Issue 148 - FREE
6 OCTOBER 2017
the good news paper
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
Umuzi week of Festivals takes off See photo’s inside
Photo by Jaco Roselt
Eskom cuts averted… for now
In a late twist to the Eskom saga, Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) have managed to reach an agreement with Eskom regarding the impending electricity cut offs, according to sources within the municipality. All indications are that there will be one cut on 9 October from 06:00 till 08:00. GMM managed to pay Eskom about R43m last week, but still short-payed by R49m. Another R80m need to be payed to Eskom, reliable sources told The Bulletin. The current outstanding Eskom account is approximately R550m. This amount forms part of an estimated R750m outstanding creditors’ payment. The migration to a new financial system only made matters worse as the officials, in the absence of proper leadership, were not prepared for the migration. This migration should have been completed by 1 July sources within the municipality
claims. The account problems also manifested their hold on the debtor’s book as the outstanding debtors is currently hovering around R1,2Billion outstanding. Compare this to the total annual budget of R1,6 billion, and it becomes clear that the current administration will not be able to rectify the situation in the foreseeable future, according to DA councillor, Ciska Botha. According to sources within the municipal work force, the absence over the past few months of the MMC of Finance, as well as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), clearly shows that the current executive is not able to give guidance to the officials. A CFO has been appointed under a lot of controversy as the opposition parties have claimed that the appointment was unlawful. The ANC majority nonetheless continued with the appointment as they used their
majority to overrule all objections. “Govan Mbeki Municipality is at its worst ever! The municipality has lost control of their finances,” says Cllr Botha. “The current situation is so bad that the municipality is actually bankrupt! The ANC is incapable of running this municipality. The ANC councillors should get their house in order and start working for the people. We have made a number of suggestions and its time that they start listening to us, the DA. GMM will default again on their agreements and we will be back to square one.” “The EFF states categorically that Govan Mbeki Municipality’s financial status is in a mess, the municipality failed time and again to honour debt settlement agreements with Eskom,” says EFF Cllr Jean Sebolela. “Council owes Eskom over R500m that accumulates every month, leading to Eskom proposing to affect its power
interruptions plan as from 9 October. We, the EFF, propose that electricity must be returned to Eskom as the municipality is failing to implement its credit control policy for collecting revenue. Aranda Nel-Buitendag, councillor from the Freedom Front Plus, states that the officials in the finance department have no idea what they are doing. “There is a lot of issues, such as accounts that are incorrect and incomplete. Payments that are not allocated to the accounts, accounts that are not send to account holders resulting in people not knowing what their real accounts balances are and what to pay. Not everyone is billed and of those who are billed, only a handful are paying. It’s time that everyone pays their bills and not just the main towns.” The Bulletin will keep reporting on this issue. Find us on Facebook and stay updated.
NEWS
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6 October 2017
No licenses due to old debt Citizens of Govan Mbeki recently had to turn back empty handed from the licensing offices in Bethal. Applying for licenses that are about to expire a few months ago, citizens were told that the cards cannot be issued. Motorists complained to The Bulletin about the delays. The license holder stated that an application was made on 4 May at the Bethal License department, but are told every time they enquire about the license that it cannot be issued. On 13 September, Mr MG Vuma, Senior Manager: Transport Administration and Licensing from the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, replied that he
would investigate and revert to the License holder. The Bulletin phoned Mr Vuma during the last week of September to verify the reasons for the non-issuing of licenses. Mr Vuma stated that the “card division” cannot issue discs as Bethal offices still owes money to the Card Division, even though the licensing functions have now been transferred back to the province. On Monday, 2 October, Mr Vuma stated that an agreement was reached and that the cards can be issued from Monday, 2 October. The Bulletin enquired to the terms of the agreement, only to be told by Mr Vuma that the agreement has nothing to do
with the people or The Bulletin. GMM recently still owed approximately R100m to the department. The Bulletin stated that monies owed to the department has everything to do with the people as it is their money that was misspent. Mr Vuma chose to end the conversation abruptly. The Bulletin will enquire about this agreement from the National Department as to the terms of this agreement. The people of Govan Mbeki Municipality have a right to know the terms of this agreement as it personally affects them. Especially if fined for a license not issued by the “Card Division” because of municipal debt.
Vaal University of Technology SRC elected
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Vaal University of Technology (VUT) held their Student Representative Council elections on Wednesday, 27 September. The positions were contested by the EFF and Sasco. Both parties contesting were singing and chanting outside the campus. When asked how the EFF can make a difference, Nandi Klaas from the EFF Student command stated that they stand for free education. They are also requesting that they be given the same monetary values as the other campuses. Their fees are the same as other universities, but they still pay for items that other students receive for free. Nandi also states that if the EFF wins, they will lobby businesses to build a permanent university as VUT is only renting the premises. Nandi also says that the learning environment is not conducive to learning, there are many challenges, such as a shortage of lecturers. The EFF also wants the full-time students to attend classes during the day and not at night. Nandi also states that Sasco has been
leading the SRC for years and there is no change. Sipho Mhlangu, regional secretary of Sasco, says Sasco represents students from all walks of life. Mhlangu says that VUT students also deserve to study in an environment that is conducive to good learning. Sasco wants to see transformation in VUT as a company. VUT main campus is always developing, but VUT Secunda is left behind in terms of development, as well as equipment that students need. For example, students in the engineering faculty must buy
components from the university, but the registration fees and subject levies covers all that. At the main campus students receive these items for free. Sasco says that they have learned from their mistakes and believe that communication with the students are most important. The EFF won all the positions at the Secunda campus, as well as all 16 positions at the Main campus in Vanderbijlpark. The new chairperson at the Secunda campus is Andile Ndlovu.
Local bodyguard killed A 28-year-old man assumed to be a body guard of a local high-profile politician, was allegedly shot dead by a colleague on Sunday morning. Capt Magonseni Nkosi, police spokesman, said the deceased and his 46-year-old colleague were sharing an apartment in Ext 11, eMbalenhle. “The shooting happened at about 06:00 on Sunday while the men were getting ready for work. The deceased shot his colleague in the buttocks as the 46-year-old was coming out of the bathroom. The latter tackled the gunman and wrestled him for the gun. Several shots were fired in the brawl and the 28-year-old was fatally
wounded,” Capt Nkosi said. He said the 46-year-old received medical treatment for his gunshot wound. “I have heard from the media that the men are bodyguards for Mr Cyril Gwiji, but I cannot confirm this. We have not yet been able to confirm for which what company they worked,” said Capt Nkosi. Mr Gwiji is the chairman of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee and the former Speaker of the Govan Mbeki Municipality. He declined to comment at time of going to press and only confirmed that they are guards, but not his personal bodyguards.
Firearm malfunctions Nico Venter, chairman of the local Afriforum branch, was wounded on Sunday when his firearm malfunctioned and discharged, wounding him in his upper leg.
According to unconfirmed reports, Nico responded to an emergency call from his son who was transporting their grandchild. Nico raced to his aid and placed the firearm on his lap. Whilst going through the procedure to make the weapon safe, it malfunctioned and discharged, resulting in injuring Nico. Langamed South Ambulance Services responded to the scene and stabilised Nico on the scene before transporting him to the hospital. He is currently in a stable condition. The firearm will be send to a gunsmith to determine the cause of the malfunction.
NEWS
6 October 2017
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Project Thando makes a difference A small group of volunteers are making a big difference in the lives of several children. 148 children at various primary schools in Secunda, Evander and Trichardt are receiving food every Tuesday and Friday. Project Thando consists mainly of women from the N.G. Rondekerk and Goedehoop congregations that get together early each morning to prepare food for needy children. The two congregations rotate with their duties. Antoinette Coetzee is currently leading this operation. The donors chose not to be named. Donations are mostly in the form of cash and the only requirement is that no sandwiches will be made but proper food be prepared. Dishes such as Lasagne, Bobotie with yellow rice and Chicken a la King are prepared. Project Thando recently baked more than 1 800 pancakes to try and raise funds for a much-needed fridge. This is the 5th year that this project is running and it is planned for at least another five years. Contact The Bulletin if you want to contribute to project Thando.
Secunda is vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar as die SA Raad van Sakevroue se Tak van die Jaar aangewys. Hier is Susan Genis, Anscois van Zyl en Anita de Beer.
Die Nasionale Presidensie vir 2018 is Annamarie du Plessis, Ancois van Zyl en Wilna Grobler.
Ancois president of SACBW Ancois van Zyl is herverkies tot President van die Suid-Afrikaanse Raad van Sakevroue. By die jaarlikse galadinee is Lise van der Berg as Sakevrou van die Jaar aangewys. Secunda het vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar met die louere weggestap as Tak van die Jaar. Die volgende funksie wat die Secunda-tak aanbied, sal op 21 Oktober plaasvind. Die fokus sal wees op “Ouers en Onderwysers�.
WHAT’S UP
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• 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845 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
Bemarking / Advertising 017 631 1845 Hannelie de Jager 082 789 2529 hannelie@thebulletin.co.za Clive Singh 082 724 5165 clive@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
Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14
6 October 2017
WHAT’S UP 27 Oktober. Hand-marathon by die Rondekerk. Inskrywings is by die kerkkantoor beskikbaar. Skakel die kantoor by 017 631 3470. 27 October. Mpumalanga Comedy at Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club. Contact Graceland @ 017 620 1000 28 October. Radio Raps by Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club. Contact Graceland @ 017 620 1000 28 Oktober. Die Rondekerk hou weer lekker Rondefees (basaar) 09:00 tot 13:00. Die ingang na die basaar is verniet. Die aand geniet ons lekker potjiekos en dan vermaak Pietman (van Oppiestoep) ons met sy stories en sangtalent. Kaartjies is by die kerkkantoor beskikbaar teen R250 (potjiekos ingesluit). Skakel die kantoor by 017 631 3470.
A number of people responded to the Bulletins plea for help in making it possible for Lune to participate in the Regional rally held on Saturday 30 October. From left: Bennie from Prime Align, Ruan from Digi Mag, Rolien from Secunda Nursery, Lune Snyman and Edward Strydom. Hannelie de Jager from the Bulletin and David Hurley from Master Cars was absent when the photo was taken.
Blood running short Time has come to arrest two Blood criminals! Rumours have it that shortages have been caused by to rogue agents, Hannelie de Jager and Roelof Stander. Blood stock levels are acutely low. These two will be arrested on Saturday 14 October to try and find their accomplices.
It is rumoured that Hannelie masquerades as a newspaper advertisement salesperson and that Roelof dresses himself as a restaurant owner at Eish!! He is even offering bribes of a free cup of coffee for his early release. Authorities have set their bail at 10 units of blood though and it is tough to make bail with such high standards. The Bulletin in conjunction with the SANBS (Teksa Branch) will try and help these two accused as they believe in their innocence. You, the public can also help - come and donate
blood. You can save a life! The South African National Blood Services is calling for donations now that it’s running on just two days of stock. The service says it’s in particular need of blood group O. The organisation says it experiences sporadic shortages, given that less than 1% of South Africans donate blood. General Manager Ivor Hobbs says they need at least five days of stock to function optimally. “When you donate blood, it’s not just preventing death, but it’s really about celebrating the lives, the experiences, the opportunities, and the potential that blood donors are able to give to patients in need.”
IUPAC grand opening
6 October 2017
SPORT
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6 October 2017
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NEWS
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SPCA needs help
New arrival at the SPCA, a very scared little kitten The Bulletin recently responded to a plea on Facebook to help with food for the Highveld Ridge SPCA. Dog food were purchased and delivered to the SPCA. Speaking to Jenneth Geel, Senior inspector at the Highveld Ridge SPCA it became quite clear that there is a dire need for animal food. Not only for dogs and puppies, but also for cats, pigs and horses. Even Duck feed is needed.
SPCA Staff with staff from the Bulletin with the food donated by the Bulletin Jenneth says that they receive animals on a daily basis. Sometimes up to twelve dogs on a day. A small kitten came in as The Bulletin was visiting the SPCA premises near Evander. Jenneth says that they took 24 hours to catch the kitten. They had to go back 4 times. They now know that there is a feral colony that they must feed and catch. This needs time, equipment and food. None is in ample supply.
The Bulletin challenges any person or company to match our donation. We will also publish your photo in our paper. Food is most needed, but financial support is also welcomed as there are many expenses to cover. The SPCA recently suspended their services to the municipality due to non-payment of their account. That financial loss is difficult to make up. Donations can be delivered to Boxes to Go at Lake Umuzi waterfront.
6 October 2017
6 October 2017
SPORT SCHOOLS
Matriekafskeid seisoen begin Hoërskool Hoogenhout
SERVICES
Hoërskool Oosterland
To Advertise Call Clive: 082 724 5165 Hannelie: 082 789 2529
View our Facebook page for the latest news, video’s and photo’s - The Bulletin
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To advertise call: 017 631 1903 or Hannelie 082 789 2529 Clive 082 724 5165
SCHOOLs
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6 October 2017
Jimmies se sokkerspelers presteer Vier van Jim van Tonderskool se sokkerspanne het Mpumalanga by die Noord-Vaalkampioenskap by Kwaggasrand-skool in Gauteng verteenwoordig. Die o.15-seunsspan is (voor) Gift Nkosi, Luke Mohale, Luyanda Masuku, Simpiwe Makhaza Thulani Kulube en Sakhi Ndlovu. Agter is Phila Mahlango, Mbalenhle Malinga, Sakhile Matha, Bongani Habile, Nkanyiso Mkhweboza en Siyabonga Nyoni.
Die o.19-seunssokkerspan. Voor is Sibusiso Xaba, Collen Nhlabathi, Mpumelelo Hlatswayo, Thapelo Chwene,Mlondi Sithole en Maqhawe Ngwenya. In die middel is Lawrence Masango, Sibusiso Madonsela, Sphamandla Mavuso, Thulani Mkhonza en Lethuthando Mbhele. Agter is Menelise Nkosi, Olwethu Zulu, Sibusiso Maseko, Siyaboga Mgomezulu, Selwyn Gulston en Standiwe Sibiya.
Die o.15-meisiessokkerspan bestaan uit (voor) Nomonde Malinga, Sesi Lukhele, Thembelihle Hlupe, Amahle Macala en Luyanda Sithole. Agter is Connie Seneko, Thabo Dibokwane, Angel Ncala en Jabulile Xaba.
Die o.19-meisiessokkerspan bestaan uit (voor) Mbali Maphanya, Fortunate Ngazi, Nomonde Malinga, Luyanda Selepe, Tshiamo Mkhumbane, Zinhle Shabangu en Noxolo Yende. Agter is Mbali Lukhele, Slindile Nkosi, Letitia Mlangeni, Pretty Makhanya, Zanele Mkwebane, Wendy Mahungela en Nqobile Simelani.
6 October 2017
SPORT SPORT
Heinro blink uit Heinro Helberg van Hoërskool Hoogenhout is ‘n skut van formaat. Hy het tweede gekom in die o.16afdeling van die Mpumalangaskietkampioenskap en gaan vandeesweek aan die nasionale kampioenskap in Newcastle deelneem. Heinro is een van 24 skuts in Mpumalanga wat gekies is om aan die nasionale kampioenskap deel te neem. Die windbuks waarmee Heinro skiet, is ‘n Air Arms S400 PCP wat sowat 800 voet per sekonde skiet. Die kaliber is .177inch. Teikens word op 10m geplaas. Die skuts kan eers onbeperk op die oefen-teikens skiet waarna hulle
dan sleg een skoot op elk van die 20 teikens mag skiet. Daar word dan vanuit 3 posisies geskiet, naamlik lê, kniel en staan. Ná hierdie rondtes is daar twee olimpiese rondtes, naamlik staan en teiken op 10m. Die kompetisies word binneshuis gehou en daar word gereeld by Hoogenhout geskiet om in oefening te bly. Afstande wissel dan tussen 10m en 25 meter en daar word na valplate geskiet. Heinro skerts dat hy van kleins af skiet en nou beter as sy pa kan skiet. Meghan Keyser het aan Heinro ‘n mobiele tablet oorhanding ter erkenning van sy prestasie.
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Krieket 6’se vermaak Die kleiner spanne het vir groot opwinding gesorg tydens die uitnodigingstoernooi wat die afgelope naweek gehou was. Die krieket is oor twee dae by Sasol-ontspanningklub gespeel. Saterdag was dit die klub se uitnodigingspanne wat deelgeneem het. Daar was twee poele met Sasol 1, Sasol 4, Piet Retief, Suspects, Emba en Middelburg Cycads in poel A, en Sasol 2, Sasol 3, Kinross, Ermelo Froggs, Bethal Bears en Bethal Old Boys in poel B. In poel A het Sasol 1 teen Emba in die kwarteindstyd gespeel en gewen terwyl Piet Retief teen Middelburg verloor het. In poel B het Sasol 3 vir Bears geklop in die kwarteindstryd terwyl Sasol 2
Heinro Helberg en Meghan Keyser
Foto deur Jan Ferreira
Photo by Jan Viljoen Rally Maniacs
AC wins regional rally AC Potgieter is the winner of the Northern Regional Rally that was held in Secunda this weekend. The R2 class was hotly contested with 7 teams competing in this class. AC took an early lead and won all 7 stages. A total of 18 teams participated in 5 classes. Richard Leeke did not finish. Local girl Lune Strydom and her farther/navigator did not finish as their car developed engine problems. Team Natie Booysen did very well as well as Team Kosie van der Merwe who drove the last stage without a clutch, first gear and second gear. This was the third last regional race. The next regional contest will be held in conjunction with the nationals at Carnival City and the last regional will be in November in Delmas. The last 3 regionals will determine the Northern Region champions. The two teams contesting for the title are the teams of Richard Leeke and AC Potgieter. AC Potgieter is the defending champion. If he wins this year, as well as next year, he will be awarded Protea colours.
die Ermelo Froggs geklop het. Sasol 1, 2 en 3 en Middelburg was in die halfeindrondes waar Sasol 1 vir Sasol 2 geklop het en Middelburg vir Sasol 3 geklop het. Sasol 2 en 3 het besluit om 3de plek te deel. Sasol 1 het die Cycads in die eindstryd geklop. Die Beste kolwer was George Louw van Sasol 2 en die beste bouler was Gerald Ngwenyama. ‘n Korporatiewe dag is Sondag aangebied met vyf spanne wat ingeskryf het, naamlik AngloV3, S.m.c.w, Amjenton met 2 spanne en Slugs on the run. Anglo V3 en Slugs het in die eindstryd kragte gemeet, maar Slugs het die oorhand gekry. Die twee Amjenton-spanne het vir die derde plek uitgespeel.
6 OCTOBER
2017
Bulletin
Bobbies shock Sasol
Bloemfontein Police beat Sasol Hydra-Arc on Saturday which can be described as “the biggest shock in SA Rugby Union’s international series for the Gold Cup so far this year”. The game was played before a large crowd that packed the pavilions here in Secunda. The match started at a fast pace with Sasol scoring the first points when they converted a penalty. Bloemfontein played with vigour and attacked the home team’s backline on every
occasion. Sasol returned the favour and attacked the Bobbies’ backline. The speedsters from Sasol did not get the space to play the attacking game that they played against Vereeniging. Every time that the backline started to run two Bloem players were there to tackle them. It was a close game throughout the full 80 minutes with the match being decided only in the dying minutes of the game. Sasol received two uncharacteristically yellow cards through the game that cost them dearly. One big point of concern is the kicking abilities of Sasol’s kickers. The miss rate is too high and the kickers should really concentrate on kicking the ball through the posts. It must be noted that the wind didn’t hand anybody any favours and clearly made kicking more difficult, but it was also a problem in Vereeniging. There were a lot of handling errors that if it didn’t occur, could have swayed the game into Sasol’s favour. Some of these handling errors were unforced and
handling should also be practised. There was a marked improvement in the scrums and lineouts that shows the practise sessions have been put to good use. The forwards also played a good attacking game with some good runs. Sasol scored a good try close to the end to see them lead by a small margin, just to see a lapse in concentration, allowing Bloemfontein to charge down a kick that resulted in a try under the posts. Sasol replied with fire and nearly scored, but the try attempt was ruled as “held up” as time ran out for the home boys. The log is still dominated by Sasol and they will be playing against a team from pool B in two weeks’ time. The Bulletin will be bringing you all the news as it unfolds.
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