place on 24 March. The gloomy weather in Secunda didn’t stop the competitors, however, as they heaved their bicycles through the mucky terrain. As one of the 100km races in South Africa, the Cosmos 3-in-1 featured a 68km morning race, a 33km afternoon race, and ended off with a lap race of about 12km. Tanya Knight was the overall winner of the women’s 3-in-1 division, with GawieCombrinck holding the same title for the men’s 3-in-1 division. Janika Smit, Trischa Buys and Kay Naylor came first, second and third respectively in the 3-in-1 women’s division for ages 19-29, and Hein Engelbrecht, HendreKnoetze and Daniel Griesel seized the same respective positions in the same age group for men. Beatrix Basson came first and Aletta Bothma second in the women’s open 68km race, while Richard Swanepoel, Maree Verhoef and Allen Mee
respectively held first, second and third place in the men’s open. The lap race and 33km were more inclusive of younger riders, and welcomed ages 13 to 59. In the age group 13-14 for girls, Kayla Hodgman took first place, with Aneesa Hartman a close second. On the opposite end of the age spectrum, Des Saltzmann, Gerhard Gouws and Frikkie van Niekerk powered through the 68km in the 60+ division for men, coming first second and third respectively. The 33km leg of the event saw more participation from female racers, where Adri Prinsloo rode into first place in the division for ages 50-59, trailed by Lenie Porter in second place, and Connie Jefferies in third. The 9th Cosmos 3-in-1 also gave the youngest of bikers the chance to pedal their way through the event, with a Fun Ride division for ages 12 and younger. In this category, Armand de Villiers maintained first position for boys aged 10 and younger, Francois van Tonder fell into second place, and Thinus Prinsloo
came third. The occasion was festive, with food stalls and live entertainment that ensured that even non-riders had
a spectacular time. With such a considerable attendance, the Cosmos 3-in-1 race was nothing short of a success.
Photo credit: Piet Potgieter
Zene de Klerk van Laerskool Kruinpark het 2de gekom in haar kategorie met die Cosmos 3-in-1 MTB die naweek!