The Bulletin Newspaper - 5 April 2019 by The Bulletin

ISSUE 218 - FREE

APRIL 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST

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

Funeral video goes viral A recent video of a funeral procession surfaced on social media and has gone viral. All but for the right reasons! Readers have reacted negatively to the mourners running in front of the fire truck that were clad in camouflage donning the ANC colours. All the readers wanted to know why municipal vehicles were used in an ANC campaign. There were also people in camouflage on top of the fire truck. It became clear that this was not an ANC rally but it appeared that it was at the funeral of the late MG Shabangu, Law enforcement officer. Mr Shabangu was employed in 2005 at Govan Mbeki as a firefighter, In 2010 he was transferred to Traffic Services where he was working as a Traffic Officer deployed at Bethal & Emzinoni.

Govan Mbeki Fire & Rescue Services participated at the funeral procession of Mr MG Shabangu that took place on 20 March. “In the fire services, it is a common practice to have a fire engine leading a funeral convoy for the deceased firefighters from the church service to the cemetery.” Said Mr Benzi Soko, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Mayor, “Since Mr Shabangu once served as a dedicated firefighter, the service felt the need to honour him likewise. The presence of a fire engine on the day in question was merely a brotherhood token of support to a fallen hero who was once a member of the firefighter’s family.” At no stage did the fire officer in charge on that day give permission for the use of a fire engine to transport the camouflage wearing members

and neither are they accountable for their conduct. Readers became further upset that the video clearly shows that one of the mourners on top of the fire truck discharged his firearm into the air. This was done in a residential area. “The Govan Mbeki Municipality condemns in the strongest possible terms the misuses of any of properties and facilities.” Said Mr Benzi Soko, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Mayor, “The incident in question will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken.” “We are calling all municipal employees to respect their tools of trade which remain the property of the municipality.” Said Benzi, “In order to curb any misconduct, the municipality has adopted a zero-tolerance towards all kinds of misconduct. We have beefed up our Industrial Relations Unit in order to increase organizational discipline and good conduct.” The Bulletin sends their heartfelt condolences to Mr Shabangu’s family. The community responded on Facebook as follows: Goldengift Nkosi Manje wena ubona I campaign la kule video? Bekungumngcwabo welilunga lahulumende futsike tinsita tahulumende letisetjentiswe la. Nifakana etikhundleni njalo kodwa nisigadise kwetilwane tsine futsi

nihlalele kugadza maphutsa langanamsebenti Lucky Zondo There is nothing disturbing here. The guy was working as fire emergency personnel.... that’s his work vehicle. Da Amos Guys you won’t understand this is nothing I think you should attend taxi drivers funeral Shi M Su of course it can’t be legal... but do these things ever do anything legal? they toi toi and cause shit wherever they go... Neilia Nagel You are either born with a brain or not.

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The late Mr MG Shabangu

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5 April 2019

Community fed up with drug activities Tension lurked in the streets of Evander as people who called themselves forums from nearby township eMbalenhle continue to clash over drug activities in the area. On Friday, 29 March, members of GMM Community Forum from 5 EMbalenhle “AmaGorilla” that were fed up with the drug activities in Evander, decided to take matters into their own hands and marched to alleged drug dealers’ houses. The forum members raided the alleged drug dealers’ houses and uncovered a large amount of contraband. The contraband was handed over to the SAPS. The police released the following to the Bulletin: “Anyone with any information about crime should report it directly to the police. No person is allowed to take the law into their own hands.”

Fuel price increase hits hard Motorists are hit hard with a new fuel price increase on Wednesday, 3 April. Energy Minister, Jeff Radebe, has announced the adjustment of fuel prices for April 2019. Road users will pay up to R1.34 more per litre for petrol from Wednesday, 3 April, the Energy Department has announced. “April is an important month in the fuel price calendar to revise road and pipeline tariffs, as well as fuel and Road Accident Fund (RAF) levies, to be implemented into the price structures of petrol,” the Department of Energy said. Their total contribution to the fuel price increase is about 26c/l in Gauteng, while the international factors amounted to about 106c/l on petrol and 56c/l on diesel. The Rand also depreciated against the US dollar – from R13.80 to R14.36 – during the period under review. “This increased the contribution on the Basic Fuel Price of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by between 28c/l and 30c/l,” the department said. The price of 95 unleaded goes up by R1.26 per litre at the coast and R1.31 per litre in Gauteng. This brings the new prices to R15.49 per litre and R16.13 per litre respectively. The price of 93 unleaded goes up by

R1.29 per litre at the coast and R1.34 per litre in Gauteng. Diesel 0.05 increases by 76c per litre at the coast and 81c per litre in Gauteng, while illuminating paraffin goes up by 56c per litre at the coast and 63c per litre in Gauteng. The previous petrol price hike in January saw an increase of 7c per litre. The official fuel price for April 2019 is: 95 Petrol – R16.13 93 Petrol – R15.95 0.05% Diesel (Wholesale) – R14.88 “This new price increase is killing us all. We don’t know what to do,” an anonymous source told the Bulletin. “Due to the increase of petrol most businesses have to retrench staff. The reason is we use generators because loadshedding is coming back. We as business owners cannot increase our prices every month,” says Hennie Rademeyer from Bethal.

NEWS

5 April 2019

Draft adjustment approved with deficit The GMM annual draft adjustment (2019 - 2020) budget has been approved by council under stiff disapproval from the opposition parties. The draft annual budget is a legislative requirement and need to be finalised before the end of the financial year. The following is from the council item A017/03/2019. Section 16(1) and (2) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Act 56 of 2003, stipulates the following: 1. The Council of a municipality must for each year approve an annual budget for the municipality before the start of the new financial year. 2. In order for the municipality to comply with subsection (1), the mayor of a municipality must table the annual budget at a council meeting at least 90 days before the start of the budget year. In terms of Section 9 of the Municipal Budget and Reporting Regulations, the Annual Budget and Supporting documentation of the municipality must be in a format specified in Schedule A and include all the required tables, explanatory information, taking into account any guidelines issued by the Minister of Finance in terms of Section 168(1) of the MFMA Council approved the 2018/2019 original operational revenue budget to the amount of R1,469 billion

(excluding grants of R 364 million), the budget increased to R 1,625 billion. Operational expenditure increased from R1,736 to R2,519 which resulted in the deficit of R475 million for the 2019/2020 financial year. In section 2.2 of the Budget Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Forecasts the following is reported: Consolidated overview The budget has been prepared in terms of guidelines as contained in Circular 93 & 94 of the MFMA. The contents and format of the budget are in line with the requirements of the Municipal Budget and Reporting Regulations and any applicable legislation. The 2019/2020 draft budget comprises of R 2.51 billion for operating expenditure and R 136 million for capital investment programs. The total operating income budget is R 1.93 billion resulting in an operating deficit of R 580 million. Municipal revenues and cash flows are expected to remain heavily under pressure as we still continue to have low income revenue growth with a continued increase in expenditure. “We do not implement the debt and credit control policy,” said DA Cllr Hein Badenhorst in response to the above quote from the council item. The recommendation for consideration by the council read as follows: 1.That the Draft 2019/2020 Budget,

comprising of an operating revenue of R 1 625 126 448, an operating expenditure of R 2 519 612 026 and capital budget of R 136 942 850, with the indicative allocation for the two outer years, as set out in the following tables BE APPROVED in principle in terms of Section 16 (2) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (No 56 of 2003): 3. That it BE ACKNOWLEDGED that the draft budget is unfunded and that the funding status will improve with the interventions from the National Treasury by the implementation of the Financial Recovery Plan which is in progress by the Treasury. GMM recently placed an advert for public comment regarding intervention by the MEC under section 139 of the MFMA. The council has already approved a plan as proposed by Sasol but failed to implement this plan. In this plan Sasol would supply the expertise to help GMM bring about a turnaround strategy. DA Cllr Hein Badenhorst said “We cannot approve a budget that has a deficit, draft or no draft” All opposition parties opposed the draft budget stating that it is not allowed to approve a budget with a deficit. “It is also not financially viable.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS ORIGINAL ACCURATE FIRST WE SET THE TREND OTHERS FOLLOW

5 April 2019

Ds Marius Britz Waar jy vandag is, kan ek maar net raai. Die meisietjie met die vaal hare en skerp gesiggie. Ek het van jou bewus geraak toe julle op laerskool in die klein sinkdakhuisie naby ons ingetrek het, aan die punt van die straat, eenkant, anoniem. Jou kort, befoeterde pa wat ‘n kondukteur op die spoorweë was, het elke middag presies dieselfde tyd met sy Zephyr voor die motorhuis gestop na werk, dan moes die hele gesinnetjie in ‘n ry staan om hom te verwelkom. Laat ek maar eerlik erken: ek het oor die muur vir julle geloer. Jou ouer suster met ‘n uitdagende weerbarstigheid, wie se hele houding gesê het: “Wat kyk jy? Los ons uit!” En jou klein blondekopboetie, ewebeeld van sy pa, met bakore en prominente voortande, onseker en angstig, baie agterdogtig oor alle vreemde mense. Jou stil, bedeesde ma wat nooit êrens heengegaan het nie, geen skoolfunksie bygewoon het nie, nie eers winkel toe op haar eie gegaan het nie. Sy het ook nie links of regs gekyk het as sy die wasgoed van die draad gaan afhaal het nie.My bewustheid van jou was nooit diè van ‘n verliefde tienerseun nie. Inteendeel. Jy was nie opvallend nie, nie so selfversekerde voor-op-diewa Mejuffrou Springs Juniordogtertjie wat as dirigent of klaskaptein of netbalkaptein of hoofrolspeelster in die operette gekies sou word nie. Jy het so tentatiewe lyftaal gehad, so half apologeties, half voorlopig, asof jy met elke tree wat jy gegee het, eers moes oorweeg waar om te trap. Dit is wat my geinteresseerd gemaak het in jou. Ek het altyd maar ‘n sagte plekkie gehad vir die afvlerkvoëltjies, die eenkantlopers. Want daar was alreeds die eerste keer toe jy as nuwe leerling in ons klas ingekom het, ‘n afwykendheid in jou, ‘n verbý-kyk, ‘n doelbewuste

fokus op iets daar anderkant die venster. Elke speeltyd het jy alleen eenkant gesit, en niksseggend die vèrte ingestaar met jou kosblik met vissmeertoebroodjies op jou skoot, jou maer beentjies teen mekaar vasgedruk. Ek het met jou probeer praat soos ek met al die ander dogters in ons klas gepraat het: probeer spog met my fiets se ratte of oor hoeveel ghoens ek speeltyd gewen het tydens ons albasterspel, maar dit het nie eens gelyk of jy my raaksien nie. Toe het ek my taktiek begin verander, my kommunikasievaardighede as standerd vyf seun het ook maar sy beperkings gehad. Ek het gesien dat jy maklik skrik, en groot skrik. Dan het ek om die hoek geglip as ons in rye loop, en uitgespring met ‘n bulderende kreet as jy verby my loop. Dit was vir my te snaaks as jy so uitbundig en verwilderd skrik. Nadat jy so maand of wat lank reeds een van ons klasmaats was, het ons agtergekom dat jy baie senuweeagtig was. Alhoewel jy baie mooi geskryf het, en eintlik baie goeie punte gekry het, het jy nooit jou hand opgesteek as meneer of juffrou vrae gevra het nie. Ons klasonderwyser, mnr. Smit, was ‘n baie streng man, en hy het geen nonsens van standerd-vyf kinders geduld nie. En dit het sporadies begin gebeur: elke keer as meneer so hard geraas het, het jy uitgestorm kleedkamer toe, en ‘n groot plas onder jou bank was vir ons almal sigbaar. Natuurlik was dit vir ons snaaks, en het dit aan jou ‘n groot klomp byname besorg. Sedert daardie dag het jou mond elke keer as meneer in die klas kom, senuagtig begin trek. Dit het presies soos ‘n snedige grynslag gelyk. Tot dáárdie dag. Meneer het tussen die wiskundestellings wat hy verduidelik het, kort-kort na jou gekyk waar jy gesit en gryns het in die voorste ry, naaste aan die deur. Dis nou vir die skielike kamerverlaat. Toe smyt hy die bordkryt op die vloer neer, en bulder kliphard: “Wat is die grap, sussie?” Jy het uitgestorm, die hele vloer om jou bank sopnat. Reguit huis toe gehardloop. Jy was vir ‘n week nie by die skool nie. In my nuuskierigheid oor hoe dit met jou gaan, het ek met jou kleinboetie maatjies gemaak, en elke middag hom gaan help met

sy drie duiwe in ‘n primitiewe hokkie agter in die erf. Omdat ek eintlik wou uitvind of jy oraait is. Maar jou pa het gesê ek mag nie weer my voete daar sit nie. In daardie tyd het ek ook soms, as ek in die aand op ons agterstoep staan, gehoor hoe daar geskreeu word in julle huis. Jou pa se skril stem wat julle gesin vertel hoe sleg julle is, watter teleurstelling julle vir hom is. Ek onthou veral hoe hard julle drie kinders gehuil het. ‘n Paar keer daarna het jy met ‘n blou oog klas toe gekom, een keer selfs met ‘n oogklap aan. “Ek het in die deur vasgeloop”, het jy gesê toe almal wou weet. Een van die kinders het die gerug versprei dat jy op my verlief is, selfs by die kermis vir ons ‘n lied laat speel by Radio Jan van

Riebeeck. “Love is a beautiful song.” Ek was briesend. Maar dit was daarna asof dinge tussen ons meer ontspanne was, al het ons nooit regtig gesels nie. Ek het nog ons belydenisklas se amptelike foto, jy met jou hand voor jou oë asof jy die son wil wegkeer. Na skool is ons elkeen in sy eie rigting gegaan. So paar jaar na matriek het ek jou in Sunnypark sien loop, twee klein kinders aan die hand, en ‘n heelwat ouer man aan jou sy, wat agterdogtig na my gegluur het toe ek jou groet. Jy het tien jaar ouer as ek gelyk. Hy het jou woedend aan jou arm gegryp, wèg van my af gesleep. Jy het teruggekyk na my, oor jou skouer vir my gesê: “Los dit net nou, asseblief.” En julle het tussen die mense verdwyn.

Tannie Poppie se: Gebakte souskluitjies Kluitjies 4 x 250 ml koekmeelblom 30 ml bakpoeier 2 ml sout 60 ml botter of margarine 4 eiers 250 ml melk Kaneelsuiker vir oorstrooi Stroop 4 liter water 375 ml suiker 4 ml sout 20 ml botter of margarine 10 ml kaneel Berei die kluitjies: 1. Voorverhit die oond tot 150°C (300°F) 2. Sif die koekmeelblom, bakpoeier en sout saam 3. Vryf die botter of margarine

met jou vingerpunte in die meelmengsel 4. Klits die eiers en melk saam. Voeg by die meelmengsel en meng goed om ‘n deeg te vorm Berei die stoop: 1. Verhit al die bestanddele vir die stroop saam en kook 3 minute lank 2. Gooi die kokende stroop in ‘n groot,diep oondbak met ‘n deksel 3. Skep teelepelsvol deeg baie netjies in hopies in die kokende stroop 4. Doop elke keer die teelepel in die stroop voordat jy die volgende kluitjie skep 5. Strooi kaneelsuiker oor en plaas die deksel op 6. Bak 1 uur lank in die oond

Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee

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5 April 2019

SPORT NEWS

SANEF teaches electoral reporting Friday, 29 March, saw the Bulletin’s personnel driving to Nelspruit for a workshop hosted by SANEF (South African National Editor’s Forum) in association with Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), Google and The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). This workshop was to educate and inform journalists about the election, how to report on it, to identify what is the true story and how to be safety conscious. The morning started off on a good note: breakfast! If anyone knows the Bulletin’s journalist and Editor well, they will know that food is always welcome. During breakfast there was a short meet and greet. This enabled the journalists to network with other journalists and the speakers of each category covered that day. Mrs Mary Papayya, Lead Media Trainer and Facilitator and Chair SANEF Media Freedom, opened the morning with a big smile, explained the programme to all and introduced the speakers. Sarah Findlay, Media Monitoring Africa, had an interesting conversation with the crowd about fake news and how to recognise whether it is being spread with malicious intent or not.

Mr Sibusiso Nkosi, Provincial Electoral Officer, shared insights on the election process, the state of readiness, free and fair elections and legislative mandates and outcomes. This session was extremely informative. Some information that was shared included the registration process. If someone wants to register to vote, they can walk into the IEC office in their area at any time and register. The dates given to register by the IEC are only the cut off dates for registering and updating personal information. Mr Hopewell Radebe, Media Trainer, Former Editor and SANEF Executive also spoke about the election framework, regulations, policies and guidelines. The session about Google and Code for Africa was presented by Mr Adam Oxford. Mr Oxford informed the journalists about tools that are free and always available to ensure the authenticity of any story or source. Many tools on the internet are available, but not as well known. One of the more interesting subjects was Safety and Elections. Mr Colin Pereira, The Community for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), came from London to explain personal safety around election periods. Mr Pereira

spoke about issues that journalists deal with on a daily basis but because of complacency they become nonissues and self-awareness falls away. This causes journalists to become complacent and non-caring. The day was overall a huge success and enjoyed by all. Thank you to SANEF, MMA, CPJ and the IEC for the opportunity that was awarded to us to join this workshop. – Ané Prinsloo

PROPERTIES EIENDOMME

VACANCIES VAKATURES

AfriForum se Standerton-tak help Kosmospark-gemeenskap AfriForum se Standerton-tak het Woensdag 20 Maart 2019 water aan die Kosmospark-uitbreiding se gemeenskap verskaf ná daar vir meer as ’n week geen watertoevoer beskikbaar was nie. Standerton Oasis het 50 5-liter waterbottels geborg waarmee lede van die Standerton-tak 250 liter skoon water vir die gemeenskap kon aflaai. Taklede het nog byna 3 000 liter water uit hul huise in kleiner kanne getap en vir huishoudelike gebruik aan die gemeenskap verskaf. Water is ’n basiese behoefte in enige mens se bestaan en die gemeenskap is raadop om sonder water klaar te kom, sonder enige kennisgewings of antwoorde daarvoor. Water is onder meer by die volgende strate uitgedeel: Buffalostraat, Steenboksingel, Bonteboksingel, Wildebeessingel, Zebrasingel, Duikersingel, Dakotalaan en die Spritfire- en Meteorstegies by die Giant Kafee. “Dit is vir my ’n eer dat ons tak die

Kosmospark-gemeenskap met klein dade soos hierdie kan ondersteun. Ons versoek die Standertongemeenskap om aktief by die tak

betrokke te raak – gewillige hande en ondersteuning maak sulke bydraes moontlik,” sê Pieter Botha, voorsitter van die Standerton-tak.

NEWS

5 April 2019

New house for Gogo Zwane It was all smiles as Gogo Catherine Sombu Zwane (67), from Lebohang, received keys to her new house from the Executive Mayor, Cllr Thandi Ngxonono, on Friday, 29 March 2019. Her old house, which she shared with her grandchildren, was unstable and damp. Gogo Zwane said she nearly lost hope, but the arrival of the Executive Mayor at her house earlier this month gave her hope. “I cannot find words to express

my gratitude to all those people who made a valuable contribution to the rebuilding of my house.” The Executive mayor seeked help from local businessmen to join their hands in making sure that Gogo Zwane’s house is complete. She said this initiative is in line with government’s Thuma Mina campaign that seeks to get all members of the community to contribute towards changing lives.

Loadshedding in Evander Loadshedding or load reduction is done countrywide as a controlled measure when the national grid is constrained to protect the power system from a total collapse. Loadshedding is applied equitably to electricity users. However, NRS 048-9 (edition 2), which is part of the Electricity Licencing conditions, makes provision for specific electricity loads to have load curtailment or load reduction agreements with either Eskom or the municipality. The criteria for electricity loads (e.g. airports, refineries, critical industry/ factories, etc.) which may qualify for load curtailment agreements are stipulated in the NRS 048-9 (edition 2). Load curtailment agreements are not automatic. Each electricity user that requires or has requested to be on a load curtailment agreement must first meet the requirements that are outlined in the NRS 048-

9 (edition 2). The area of Evander town that was not affected during the recent loadshedding includes certain electricity loads that have met the criteria stipulated in NRS 048-9 (edition 2). These electricity loads are embedded within the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality electrical networks. There is unfortunately no capability in that network to isolate these electricity loads from other municipal customers during loadshedding and other outages. For the reason of meeting the NRS 048-9 (edition 2) agreement for the specific electricity loads, all electricity loads within Evander town did not experience any loadshedding. Eskom is engaging Govan Mbeki Local Municipality to find possible technical solutions to isolate these electricity loads from the other municipal electricity customers, for implementation during loadshedding and other outages. - Eskom Press Release

082 461 3821

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5 April 2019

SPORT NEWS

Elmari is "something decadent" Baking is defined as cooking food by dry heat without direct exposure to a flame, typically in an oven. Elmari Greyling is a master in this field. Elmari grew up in Bethal and as a little girl her grandmother lived across from her parents’ house. Elmari remembers from a young age that most of her time was spent in her grandmother’s kitchen. From loaves of breads to baking cakes, December months were filled with baking tins filled with different types of cookies and any delicacy imaginable. She was also taught how to cook apricot

jam by standing on a chair next to her grandmother so she could see what the jam should look like before you put it into bottles. Her favourite cookies to bake were chocolate or vanilla cookies and she always helped to decorate these. When she was in Grade 3 her parents bought her, her first recipe book. After school Elmari studied Youth Justice and Probation through correspondence at the Australian College of Applied Psychology and furthered her studies at Unisa. Through Unisa she studied Sexual Abuse; HIV/

Aids Care and Counselling and later on received her Honours degree in Development of Children and Young People. It was in 2009 that her business started after some of her friends asked her if she would make platters for functions and birthdays. Something Decadent was born. The business took off and Elmari baked birthday cakes, macaroons and muffins, to mention a few, for events near and far. In 2018 she attended a course on how to bake the perfect macaroon. But with all her baking knowledge she adapted

the recipe and bakes macaroons in between all her other orders just to stay ahead. Elmari’s trademark is her gold or silver splashes on her macaroons and also for an extra detail. Except for her trademark of splashes, she also paints everything by hand. Her orders come from as far as Kwa-Zulu Natal! The orders that are far away are couriered to their destination. Every order is different and Elmari sees every order as a new challenge because her work is her pride and one can see that in her baked goods. – Ané Prinsloo

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5 April 2019

Everything you need to know about special voting for the 2019 national and provincial elections Special votes A special vote allows a registered voter who can’t vote at their voting station on Election Day to apply to vote on a predetermined day before Election Day. Special voting in South Africa in the 2019 National and Provincial Elections will take place on Monday 6 May 2019 and Tuesday 7 May 2019, as per the election timetable. By law, special votes can only be cast on the dates specified in the election timetable and no exceptions can be made. Do I qualify for a special vote? You can apply if you: 1. Are a registered voter; 2. Have a valid South African identity document (green, barcoded ID book; smartcard ID, or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate). To check that you’re registered and to find out where you’re registered, you can: 1. Check your voter registration status;

2. SMS your ID number to 32810; or 3. Call the IEC’s contact centre on 0800 11 800. By law, you can apply for a special vote if you: 1. Can’t travel to your voting station because you are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, or 2. Can’t vote at your voting station on Election Day. How to apply for a special vote at my voting station? If you can’t vote at your voting station on election day, you can apply to cast a special vote at your voting station on 6 or 7 May 2019 between 4 and 18 April 2019 only, as per the election timetable, in one of the following ways: 1. Using our secured online application form 2. By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS). (For special vote at a voting station ONLY) 3. By visiting your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submitting a VEC 1 form. Forms can only be handdelivered (no emails or faxes accepted), but someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf. You will receive an SMS notifying you of the outcome once your application has been processed, but you can also check the status of your special vote application online. Remember to vote at the voting station where you are registered and applied for the special vote, either on 6 or 7 May 2019. How to apply for a special vote by home visit? If you can’t travel to your voting station on election day because you are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, you can apply to cast a special vote by home visit on 6 or 7 May 2019 between 4 and 18 April 2019 only, as per the election timetable, in one of the following ways: 1. Using our secured online application form 2. By having a family member or friend visits your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submitting a VEC 1 form. Forms can only be handdelivered (no

emails or faxes accepted), but someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf. You will receive an SMS notifying you of the outcome once your application has been processed, but you can also check the status of your special vote application online. If you can’t travel to the voting station where you are registered because you are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, voting officials will visit you at the address that you indicated in your application for a home visit either on 6 or 7 May 2019 and allow you to vote. What happens when I cast a special vote? If your application for a special vote is successful, you will vote as follows: 1. Your thumbnail is marked with indelible ink. 2. You receive the relevant ballot paper(s). 3. You mark the ballot(s) in secret, place and seal the ballot(s) in an unmarked envelope. 4. The unmarked envelope is placed in another envelope that is marked with your name, ID number and voting district (VD) number. The use of two envelopes is to ensure the secrecy of your ballot (the outer envelope is discarded before counting). 5. IEC officials take the envelope and place it in a secure ballot box for special votes. 6. Your name is marked off the Voters’ Roll with “SV” to indicate that you have cast a special vote. Photo: http://www.elections.org.za/ content/Elections/2019-Nationaland-provincial-elections/Xs%C3%AAcampaign/

Body found in eMbalenhle

A body of an unknown man, between 30 - 40 years, was found murdered next to Sasol Club eMbalenhle on Thursday, 28 March, when an anonymous tip was received by the eMbalenhle police. The police went to the scene and found a body lying next to the fence of Sasol Club just opposite Welas River. The body was found with a gunshot wounds to his head and upper body. The reason of this senseless killing is still unknown. The forensic team is still on the scene. A statement by Emba police reveals that the anonymous tip came from a man who called and never revealed his identity. Furthermore, the community is urged to refrain from walking at night alone. Anyone who may have lost a relative or has any information are asked to contact eMbalenhle police. – Sandile Mkhwanazi

5 April 2019

SPORT NEWS

10 annual Boer and Brit day th

The usually quiet and rustic town of Val in Mpumalanga was transformed on Saturday, 30 March, during the 10th annual Boer and Brit day. Several visitors dressed to the nine, in the historical appropriate attire for this, the Boer and Brit day. The festivities commenced with the traditional parade of the participants in the “Whiskey Train” re-enactment and other folks donned in retro wardrobe supplemented this vibrant and flamboyant procession. The climax of the day’s agenda was unquestionably the reenactmenmt of the now famous incident known as the “Whiskey Train” incident that occurred on 29 December 1900. The site where this skirmish took place is situated approximately 4 km from the Val Hotel, travelling on a dirt road. The site is on the righthand side of the road at the now disused rail bridge and is clearly marked with a plaque depicting the happenings in writing. Documented history relates that sometime during the morning the Boers held up a train on the bridge. The train was partly loaded with canteen goods, also forage and a quantity of bottled beer, spirits and champagne. The Boers took all the liquors and other useable goods away on five ox wagons loaded with spoils. The approximately 400 spectators were treated to a well-executed re-portrayal of the historic event and the Boers once more succeeded in capturing the “train” but took some “Kakies” as prisoners. Congratulations to the organisers that make it possible for the youth to remember parts of our history. - Aart Reedijk

NEWS

5 April 2019

Eendedam Somermark geniet deur almal Die Secunda Steamers se Eendedam Somermark was dié afgelope Saterdag aangebied. Daar was verskeie stalletjies wat 'n groot verskeidenheid snuisterye te koop aangebied het. Daar was selfs 'n 5km "Fun run". Soos gewoonlik was die miniatuur stoomtreintjies 'n groot aantrekkingskrag. Die lokomotiewe

word met groot geduld gebou en onderhou. Die kos stalletjies bly 'n groot aantrekking. Riding High musiek groep het die mense vermaak met musiek uit verskeie eras. Little Paws het ook hulle gebruiklike Doggie Fun Run gehou.

LPBH Doggie Fun Run at Somermark Little Paws Big Hearts had their 2 km fun walk and summer market at the Eendedam this past weekend. With a theme like: Pirates there was no doubt that it turned out to be a huge success. The contestants all received maps and clues to find the missing treasure on their walk with their best friends, their dogs! Not only was

this a themed 2 km fun walk but also their bi-yearly Rails in the Trails fun walk. everyone that entered the fun walk received medals. The funds that were collected are going towards Little Paws Big Hearts veterinary bill. If anyone has any queries please contact Louis Kempen: 082 777 6671. – Ané Prinsloo

SNC Lavalin hosted family fun day

SNC Lavalin hosted their family fun day on Saturday, 30 March. The day was enjoyed immensly with all the jumping castles, water slides and a clown that was there for their entertainment! Left: Christian Sehloho

5 April 2019

SPORT/SCHOOL

Laerskool Secunda geniet sport toere die vakansie

Bo: Laerskool Secunda se 0/9 en 0/10 netbalspanne se netbaltoer was by Kwasinungu Adventures naby Volksrust van 14 - 16 Maart. Natasha Malan het die toer aangebied. Laerskool Secunda was die enigste skool daar gewees dus kon Natasha aandag gee aan elke leerder wat dit baie spesiaal gemaak het vir die dogters. Natasha het vir die leerders nuwe tegnieke en vaardighede geleer, vir die personeel geleer hoe om die spanne op ‘n beter manier af te rig en die dogters te help om hulle volle potensiaal te bereik. Die personeel van Laerskool Secunda glo dat die toer baie leersaam was vir elke leerder en sal alles wat hulle geleer het deur die hele seisoen kan gebruik. Links: Laerskool Secunda het na Nyati, naby Bronkhortspruit, getoer met die 0/11 en 1ste span van 18 - 21 Maart. Albei spanne het uitstekend gevaar met goeie resultate teen skole soos Randhart, Boerefort, Ladybrand en Onverwacht. Die voormalige Bloubul, Sias Wagner, het die seuns baie vaardighede geleer oor aanval en verdediging.

Hoërskool Oosterland rugby op toer

Hoërskool Oosterland se eerste rugby span het die afgelope vakansie na Sportweni Akademie gereis. Die eerste span het teen verskeie skole gespeel en baie goeie resultate was bereik: Hoërskool Oosterland 45 - 0 Hoërskool Randpark Hoërskool Oosterland 21 - 22 Springs Boys High Hoërskool Oosterland 41 - 7 HTS Welkom

5 APRIL

2019

Bulletin

Photo: Susan Vacy-Lyle

First rally off to a blistering pace The first rally in the National Rally Championship started this weekend in the picturesque Caledon area. The Cape Overberg Rally saw some fast driving as the roads were very smooth and fast. #12 JJ Potgieter and T du Toit had an awesome run finishing 3rd overall and second in their class. Overall winner, Guy Botterill, said about the last two stages, ”it was very tricky with a lot of loose marbles out there, it is tricky to get the power down. Two corners were smooth and easy and the next two would be loose. It made judging the speed a bit difficult.” Congratulations to #8

M McGregor and T Coetzee on finishing their first rally! AC Potgieter and Nico Swartz were the only team from Secunda to participate and they took fourth overall just behind JJ Potgieter and T du Toit. Chris Coertse said that it was a privilege to drive on the roads in the area. “It is completely different to anything else in the country so we are just enjoying the hell out of it.” Chris was driving with Secunda navigator, Greg Godrich. The rally was a tight race, but unfortunately a penalty to the AC Potgieter team cost them second place.

Photo: Susan Vacy-Lyle