Issue 170 - FREE
6 april 2018
Community News. Original - accurate - first
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
Hello darkness, my old friend... Not even 6 months after violent protestors burned infrastructure of R21.8mil as a result of Eskom power cuts in October last year, GMM may be facing a similar situation as Eskom gave a notice stating that residents must prepare for another power cut because Govan Mbeki Municipality did not honour their Repayment plan. “16 October was a dark day for all GMM residents,” Tisha Mhlanga, acting Municipal Manager, said at a fleet handover in December last year. Sasol handed over a fleet of 11 vehicles, skips and mobile toilets to GMM to help replace the destroyed infrastructure. Last week a statement from Eskom did the rounds on social media, first being made of as an April fools joke, but it turns out it was no joke at all. The statement read: “Eskom hereby gives notice to all parties that are likely to be materially and adversely affected by its intention to interrupt bulk supply to GMM. The municipality has failed to honour the Repayment Plan Agreement entered into on the 5th of January 2018. The interruption will resume on 16 April 2018.” It further states: “GMM is currently indebted to Eskom to the amount of R513 502 033 for bulk supply electricity, part of which has been outstanding and in escalation since 1 August 2003.” The tax invoice to GMM, dated 12 February 2018, however, stated that the outstanding amount due was R584 993 587.63. Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd is under a statutory obligation to generate and supply electricity to the municipalities nationally on a financial sustainable basis. GMM’s breach of its payment obligation to Eskom undermine and placed in jeopardy Eskom’s ability to continue the national supply of electricity on a financial sustainable basis. In order to protect the national interest in the sustainability of electricity supply, it has become
necessary for Eskom to exercise its right to disconnect the supply of electricity to GMM.” “Eskom recognises that the indefinite disconnection of electricity supply may cause undue hardship to consumers and members of the community and may adversely affect the delivery of other services. In view of this, Eskom is contemplating a regulated interruption of electricity supply as opposed to an outright disconnection. The contemplated regulated interruption will allow members of the community and consumers the opportunity to make alternative arrangements for the scheduled periods of interruption.” The contemplated interruption will result in temporary scheduled disconnection at the following times: In week one, starting from 16 April to 22 April, electricity will be cut from 06:00 to 08:00 and again from 17:00 till 19:30 from Monday to Friday. Over the weekend, the power will be cut from 08:30 until 11:00 and again from 15:00 to 17:30. In week two (23 April – 29 April), the time will increase with an extra hour each time and in week three (starting 30 April), electricity will be down from 06:00 until 20:00. This will last until the debt is paid.
“Notwithstanding the above proposed indicative times for the interruption of electricity supply, Eskom may, upon 15 calendar days’ notice, disconnect electricity entirely and indefinitely should the electricity debt situation not improve.” Two towns in GMM and their townships will be affected, namely Secunda, eMbalenhle, Bethal and eMzinoni. “Eskom advises all parties who are likely to be materially and adversely affected by the contemplated interruption of bulk electricity supply to GMM to take all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of lives and to limit damages to their equipment, operations and business.” Encee van Huyssteen, DA Councillor, said that the mayor and her committee are misleading council and the public. “The DA asked about possible electricity cutoffs when discussing the Eskom account at the council meeting on 28 March and the newly elected Mayor, Cllr Thandi Ngxonono, assured the council that there is no threat of any cut-offs at the moment despite not being able to pay the agreed amounts,” he said. “According to the legislature, normal procedure dictates that the intention
to interrupt power supply should be communicated to the municipality 30 days in advance, thus the mayor would have been aware of this for a while now.” “It means the Mayor was lying to the council and bringing the institution into disrepute, a serious misconduct that will not be forgiven,” Cllr Sbu Hlolweni from SAPROMO, said. “We filed a motion about a year ago, to advise the council to relinquish its right to distribute electricity within the jurisdiction of Govan Mbeki municipality. The motion was openly opposed by the ANC. We also submitted a motion against the current Mayor, which was rejected by the ANC as well. This is the clear indication that the ANC is not serious about the well being of the residents of the municipality,” Hlolweni said. One Facebook user said: “If you don’t get to use electricity, you won’t have to pay. So where is GMM going to get the finances to settle the bill if the income stops?” It is suspected by many that Sasol settled the amount Eskom wanted last year, but at the vehicle handover in December, Acting Municipal Manager, Tisha Mhlanga said that Sasol had nothing to do with repaying Eskom, it is a fabricated rumour and that GMM coughed up the money themselves. He also said that the money was paid into Eskom’s account in time, but the transaction didn’t reflect in time and that is why power was cut. In the meantime, ex Mayor, Flora Maboa-Boltman, got the boot after a threat of a vote of no confidence succeeded, just for the ANC to elect the MMC for Finance, Thandi Ngxonono as Mayor. She took over this position when the previous MMC for Finance Cllr Mtsweni died and already has a motion of no confidence filed against her after not even 2 months in office. Continued to page 2
NEWS
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6 April 2018
Operation Fiela – An epic failure, again!
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Operation *Fiela, aimed at removing the homeless, was an epic failure once again and Govan Mbeki Municipality blatantly lied to the community that the homeless has an option for shelter. The operation took place on 22 March when GMM Compliance and Law Enforcement, GMM Waste Management, GMM Traffic Department, Home Affairs and SAPS took even the last food from homeless people living on Secunda streets in the hope that taking their possessions will make them look for another town to squat. But it didn’t help as the homeless didn’t leave and they still don’t have accommodation. The only thing that happened is that some of them somehow found new possessions. The same scenario played out in April last year when a similar operation was conducted and still, GMM found it necessary not to learn from their failed mistakes. GMM promised that the homeless will be given a choice if they want to go to God’s Fire ministries church for help. Unfortunately, it looks like those were only empty promises and blatant lies to either sooth their conscience or to keep the community calm. “We went there the same day and the pastor told us he cannot accommodate us even for one hour,” a man only known as Survivor, said. The pastors of the church, Mazwi and Beauty Tshabalala, could not be reached for comment and when The Bulletin visited the church to see what the situation is like, our reporter got chased away, but only after Noloyiso Solwandle, who works at the church, spoke to us for a while. “It has been a long time now that we don’t accommodate the homeless anymore because they go to the police with ridiculous accusations,” Noloyiso said. When asked what accusations, she replied: “just accusations about all sorts of stuff and the court ordered us not to help them anymore.” According to some of the homeless who stayed
there previously, the church takes donations and whatever is not good enough for their cupboards gets passed to the homeless. When asked why they say on their signs that the church will provide shelter, Noloyiso said “what we do and what we say we do has got nothing to do with anyone, we can say and do what we want. We don’t get any donations from the public. I am ordering you to leave now, this is our premises, we don’t want your help and we did not contact you. In fact, we don’t want to talk to you,” Noloyiso screamed at the reporter. “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 that circulated read. “It is unfair; a few people that are not even part of our group caused all of this. How do authorities expect us to leave if we don’t have any money to leave? How are we supposed to find jobs without an Identity Document, which they took? How are we
supposed to apply for a new ID book if there is no money? It is all a vicious cycle,” Survivor said. “No matter where we go, we are still South African citizens. But because we don’t have money, we don’t have rights,” another one added. Are all of the homeless really that bad or does some of them, in their humble way, make a difference? A group residing at the Post Office took a hammer and took out pieces that were left of a broken pillar. “The old people are falling over it, we had to do something before someone gets seriously hurt,” Shereen Jacobs, a homeless woman whose possessions were also taken away, said. A chicken, a bread and chips. This is what this group of homeless people bought together to share amongst them. Even with a small portion for each, they still invited the Bulletin reporter to join them for lunch. “Please join us, it is not much, but you are more than welcome.” *Fiela is the Sesotho word for “sweep”. Gwendie Venter
Shereen Jacobs, a homeless woman, showing the surface they flattened in front of the Post Office for resident’s safety.
From page 1
Hello darkness, my old friend... “GMM finances have since seen a steady and continual decline since her tenure,” Cllr Van Huyssteen, said. “I hope GMM’s insurance is up to date. I believe eMba was a warning to politicians and management. Things are going to burn again,” Jan du Plessis, a resident, said. Late last year, Sasol offered to help with the finances if GMM were willing to hand over their books, but this was refused according to sources. Although there is no money to settle the debt, 127 ward committee members (residents who have to report to ward councillors on problems in their area) each received a Golf shirt, cap and bag last week. There were also talks of budgeting R1 000 000 to buy them laptops and Joshua Nkosi, Gert Sibande District Municipality Speaker, said that it must be assured that each ward councillor gets a petrol card. They were all treated, together with councillors for lunch and cold drinks at the Johannes Stegmann theatre after this event. It is obvious that money is being misspent while the majority has to support the good life of municipal members. Even though no services are rendered, residents have to live between garbage as there is no money
for diesel, service delivery vehicles are too few and potholes and crime are taking over the area. Since GMM is never available for comment, it is unsure why only Bethal, Secunda and their township’s power will be cut while other towns in GMM will be unaffected. Last year rumours aroused that it is because certain GMM ANC councillors are living in towns that are spared the power cuts. Power boxes are also starting to blow up because of cable theft and no maintenance. This is all happening after a huge Human Right Day commemoration, which took place at Johannes Stegmann Theatre under the somewhat ironic theme “The year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: Celebrating his legacy”. GMM issued a statement saying: “The Mpumalanga Provincial Government is using the commemoration to educate the community of GMM about their human rights. “Remember, we as the municipality work very close with the community, we are very close,” Thandi said on a meeting with MEGCHEM, which took place as part of the municipal stakeholder engagement session last month. Her statement made some laugh and others mad. Gwendie Venter
NEWS
6 April 2018
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Not so clean Audit report for GMM Council recently resolved to acknowledge the latest audit report from the Auditor General. Paragraphs two and three of the audit report reads, “The overall audit outcome of the municipality was a financially unqualified opinion with material findings on the annual performance report and compliance with key legislation. The audit outcome did not improve from a financially unqualified opinion with material findings on the annual performance report and compliance with key legislation in the previous financial year. The municipality did not adequately
address matters raised in the audit report in the prior year (2015/2016), which resulted in the re-occurrence of these material findings during the 2016/2017 audit with additional noncompliance findings.” This report clearly shows that the GMM administration is not interested in cleaning their house. Paragraph 4.2 highlights the noncompliance clearly and the following paragraphs, in particular, raised a great concern of the willingness to improve the performance of GMM as well as the unwillingness to take action. • Paragraph 4.2.1. Unauthorised,
Workers ill with suspected food poisoning 18 workers from Sasol Secunda Operations fell ill with suspected food poisoning on Tuesday, March 27 at Sasol. A number of workers ordered food from one of the canteens inside the plant and had to go to the Sasol medical centre for treatment. The employees were then transferred to a nearby hospital for further treatment and observation. Some patients were transferred to the N17 hospital. In true Sasol fashion, quick and decisive action was taken in dealing with this incident. It is clear, as indicated by undisclosed sources, that samples were taken as soon as the problem became known. “All food items identified as possible causes of the alleged food poisoning were sent for laboratory analysis. The affected canteen has since been closed and the identified food items were also removed from the menu of all other canteens“, said Matebello Motloung (Specialist: Media Relations, Group Communication and Brand Management), “The laboratory tests on the suspected food items and patients are still in progress. This will determine the possible cause of the alleged food poisoning.” When the Bulletin asked Matebello regarding their compliance to food regulations he replied, “Each Sasol canteen complies with the required health and safety permits for handling food and have valid certificates of acceptability, as issued by the local health authority (Gert Sibande District Municipality). Our canteens are also subject to regular inspections, both announced and unannounced, to ensure ongoing compliance with requisite safety and hygiene standards. In addition, we commission independent third party health and safety inspections of our facilities, which includes swab tests
on both canteen equipment and personnel.” This was an isolated incident at one canteen that has now been temporarily closed pending the outcome of the laboratory tests. “Sasol remains committed to the safety and health of its employees, community and environment,” says Matebello.
Irregular and Fruitless and Wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality was not investigated to determine if any person is liable for the expenditure, as required by section 32(2)(a) and 32(2)(b) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). • Paragraph 4.2.3. Cases of financial misconduct which constitute a crime committed by officials were not always reported to the South African Police Service, as required by the Municipal regulations on financial misconduct procedures and criminal proceedings 10(1) • Paragraph 4.2.20. Awards were made to a provider who was in the service of the municipality, in contravention of sections 112(j) of the MFMA and SCM (Supply Chain Management) regulation 44. • Paragraph 4.2.22. Persons in service of the municipality whose family members had a private business interest in contracts awarded by the municipality failed to disclose such interest, in contravention of SCM regulation 46(2)(e) and the code of conduct for staff members issued in terms of the Municipal Systems Act. • Paragraph 4.2.26. The contract performance and monitoring measures and methods were insufficient to ensure effective contract management, in contravention of section 116(2)(c) of the MFMA The audit report paints a bleak picture of how GMM affairs are run. A recommendation of paragraph 7 states “We also recommend that consequences be implemented against those who cause or permit noncompliance with legislation.” The slow but increasing demise of Govan Mbeki Municipality is clearly visible in this report. These matters raised in this report have been raised before and should have been addressed in the 2016/2017 financial year but the council have failed to respond to previous audit reports as
in this one despite opposition parties, in particular, the Democratic Alliance (DA), voicing the opposition and growing concern with the way that GMM is managed. But as in the words of MMC Ethel Nkosi, “Doesn’t matter what you do, we will push it through”. This attitude brought Govan Mbeki to its knees. Any suggestion was turned down as a matter of principle. Even if that could have been used to the benefit of the residents of GMM. The Mayor and her Political appointed Members of the Mayoral Committee have now even wilfully lied to the council as well as residents of GMM in regards to the imposing Eskom cuts. The Bulletin has confirmed with Eskom as to the procedures regarding notices (to municipalities) indicating their intention to discontinue services. This must be done, as per legislation, 30 days in advance. This would place notices on GMM doorstep at approximately the 15th of March. Long before the council meeting that was held on Wednesday 28 March. Dark days is looming for residents of GMM. Be prepared to use generators and candles. It is perfectly clear that no proactive steps will be taken to rectify the situation nor is there any willingness to do so. - Encee van Huyssteen
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Wie is ons / Who are we: Redaksie / Editorial 017 631 1903
Encee van Huyssteen 082 554 7589 encee@thebulletin.co.za admin@thebulletin.co.za Gwendie Venter 082 896 4660 gwendie@thebulletin.co.za
Mariëtte Prinsloo 083 476 2860 mariette@thebulletin.co.za Mari Waldeck 084 483 0280 mari@thebulletin.co.za
Produksie / Production Kerry Bird 017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 artwork@thebulletin.co.za
Finansies / Finances Elmarie van Huyssteen 017 634 8312 elmarie.vh@telkomsa.net Bulletin word deur Paarl Coldset Printers gedruk in Johannesburg. Bulletin is printed by Paarl Coldset Printers in Johannesburg
Distribution: We pride ourselves in delivering a Bulletin to businesses in Secunda, Trichardt, Evander and Bethal and Kriel. We also distribute additional copies to several points of business in Kinross and eMbalenhle. Should you have a delivery enquiry or complaint, send us an email containing your name, contact details and home address to admin@thebulletin. co.za. COPYRIGHT All rights of reproduction of all reports, photographs, drawings and other materials are hereby expressively reserved in terms of section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act No 96 of 1978 and any amendments thereof. Banking details: The Bulletin Absa RBB Commercial Secunda Branch code: 637256 Account number: 408 499 2285 Checque /Current account
John 17:13
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”
6 April 2018
drieuur in die more. En hy vertel van ‘n ou wat sy duiwe van Devon af gestuur het Kaapstad toe vir ‘n wedvlug. Die eerste prys was ‘n Peugeot 404. ‘n Ander jaloerse ou het egter die ou van Devon se duiwe se vlerkpenne geknip, sodat hulle glad nie kon terugvlieg nie. En die Devonman sit op sy stoep en wag. Geen duif iewers nie. Al die ander duiweboere het al ingeklok, maar hierdie ou se duiwe is net weg. Pryswenner kampioenduiwe. Slím duiwe. En sowaar, so drie of vier maande na die wedvlug, sit die ou bedremmeld op sy stoep en treur oor sy duiwe. En wragtig, doer langs die teerpad, sien hy stoffies trek. Dit was toe sy duiwe wat al die pad teruggeloop het van Kaapstad af. Die enigste probleem was, vertel my nagskofkollega, dat daardie duiwe net súlke swere onder hulle pootjies gehad het. En hy beduie met sy hande iets so groot soos tennisballe.
jong seun ‘n motorkar gesien het, vroeg in die vorige eeu. Hy en sy boetie was op ‘n afgeleë deel van die Karoo besig om skaap bymekaar toe maak, toe hulle hierdie vreemde geluid hoor wat die stilte breek: doefdoef-doef. “Wat is dit?”, het sy broer grootoog gevra. “Nee, ek weet glad nie”, het oom Willie geantwoord. “En toe”, vertel hy, “sien ons hierdie perdekar-ding sonder perde in die pad afkom. Die ding raas. En voor het hy twee nèt sulke groot oë”, beduie hy waar die ligte gesit het. “Boetie, nou moet ons hol,” skreeu hy vir sy broer. “Dis die Antichris!” En hulle los die skaap net daar vir die Dier uit die aarde om te verslind. En dan die ander twee vriende wat in die veld ry en stry kry oor wie die beste na sy diere kyk. Naderhand smoorkwaad vir mekaar. Die een besluit om dadelik sy jarelange boesemvriend by die opstal te gaan aflaai. Toe hulle die plaaswerf binnery, sê die een wat afgelaai word vir sy gewese vriend: “Kyk hoe lief is my hond vir my!” Hy skreeu toe vir die basterbrak: “Boelie!”. En hy sê: “Kyk hoe bly is hy om my te sien!” Maar Boelie tjank tjou-tjou-tjou, en hardloop om die hoek weg, stert tussen die bene.
So is die lewe
• 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845
Bemarking / Advertising 017 631 1845
WHAT’S UP/News
Ds Marius Britz PG du Plessis se program saam met Jan Spies, Spies en Plessie, was oorspronklik bedoel om ‘n meer ernstige geselsprogram te wees. En toe vertel Ollie Viljoen hulle van ‘n interessante ou van Clanwilliam wat hy raakgeloop het. En hulle besluit om hom te nooi om te kom saamkuier op hulle geselsprogram. Niemand het eintlik geweet wat om te verwag nie. En toe, een aand, is hy daar in die ateljee. Met ‘n armyjas aan, en ‘n baard. En ‘n Namakwalandse aksent, so half binnesmonds. En hy trek weg met ‘n skreeusnaakse storie wat later legendaries geword het: “Ek is ‘n rekkie. Ek is rof. Ek maak my broek met ‘n geelslang vas”. PG en Jan Spies se monde het oopgehang. Tolla van der Merwe het die kuns van stories vertel in Afrikaans heeltemal kom verander. Maar daar is vele storievertellers in al die streke van ons land, mense wat nie noodwendig op televisie kom nie, maar aan wie se lippe gehang word as hulle iets vertel. By kerkbasaars, by vergaderings, by veilings, in die teekamer, waar ook al. Manne wat ‘n verhaal kan inkleur met smaak. Die waarheid is soms ‘n byproduk in hulle stories. Daar was die een ou in Springs saam met wie ek as student nagskof gewerk het in die glasfabriek. Sy gunstelingstories was altyd oor die plaas. So vertel hy dat daar ‘n boom op sy oom se plaas was met so dik stam, dat tien manne hande vasgehou het as hulle hom omsingel, dan was daar nog nie genoeg mans nie. ‘n Reuse
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boom. Die boom het langs ‘n koringland gestaan, vertel hy. En dit was die probleem: elke keer as die koring ryp word, is daar swerms voëls wat die koringare kom vreet. En as hulle die voëls verjaag, gaan sit hulle eenvoudig in die boom. Sy oom vererg hom toe bloedig en besluit om elke tak, takkie en blaar in daardie boom met gom te smeer, en as die voëls weer daar gaan sit as hulle verjaag word, het hulle, wat die voëls is, uiteraard ‘n probleem. Sy oom maak ook toe so. En toe daar “derduisende” voëls vassit op die boom se takke, stap sy oom bakkie toe om die haelgeweer te gaan haal. En die voëls, synde nie onder ‘n kalkoen uitgebroei nie, sien toe deur die oom se bose plan met die geweer. En hulle begin gelyktydig hulle vlerkies klap, en toe gebeur ‘n onvergeetlike ding. Hulle trek daardie groot boom wortel en tak uit die grond uit, en vlieg weg met hom. Daardie aand was daar ‘n hoofberig op die Tanzaniese televisie, vertel hy, oor die VVV wat daardie dag gesien is. En al die tyd was dit die vraatsige voëls met sy oom se groot boom wat Europa toe gevlieg het. ‘n Ander keer praat ons in die diep donker nagskofure oor duiweboerdery. ‘n Man praat ernstige dinge
In die Noord-Kaap het ek wonderlike, wáár stories gehoor. Soos by oom Willie, wat op 95 nog alleen gewoon het, en vroegoggend al sy tuintjie geskoffel het, kierie in die een hand. Een van sy stories was oor die eerste keer wat hy as
Win tickets to the Divorce Tour Trevor Gumbi’s - The Divorce Tour, tells the tale of a 37-year-old recovering drug addict and father, who, in a short space of time, has battled addiction, found love, created life, filed for bankruptcy, won it all and lost it all. All before the age of 35. Date: 7 April 2018 Time: 20h00 (doors open at 19h00) Venue: Graceland Arena Duration: 2 and a ½ hours, including intervals Opening Acts: - Award winning Mpumalanga Soul singer – The Pearl - Comedian - Ebenhaezer Dibakwane - Soweto’s finest dancers - DJ C-Live on the decks 5 lucky winners can each win double tickets to The Divorce Tour. All you have to do is Like the Bulletin’s Facebook page, comment on the Facebook post and share our Facebook post of the show. The Bulletin will choose 5 random winners. Closing date is Thursday 17H00.
One dies after stationary vehicle accident One person died when a VW minibus ploughed into a VW Golf on the Kriel/ Bethal road on Saturday evening. The Golf was allegedly standing still in the road without any hazards or warning signals. Drivers must be extra careful for not only stationary vehicles, but also stray animals and pedestrians, especially at night. Evidence has shown that vehicles travelling well under or above the speed limit, increased chances of causing an accident.
SPORT News
6 April 2018
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Shoprite employees demand better treatment Shoprite employees engaged in a nationwide strike on the 28th and 29th of March. Protestors sought better working conditions, longer hours and permanent employment. The most alarming apprehension that the strike brought light to was the reality that Shoprite workers are often left to find their respective ways home after late night shifts. It is particularly distressing for female employees (who are also the majority in the workplace), who are often mugged and sexually assaulted en-route. The South African Commercial‚ Catering and Allied Workers Union (Saccawu) said in a statement that they had engaged with Shoprite regarding the needs of the workers, but that an agreement had not been reached. “It is out of this realisation that Saccawu members resolved to engage [on] a two-day industrial action, on the 28th and 29th March 2018; which will be characterised by various forms of picketing,” read the statement. Workers at Shoprite Evander and eMbalenhle maintained that Shoprite “does not care about its employees”, and sang songs that indicated that they (the employees) give so much of themselves, and Shoprite does not
adequately value and compensate these contributions. The Saccawu statement also read, “Despite the company raking in millions and millions in profits, workers are still expected to work unsociable hours and then find their way home irrespective of the hazards they may face in doing so, yet expected to report for work the following day, and be productive. It is clear that workers can only and will only be taken seriously if they put up a fight in pursuance of their interests”. Placards during the picketing were splashed with the handwritten pleas of picketers and exhibited the demands of the workers, which included a guaranteed 40-hour work week, transport for employees who work late shifts and permanent employment for part-time employees who have been working at Shoprite for at least five years. Despite the picketing outside respective stores, Shoprite remained open for business and customers were seen casually walking in and out the stores to go about their business. Thabo Malatji, a Saccawu representative, said that they wished the nation would stand behind them by boycotting Shoprite and not
buying from the store. “We call on all the citizens to not buy from the stores for the two days in support of this”, said Malatji. A statement from Shoprite Group Holdings indicated that the company respected the rights of the employees to protest. It was also noted that resolving the matter was a priority. “The group is disappointed that
customers may not experience the service in its stores that it would like to deliver in preparation for Easter, but it respects the rights of employees to protest in a peaceful and lawful manner.” The statement further said that contingency plans were in place to keep stores open and trading as normal as possible.
Violence erupts in Vlakfontein
Farmer to appear in court Social media is abuzz with a gory image of an elderly woman who was allegedly attacked by a farmer’s dog in Bethal. The incident was reported to police in January, and the accused, Trevor Friedman, will appear in court for a plea on Wednesday 4 March. The 62-year-old victim, Maria Vilakazi, was on her way home with a friend after picking spinach on Blinkwater Farm when Friedman drove past in his bakkie with a farm assistant in the passenger’s seat. A dog jumped out from the back of the bakkie and attacked the women. Her friend managed to flee, but Vilakazi remained
under attack until the farm assistant ran to her aid. The dog was put back in the bakkie, and Friedman drove off, leaving Vilakazi bleeding heavily. Four days later, a 14-year-old boy suffered serious injuries from an attack by the same dog, on the same farm. News of Friedman’s approaching court appearance has rekindled community outrage. Residents believe that Friedman’s behaviour is out of hatred towards farm dwellers, whom he has harassed before. “We want to ensure that he is arrested,” a resident said.
Another business robbery Five armed men robbed PEP stores in Evander on Tuesday Afternoon. An undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones were taken at gunpoint. Four armed men together with a pregnant woman entered Evander PEP store in the CBD at about
14:30 and forced the staff and customers to the back of the shop. No shots were fired during the robbery and the suspects fled with their getaway vehicle. Anyone with information can contact W/O Vusimuzi Makhetha (017) 6322322
Violence broke out on Thursday night at the Vlakfontein settlement near Trichardt. The timeline and sequence of events is still shrouded in chaos as the police investigation is still ongoing. When the Bulletin visited the scene, minutes after the event, it was clear that Mob Justice had played a role in this tragedy. Unofficial reports indicate the following course of events. Three brothers (as they were identified by witnesses) went to Fatties Tavern at Vlakfontein settlement on the road to Syferfontein mine. Here an argument erupted and the three brothers (or friends) attacked a 24-year-old male stabbing him to death. Police found the victim with a stab wound to his left chest. The three suspects (now so referred to) entered a house/ shack close to Ebenheazer church. A mob of young men gathered and set the house alight with the three suspects still inside. The three managed to escape the burning house but were severely burnt. When escaping the fire, the three ran into the mob of young men. The mob then started to stone the three emerging from the fire. The mob continued to assault the three. One managed to escape, running al the way to the N17. Police and emergency personnel arrived on the scene but the Police had to calm the situation first before anything could be done. The fire dept doused the fire. Provincial emergency services had to leave the scene first as they were threatened, only to return
later. Two heavily assaulted suspects were lying on the ground near the burnt house when the Bulletin arrived. They had severe burns and were badly beaten up. The Provincial ambulance arrived shortly after for a second attempt in providing
much needed assistance. The two were then transported to hospital. One suspect was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The other two suspects were admitted to hospital with burn, stab and other wounds. Their condition is not confirmed at time of writing this article.
News
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VACANCIES VAKATURES
6 April 2018
eMbalenhle’s Housing wars The Office of the Municipal Manager recently responded to a follow-up communication from the Sizanani Community and Business Forum. The Forum has been engaged in what seems to be a ‘housing war’ in the community of eMbalenhle, where RDP houses are illegally rented out, and homes are destroyed with little to no accountability from the Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Govan Mbeki Municipality. As far back as August 2017, over 30 dwellings were demolished in eMbalenhle with the understanding that low cost units (RDP houses) would be constructed and handed over to the residents of these demolished homes. Sizanani representatives allege that since this has not yet been done, residents have been left displaced, often seeking refuge with family members and neighbours. Meanwhile, a number of RDP houses lay bare and unoccupied in eMbalenhle, while a long waiting list of applicants has been at, seemingly, a standstill for years. Our investigations also show that a number of the RDP houses in eMbalenhle are owned by prominent figures of the community, who rent the houses out, which is an illegal act in South Africa. “Some of them own three or four houses, and they rent all of them out,” a resident said. It is these homes that members of the community believe should be occupied by those who were unfairly displaced during demolitions. In 2016, a large expanse of land was designated for the construction of hundreds of low cost units, but due to the already pervasive corruption associated with them, the community refused such a development. Instead, the land was forcefully ‘taken’ by the community and used to establish a settlement for those who needed it most. At present, the area is an informal settlement called Azania. Many of the residents of Azania are also currently on the waiting list for RDP homes. The establishment of Azania is indicative
Elizabeth Mhlongo at her RDP house. of the strife between the community and government institutions, where the community grows increasingly frustrated and combative towards these institutions. “We have decided that we, as the community, will have to take it into our own hands, and fight where we have to fight,” said John Mahlangu, the founder of the Sizanani Community and Business Forum. Part of the combative stance that the community has taken is to remove elderly residents from shacks in informal settlements and forcefully give them refuge in the unoccupied RDP houses that are owned under illegal circumstances. One such resident, Elizabeth Mhlongo, who is 77 years old, says she was recently approached by a young woman who tried to evict her from the house she was given. “She came here and told me that this is her house and that I must leave,” Mhlongo said. “She threatened to throw all my clothes and belongings out, saying I am not supposed to be here.” It is alleged that the young woman is a relative of an ANC councillor in
the area, who bought the house for her. Mhlongo said that she does not know where she would go if she was successfully kicked out. “Before I lived here, I was in a shack that was falling apart and flooded with sewerage. The community was so helpful in placing me here, and I can’t imagine going back to the unbearable life I was living before that,” she said. One resident, who declined to be named, said that the house she was living in was not hers but that she was simply safeguarding it. “The owner is allowing me to live here to ensure that nobody else is allocated this house,” she said. She alleges that the house will be rented out as soon as a tenant is found. The housing situation in eMbalenhle is, to put it lightly, dire. It is common knowledge that RDP houses are casually bought and sold, rented out and occupied by placeholders. Yet there seems to be little concern for the wellbeing of those who have been marginalised on a growing waiting list of applicants. To make matters worse, the perversion is carried out by officials who are entrusted with the protection of the community. It is these issues that Sizanani CBF wrote to the Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Govan Mbeki Municipality about. The Office of the Municipal Manager has stated that “Govan Mbeki Municipality is a Level One Accredited Municipality” and “in the Housing Delivery Policy, this function is a competency of the PDoHS”. Two months after the first communication, a response has not been received from this department. – Rorisang Rathebe
6 April 2018
SPORT NEWS
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Legal NOTICEs
Inwoner raak kreatief in Kunsvlyt-kompetisie
Leatitia, oftewel Tinkie, neem deel aan KykNet se Kunsvlyt kompetisie. Letitia Pelzer (40), ook meer bekend as Tinkie, is eersdaags te sien in KykNet se Kunsvlyt kompetisie. Dié Secunda inwoner sal egter die episodes by vriende moet gaan kyk aangesien die kreatiwiteit haar op ‘n stadium so oorweldig het dat sy haar DSTV skottel met mosaïek beplak het. “Alles wat nie beweeg nie staan die kans om gemosaïek te word,” het sy geskaterlag en dit is ooglopend dat sy ‘n passie vir kuns het. “Ek hou van eksperimenteer en was nog altyd geïnteresseerd,” het sy gesê en dit is ook duidelik, want die huis oorkant ‘n plaaslike hoërskool is vrolik versier met ander se weggooigoed wat opgekikker is. Ander se ou bad word ‘n buitelugstoel en selfs haar huis se agterdeur is geskilder. Leatitia se eerste projek was ‘n lapverf tafeldoek wat sy gebruik het tot hy vodde was. “Mens gee nooit jou eerste projek weg nie, dis jou leerproses.” Sy is gebore in Upington en het haar hoërskoolloopbaan in Delmas voltooi. Dis ook op dié plattelandse dorp waar sy haar man, Kobus, ontmoet het. Na hul troue het die twee na Pretoria verhuis en in 2007 in Secunda kom nesskop. Hulle het twee seuns, Neelz en Joss. Hoewel sy eintlik ‘n rekenmeester is, het sy ook by Medi-Clinic as adminpersoon gewerk en later by
Sasol. Sy het gewoonlik net naweke geëksperimenteer maar hou haar deesdae voltyds met kuns besig en bied verjaarsdagpartytjies, kerkfunksies, vrouedae en jaareindfunksies aan waar sy belangstellendes meer leer van kuns en tegnieke. Sy het ook haar eie kunswinkel wat sy van die huis af bedryf. Kliënte het vir haar gesê sy moet vir die kompetisie inskryf voor die sluitingsdatum in Januarie. “Ons moes vyf verskillende projekte met verskeie tegnieke instuur vir beoordeling en ek het besluit om dit te doen om te kyk of ek onder die top 10 kan kom.” KykNet se baas het 10 finaliste gekies wat weekliks gedurende die opnames van die episodes ander projekte gekry het. Die materiaal is verskaf en die kunstiges moes hul projek hiermee maak en so is ‘n wenner vir elke episode gekies. Die episodes is van 10 tot 24 Februarie in Carletonville opgeneem. “Ons het vet pret gehad en dit was hartseer om huis toe te moes kom want ons deelnemers het vreeslik geheg geraak aan mekaar,” het sy gesê. “Die grootste uitdaging was emosioneel en geestelik. Ons is almal getroud en jy bly as vrou en ma heeltyd bekommerd oor jou ouers, man en kinders en mens mis hulle.”
Deelnemers mag ook net effekleurige klere gedra het wat saam met die kamera sou werk. “Dit was nogal verbeeldingloos. Dit het my verwese, verward en bleek laat voel,” het sy gesê. Die episodes is van 6 April om 18:00 op KykNet te sien, maar aangesien deelnemers ‘n vertroulikheidsooreenkoms moes teken, sal kykers maar moet wag en self kyk of sy as wenner gekroon sal word. Gwendie Venter
Leatitia kan nie haarself op Kunsvlyt sien nie omrede sy haar DSTV skottel gemosaïek het.
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6 April 2018
A day in the life of the non-medical aid persons Early morning, 05:30, and the queue of people, exhibited silhouetted shadows in the rising morning sun, are by this time staged at the gates of the hospital. Patiently pausing for the accesses to show their willingness to permit the continual growing queue of persons to the next set of entrances. Persons from all walks of life, the elderly, those in wheelchairs and hobbling on crutches, the physically and mentally challenged children and parents. Clutching their precious appointment cards. No card no entrance. An accumulation of the most vulnerable and in many cases the last desperate approach to acquire the medical care that is so anxiously pursued. If one believes for one moment that this is the end of the challenges of these mortal’s queue, then you are exceedingly mistaken. At 06:00 the doors of the medical facility open and the snake-like procession funnels into the building, then subsequent organizational regulations of the facility applies. Present yourselves with the appointment card at the clinic’s reception desk, obtain a specific
number that indicates to which department of the medical entities they are to report to. Surgical, Cardiology, Nose and ear, Oncology, medicine etcetera. Present the appointment card and the number allocated to you from the person at the reception, to the nurse at the counter of the department to be visited and obtain the sequence number that will indicate the numerical position to grant you access to a physician. By now it is past 07:00. The doctor assigned to the clinic usually arrives at 09:00 as he or she are allocated other duties than those at the clinic i.e. the ward patients, meetings, education sessions and the like. Then, following the medicine dispensary, a tiresome and patiencetesting department like none ever experienced by many. Imagine 300 or more persons waiting, sitting and shifting one place at a time as the place adjoining becomes vacant, on the wellknown stainless-steel chairs found at all government departments, six long twisting and turning rows all with the same propose, get to the dispensary window and obtain your medicine. The time 17:00. - Aart Reedijk
Evander has serious housebreaking and robbery concern Evander Police Station is flooded with theft and housebreaking cases and according to Evander Acting Station Commander, Captain Mishack Mhlanga, more people are getting arrested for being in the possession of stolen goods. Criminals target home appliances such as television sets, computers, microwaves and cell phones. ‘Communities should start Neighbourhood Watch and Community Policing Forums (CPF). Police cannot fight this crime wave alone, but when we work together we can prosper,’ he said. Evander Police cautioned the public about leaving houses unattended during the holidays and appealed to residents to be more aware of crime prevention measures at all times during the day and night.
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“If home owners are going away, they must ensure they get someone to look after their property. When the house is left unattended, it provides criminals with the opportunity to break into houses and get away with belongings uninterrupted.” Tips to help prevent or limit house breaking and theft: • Don’t leave outside lights on the whole day. • Avoid leaving gates to property or garage doors open. • Don’t leave your tools or valuables within easy reach of the prospective burglar. • Know all your emergency numbers. • Never leave keys in the locks or at the door. • Close curtains after dark. • Inform the police of any suspicious people.
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6 April 2018
SPORT News
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Do we actually need a South African War Graves Project? There are 384 graves in 79 cemeteries in Mpumalanga where soldiers and members of the SAPS are buried. The known Border War graves in this province amount to 138. South African and Rhodesian war graves total 29 175 (known to date) and during the Bambatha Rebellion, Rand Revolt, Korea, Border War, Non World War, and Police casualties 11 461 (known to date). (Information website South African War Graves Project as at April 26 2014) Is the Latin expression “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” (It is gratifying and honorable to die for your country) despite everything, true? These casualties are indisputably one too many. Many of us immediately think: the Border War, and fail to remember the fatalities during the presiding wars that acquired numerous lives of our fellow citizens. One is reminded that the above stated fatalities are only those whose graves could be identified as that of a fallen soldier. Some families
opted not to have a military funeral and subsequently these are not recorded. It is a frightening thought that the end result of conflicts’ casualties cannot be accurately established. In retrospect maybe a good idea. If you for one moment imagine these soldiers to be from one ethnic group only, you would be so wrong. The fallen soldiers of the Native Military Corps, S A Forces, Indian and Malay Corps, S A Forces, and Cape Corps, S A Forces bear witness to their share. In the local cemeteries of the Govan Mbeki municipal area there are also a few graves of fallen soldiers such as priv. George William Grant, Priv. Michiel Jooste, Priv. Meyer and Sergeant and Maj. van der Hoven (Bethal), Burg. J H Erasmus (Trichardt) and 2Lt. Gideon v Zyl, Rifleman L J Moolman, Nataniël Roesh, Martin Jacobzs, Const. G H Jooste and Ernest v Biljon (Secunda). It is probable that each and every one reading this article, was by some invisible cord bonded to those we welcomed home. Yes, even related to the dead that we mourn. Those that paid the price on the battle fields,
Media24 agrees to pay R14m in price-fixing settlement Media24 has agreed to pay an administrative penalty of R13.83m as settlement in a price-fixing case brought against it and 27 other media companies by the Competition Commission. The settlement follows similar penalty agreements between the commission and Caxton and CTP Publishers and Printers (R5.8m), Independent Media (R2.22m) and DStv Media Sales (R22.26m). “This is one of the legacy media practices that survived the introduction of the Competition Act in South Africa. It is a problem because it consolidates operations of a few media houses that gang up against mainly small advertising agencies," Competition commissioner Tembinkosi Bonakele commented earlier. As part of the settlement, Media24 has also agreed to contribute R4.98m to the Economic Development Fund over a three-year period and provide 25% bonus advertising space for every rand of advertising space bought by qualifying small agencies over three years (capped at R35 000 000 annually). Bonakele finds it encouraging that some media houses have settled the matter and will also be directly contributing towards promoting the entry of small and black advertising agencies via the Economic Development Fund. Competition Tribunal On February 27 2018 the commission referred more than 20 media companies to the tribunal for prosecution on charges of price-fixing and the fixing of trading conditions in contravention of
the Competition Act. According to the commission, the case relates to an investigation dating from November 2011. It found that, through Media Credit Co-Ordinators (MCC), various media companies agreed to offer similar discounts and payment terms to advertising agencies that place advertisements with MCC members. MCC accredited agencies were offered a 16.5% discount for payments made within 45 days of the statement date, while non-members were offered 15%. In addition, the commission’s investigation found that the implicated companies, as MCC members, employed the services of an intermediary company called Corex to perform risk assessments on advertising agencies to impose a settlement discount structure and terms on advertising agencies. The commission found that the practices restricted competition among the competing companies, as they did not independently determine the discounts and thereby fixed the price and trading terms in contravention of the Competition Act. The commission said in a statement issued on Friday that Out-of-home advertising firm Provantage Media has also admitted to price-fixing and fixing of trading conditions. It agreed to pay R1.09m as part of its settlement agreement. The commission has referred the Media24 and Provantage Media settlement agreements to the Competition Tribunal for confirmation. Carin Smith (Fin24)
inside and outside the borders of our country. We, who were saved from death, but with the battle scars in our psyches, unseen, and our physiques maimed for the rest of our lives, retell the acts of valour and esprit de core that occurred during a battle between our comrades in arms. It is consequently perhaps appropriate that we reflect upon the enormous human costs incurred during the wars. Even in the achieved victory? We are brain washed by those who spearhead us into wars. The assurances that accomplishes the victors to establish nations, create, reinstate or extend boundaries, redress grievances and restore national honour, remove cruel and despotic rulers replacing them with stable popularly-elected leaders, prevent the spread of pernicious ideologies like Nazism, fascism, atheistic communism, and terrorism. Yes, victory? The ideology promoting liberty, equality and fraternity. The sand castle promise of a futuristic land where peace, equality and tranquillity for all will reign.
Observe that the WW2 ended 7 decades ago, the so-called Struggle war against apartheid, the Border War still clear in our psyches, then the “victors” suffered alongside the vanquished. The past hangs heavy across the present. Is the twenty-first century thus on the path to becoming a moral memory palace? A bloody postscript for those who would forget the lessons of the century or who failed to learn them? Instead of teaching history, we walk children through museums and memorials. Do we actually need a South African War Graves Project? Yes, lest we forget the sacrifices by our soldiers. That we do not abandon merely the practices of the past but their very memory. That we never forget the suffering of war. We should not live in blissful ignorance of its true significance. These cold tombstones of our fallen brothers and sisters confront us and voices the mere futility of war. And we, in the heat of the battle, are guarding the flag, loyal to the death. Aart Reedijk
NEWS
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6 April 2018
Photography winners announced Hendrik Louw, the well-renowned macro photographer, was the judge at the Sasol Highveld club photography meeting that was held on 9 March at the Sasol Club. The junior winner for the evening was Danie Smit with title ‘Hatters piano’. The senior winner for the evening was Leon
Pelser with title ‘Memory in the mirror’. Hendrik Louw also held a Macro workshop on Saturday morning. It was very interesting and the people that attended the workshop experienced the master at work. The next meeting will be held on 6th April at the Drum Inn, Sasol Club.
Leon Pelser - ‘View from the inside’.
Sussa Pelser - ‘Annie’. Pierre Jordaan - ‘Northen Lights in Tromso’.
Peter Winnan - ‘Black Rhino’
Leon Pelser - ‘Landscape Photographing’
6 April 2018
School
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HoĂŤrskool Oosterland hosts open day
Laerskool Kruinpark het onlangs aan die Suid-Afrikaanse Atletiekkampioenskappe deelgeneem. JohandrĂŠ van Rooyen het 9de in Spiesgooi gekom. Jessica van den Berg was 9de in Gewigstoot, 19de in Spiesgooi en 16de in Diskus. J.C. Oosthuizen was 5de in Spiesgooi, 10de in Diskus en 2de in Gewigstoot.
HoĂŤrskool Oosterland held an open day for incoming Grade 8 learners on 27 and 28 March. The school, which is primarily an Afrikaans medium institution, opened its gates to English students in recent years and has reached what one might call a milestone in that regard: its first English matric group. After five years of hosting English first language speakers, the school has become a firm favourite amongst parents and students in Secunda. Scores of Grade 7 learners attended the open day, which exhibited the numerous offerings of the school. Oosterland is a well-rounded school that gives its students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a myriad of academic and extracurricular activities. Most interestingly, the school offers Civil Technology, Mechanical Technology and Electrical Technology, better equipping students who have an interest in entering engineering fields, which have proven to be extremely popular in the Highveld area.
Outside of academia, the school sets itself apart from others with an orchestra that currently consists of 55 learners and a Jukskei record that boasts provincial colours. The relaxed and informative atmosphere featured steaming cups of tea and coffee, as well as tantalizing finger foods that ensured that guests felt welcome and sociable. As they strolled and chatted through the exhibitions, educators of Oosterland were on standby to assist with queries. The principal, Mrs Botes, urged parents to enroll their children as soon as possible, as the popular school fills up rapidly each year. She also said that for English students in particular, the school is in high demand as options and spaces tend to be limited. Onthatile Mokwiti, Deputy Head Boy, encouraged the Grade 7 learners, saying that Oosterland had become a home for him over the years. For the incoming learners, the school hope to create the same environment.
Matshidiso Makgato van Laerskool Secunda het op 16 Maart aan die Suid Afrikaanse Atletiekkampioenskappe in Paarl deelgeneem waar sy 4de plek in verspring en 100m behaal het.
6 April
2018
Bulletin
Agter vlnr: Leonard Le Hanie, Gilleam Viljoen, Phillip Matfield, Ruan Kuhn, Juanita Degenaar, Nicolien Janse van rensburg, Nicole Lindeque. Middel vlnr: Viwe Mathebula, Wilbur Mettler, Carvin Davids, Oratile Milaba, Refilwe Makola, Johannè Fourie, Michelle Parkes, Sharona Klein. Voor vlnr: Christelle Matfield (afrigter en Mpu – spanbestuurder), Mike vd Walt (HS Secunda), George Matfield (afrigter en Mpu – spanbestuurder), Estèe Odendaal (HS Secunda afrigter).
Secunda atlete terug van SA’s Hoërskool Secunda het die afgelope naweek aan die jaarlikse SA Skole atletiekbyeenkoms in Potchefstroom deelgeneem. Nicole Lindeque het ‘n 1ste plek in Spiesgooi behaal met ‘n afstand van 45.46m. Michelle Parks was 2de in die 3000m met ‘n tyd van 10:04.85 en 5de in die 1500m met ‘n tyd van 04:47.88.
Refilwe Makol het ‘n tweede, derde en 10de plek onderskeidelik behaal in die Medley Aflos & 4x100m asook die 100m met tye van 02:18.9/ 49.28 en 12.44 onderskeidelik. Oratile Molaba het tweede en 16de plek in die Medley Aflos & 4x100m behaal met onderskeidelik tye van 02:18.90/ 49.28 en 12.44. Sharone Klein het 10de en 15de
plek behaal in die 1500m asook die 800m, Juanita Degenaar was 12de in die 400m en Johanné Fourie was 14de met spiesgooi. Die seuns het ewe goed gevaar met Gileam Viljoen wat ‘n derde plek behaal het in Diskus met ‘n afstand van 46.62m. Wilber Metler het vierde gekom met Hoogspring (2.00m) en Phillip Matfield was
vyfde met ‘n hoogte van 1.95m. Ruben Beyleveldt was sesde in 110m Hekkies met ‘n tyd van 14.37s. Leonar le Hanie was 17de in Hoogspring met ‘n hoogte van 1.95m. Ruan Khun was 10de met 110m Hekkiers. Viwe Mathebula het 11de en 12de gekom in die 1500m asook die 800m en Carvin Davids was 13de met Verspring.