The Bulletin Newspaper - 9 August 2019 by The Bulletin

ISSUE 236 - FREE

AUGUST 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST

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Council agenda shortened

ouncil meeting held 30 July. Councillors were facing a daunting task during the last council meeting. With an agenda of around 1400 pages and numerous items, it looked certain that the council meeting would continue late into the night. There were more than 33 items on the agenda. Councillors had to deliberate on items such as Risk management policies, Implementation of resolutions, Accepted Motions, replacement of the Mayoral car, Audit reports and Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) reports. A late item regarding extra oversite committees was also tabled. Fortunately, for the councillors, several items were withdrawn. Opposition parties did not approve of this. Some of the items should have been discussed at length. Items such as the Motions submitted in January should have been discussed. One such motion was a motion accepted by the council that was submitted by Councillor Ciska Jordaan. This Motion, Motion 7 of 2018, sought to finalise the handover of the Govan Mbeki Municipality’s electricity licence to ESKOM by December 2018 and to consult the public continuously on the process. This motion intended to ensure that promises made by the Premier, Refilwe Mtsweni, following service delivery protests in eMbalenhle in 2018, were kept. “Residents of eMbalenhle have been faced with an electricity crisis for over a year, experiencing interrupted supply of electricity enduring lights that are off for more hours in a day than they are on.” Says Ciska Jordaan, DA Caucus leader, “Yet, unfortunately, political instability within the ANC was the only thing that could get the premier to our doorstep.” Councillor Jordaan said in a press release: “There was hope at first when an ad hoc committee of the council was established, however, this committee ended up dealing solely with the appointment of a contractor that would be paid millions for a project to reroute electricity. At one stage, public participation was considered as required by the motion, however, the final response appears to

avoid this by referring to ambiguous sections of the terms of reference of the said committee. Furthermore, the mayoral committee continues to emphasise the impossibility of handing over electricity by the end of December 2018 as the motion had sought, quoting that the decision of the council to do this was taken on 29 June 2018 and that legislation requires the regulator to receive at least 12 months’ notice in writing. By the 30 July, the day of the council meeting, a year had elapsed from the initial council resolution which undertook the mandate of relinquishing the municipality’s electricity license. The ad hoc committee had been unable to give the DA or the Council any constructive progress report concerning handing electricity to ESKOM. To any ordinary resident, electricity does not necessarily simply mean that one can see, because the lights are on. It means food for your children, it means warmth in the winter, it means safety and security. The desperate living circumstances endured by the residents of eMbalenhle appear to be unseen by the ANC-led Govan Mbeki municipality since the council had not given thorough consideration and prioritisation of the motion that was submitted by the DA. The Democratic Alliance will continue to insist that electricity is a matter of grave concern to the residents of eMbalenhle that are failed by this ANC-led council. The reasons for the withdrawal of several items were not communicated to the rest of the council. There was also the issue of the mayoral vehicle that opposition parties were waiting for. The item was withdrawn, but not before the information leaked that the proposal would be to purchase a R 2,181m vehicle. This is despite the instructions of the minister that there should be a R 700 000 limit on mayoral cars. Some of these included a motion that was submitted by DA Caucus Leader, Cllr Ciska Jordaan, to expedite the process of relinquishing the municipality’s electricity distribution license and handing the function to ESKOM; as well as a motion that was submitted by former Cllr Marietjie

Fourie regarding continuous irregular removal of refuse. What is disappointing is that while these motions intended to enforce speedy delivery of services and good financial governance, they were continuously brushed off by the ANC-led executive and responded to negatively. This, despite the municipality being one of the highest debtors to ESKOM and being one of the top ten municipalities with exorbitant numbers of irregular and wasteful expenditure in the country. Regardless of more than a Billion Rand of debt towards ESKOM and other service providers and the above mentioned factors, the council had opted to establish 5 additional impractical committees all in only one meeting to the astonishment of the Democratic Alliance, who has opposed the establishment of these committees, the ANC-led council had appointed 5 additional chairpersons to these committees. It should be known

that chairpersons to such committees receive a significant salary increment in comparison with the average part-time councillor. To no surprise, the uncaring ANC had once again chosen to promote comrades unto the gravy train rather than taking serious cognisance of the state of affairs of the debt-ridden Govan Mbeki Municipality. The DA will continue to drive the motions that we have submitted to the council with the utmost attempt to hold the ANC accountable and with the hope that residents realise this when they step into the voting booth once again in 2021 and vote for their Local Government representation.“ It is clear that the political leadership is not in control of the municipality and that the spiralling debt continues to grow month by month. It would also appear that there is no will to solve the problems of GMM and that political leadership is hoping for a rescue package from somewhere.

NEWS

9 August 2019

Family house burned down in eMbalenhle While some people were celebrating the beginning of Women’s Month, a family from eMbalenhle, extension 14, woke up on 1 August to news that their house burnt down. Around 23H20 on Wednesday, 31 July, a call came through of a house burning down in eMbalenhle extension 14. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene to extinguish the fire. GMM Fire responded swiftly and extinguished the fire before it could cause more damage to neighbouring houses. Concerns from the Govan Mbeki Municipality community, especially in eMbalenhle, have been about ridiculous electricity power cuts as well as water supply disturbances. This marked the tenth houses to burn down in eMbalenhle since the beginning of power cuts that started in May. A Non-Profit organisation called NKOSINATHI DA POET FOUNDATION mobilised and collected donations from local businesses to try and help the family even though it was not enough. “But it’s the least we can do,” says the owner of the organisation Mr

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Nkosinathi Hleza. The elected committee that was formed to monitor the progress of building a new sub-station at Bracken Mine, Evander, visited the family and gave assurance to the community that this is the last winter Govan Mbeki community has to deal with such a crisis. Some angry community members suggested that they need to have the National Public Protector, Miss Busisiwe Mkhwebane, to witness the trauma some families have to go through, this came after a few weeks when they had a tragedy of three people dying in a horrific fire in extension 19, eMbalenhle. Fortunately, when this shack burnt there was no one inside, but the owner lost everything in the fire even his ID and certificates. NDP (Nkosinathi Da Poet) foundation encourages everyone to donate to assist them so they can continue helping those people in need. If you want to help you can contact Mr Hleza on 060 488 9403 - Sandile Mkwanazi

Crime

snippets Postmortem on death of learners conducted The post-mortem on the death of two learners aged 6 and 11, from Nelson Ngobeni Primary School, who died from suspected food poisoning on Monday, 29 July, has been conducted. The preliminary results, however, cannot be disclosed at this stage as they form part of the investigation. The police have since registered an inquest docket for investigation purposes to establish the cause of death as well as the hospitalisation of eleven others who were also rushed to hospital after complaining of stomach cramps and were vomiting. The sequence of events indicated that police were firstly informed of a child who was declared dead and eleven others admitted, on Monday evening. Upon arrival at the hospital, the police conducted preliminary interviews to establish what had transpired, only to be informed that a second learner had also died from similar circumstances at a clinic nearby, hence the inquest docket. Currently, several operational activities are to be conducted relating to the investigation to which police request space and privacy to effectively investigate this sensitive matter.

Convicted fraudster resumes sentence following a failed appeal bid The Emalahleni Regional Court has ordered Lida Potgieter (62), to serve a six years direct imprisonment for 737 counts of fraud after her appeal bid failed on Tuesday. The case emanates from when she was a manager at the Witbank Municipality and was elected treasurer of the municipalitie’s Sport Club, wherein she stole almost R4 million between 2004 and July 2009. These funds

were generated from member fees deducted from staff salaries. Potgieter established an in-house lending scheme which employees invested in, hoping for increased earnings. The scheme collapsed and the matter was reported to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit for investigation which resulted in Potgieter’s conviction on 18 February 2015. She appealed the judgement and was released on R10 000 bail with conditions pending the outcome. A warrant for her arrest was issued and she was rearrested and her bail forfeited.

Provincial commissioner warns members to operate within the scope of the law The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, cautions members and employees of SAPS to refrain from participating in unlawful activities. The warning comes considering five police officers arrested in separate incidents on allegations of attempted murder, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (assault GBH) as well as corruption. In the first incident, it is alleged that on Friday, Sergeants Evans Mohlala, 45, Charles Sono, 42, Donald Sono, 41 as well as Constable Thabo Madire, 32, stopped a vehicle with three occupants for a search at Middelburg CBD. During the search, they allegedly found a bag containing coal and they instructed the driver to drive to Mhluzi Police Station. Upon arrival at the police station, the officers were alleged to have assaulted the driver, took cash from him and released him thereafter. All four officers were arrested on Monday morning, 29 July and appeared at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on 30 July. They were all granted R3000 bail each with the case postponed to 29 August. Meanwhile, Constable Given Mkhwanazi, 23, stationed at Blinkpan SAPS was also arrested on Monday, 29 July, for attempted murder. It is alleged that in the early hours of Sunday, 28 July, Mkhwanazi became embroiled in a fight with a group of people at Mhluzi, Extension 4, which resulted in

one of them being shot and injured, hence his arrest. Mkhwanazi appeared at Middelburg Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody pending a formal bail application on 1 August. The Provincial Commissioner has vowed that bad elements within the service will be rooted out.

Provincial commissioner welcomes hefty sentence The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has welcomed a hefty sentence meted out by the Mkobola Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 1 August, to a 28-yearold man who was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. The collection of information indicates that during September 2017, the man, Thabo Johannes Selepane, heartlessly murdered a 69-year-old man, Abel Meso, at his residence in Dithlaka Section, Mmamethlake. The court heard how on that fateful day, the accused intentionally broke into Meso’s house and when confronted, struck him (victim) on the head with an iron rod. The accused went to the bedroom, took the car keys, dismantled the garage door and drove off in the victim’s vehicle, a Fiat Uno, which was later found abandoned at a nearby bush. Meso, a retired school principal and served as a community Pastor, managed to call for help but later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The consented efforts and hard work by the astute investigating team led to Selepane’s arrest on 24 January 2018. In addition to the sentence, Selepane was given 5- and 15-year sentences respectively, for housebreaking with intent to commit a robbery as well as robbery with aggravating circumstances, which will run concurrently with the life sentence. General Zuma is elated by the collective work done by the investigating team, the National Prosecution Authority the Judiciary as well as witnesses and Forensics which led to this notable conviction. He further said that criminals cannot be left roaming around the streets freely while law-abiding citizens live in fear.

NEWS

9 August 2019

Murder case scrapped for now Mervin van Heerden was murdered on 2 August 2018. The case against the two suspects have now been removed from the court roll. According to the Senior Prosecutor on the case there is still a lot of investigation to be done. The case would be placed back on the roll once the investigation is completed. The state initially charged Karin van Heerden, his ex-wife, as well as one of his employees, Mr Darello Soetmelk, with being involved in the murder of Mervin. The body of Mervin was found a few days later, stuffed in an old pipe and nearly burned beyond recognition. Mr Mervin van Heerden was officially declared missing on Friday afternoon, 3 August, when police found his abandoned vehicle at the old Evander dumping site. The dumping site did not render any clues to the disappearance of Mr van Heerden. The police made a breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects. This led to the discovery of the body on Sunday. One of the police officers told the Bulletin that they worked non-stop to resolve the case. The discovery of Van Heerden’s car, however, was a turning point in their investigation. The car led the police back to the butchery where a crime scene was discovered and Mr Darello Soetmelk and Mrs Karen van Heerden were arrested. Soetmelk allegedly cooperated with the police and took them to where a body was found. The Bulletin learned that the case of Mr van Heerden might not be as clear-cut as it seems. There are allegations of domestic violence made against van Heerden as well as complaints made by him in turn. The Bulletin also learned that there was a legal battle for the ownership of the butchery and that van Heerden was successful in regaining full control of the butchery during the week prior to the murder. All of these allegations are being investigated by the police. More information was not available at the time of publication.

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Violence persists in Women’s Month While South Africa is celebrating Woman’s Month several women are still being oppressed. This past week saw several people searching for a missing woman, Mechay Inga Keyser. Mechay left her home and disappeared only to be found approximately 30 hours later. She was bruised and battered. Earlier in July, Thando Joyce Masango, disappeared only to be found days later with no clear details of what happened to her. Annerie Weber - MP and DAWN Chairperson in Mpumalanga contacted The Bulletin and made the following statement: “The Democratic Alliance Women’s Network (DAWN) condemns all crimes against women. It is so sad

that in Women’s Month we must deal with such horrific acts against humanity. I say humanity, because in the eMbalenhle alleged gang rape case, the boyfriend had to watch his loved one being raped by these culprits. When will the violence stop? We urge the SAPS to stand up and fast track the investigation so that the culprits can be put to book. As DAWN we will stand together with this family and support the victims of this crime.”

NEWS

So is die lewe

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Ds Marius Britz Jy kom laataand by die groot, donker huis aan. Van ver af al het jy die bekende kolos in die halwe maan sien lê, soos ‘n draak wat wag om jou te verslind. Maar iets, of alles, is anders vanaand. As jy by die bek van die draak ingaan, lê die lang gang met die stil, leë kamers weerskante soos ‘n grynsende skedel met starende oogholtes. Die hond is nie meer daar om jou blaffend te verwelkom nie. Die kamers is meestal gestroop van persoonlike items, en net die opgemaakte, ongeslaapte beddens wys dat daar eens op ‘n tyd iemand in geleef het. Die beddens is ‘n vae teken van ‘n hoop dat daar weer gou weer iemand sal wees wat daarin gaan kom slaap. Die afwagting van ‘n kuier van jou gesin is jou greep op hoe dinge was, die ontkenning dat jou lewe drasties verander het. Die klank van opgewonde kinderstemme en laggies is stil, die fietsspore voor die huis is deur die wind verwaai, die klank van kinderprogramme op die televisie is af. Die dooie oog van die televisiestel volg jou deur die huis. Dit bulder van stilte. Jy praat hardop met jouself om dit te verbreek, sit Pink Floyd kliphard aan, sing luidrugtig saam. Jy maak ‘n blikkie boontjies in tamatiesous oop vir aandete. Waarom sou jy iets anders wou voorberei? Baie mense ervaar dit; hierdie flerts van alleenbestaan wat ook deel van my lewe was toe ek op die platteland moes agterbly omdat die skool toegemaak is, en my vrou haar werk as onderwyseres verloor het. Hulle moes noodgedwonge stad toe trek, omdat ‘n tweede inkomste vir ‘n plattelandse predikantspaar onontbeerlik is. Alleenheid is ‘n werkwoord. Dis die gevolg van mense wat wegraak van jou af deur omstandighede soos dood, aftrede, egskeiding, ouderdom, noem maar op. Enige verlies

kan veroorsaak dat jy jouself van mense onttrek. Alleenheid is ‘n fisiese ding. Maar die gevaar lê daarin dat alleenheid baie maklik kan oorgaan in eensaamheid. Daardie vernietigende gevoel van isolasie. Niemand weet van my nie. Niemand stel belang in my nie. Ek is alleen. Soos in Psalm 22, wat Jesus ook aan die kruis aangehaal het: “Eli Eli lema sabagtani.” Eensaamheid is ‘n emosionele ding. Dit kan uiters destruktief wees. Die mens is ‘n sosiale wese, maar kan maklik geisoleerd raak. Jy kan eensaam wees tussen baie mense. By die werk, die braai saam met kennisse, die kerk, jou familie, selfs jou huwelik. Mense raak soms uit eie keuse eensaam, onttrek van ander mense, om redes soos depressie. Dit is ‘n verskriklike siekte wat jou selfvertroue, jou lewensvreugde en die sin van jou lewe van jou steel. Dit kan ‘n langdurige ding wees. Baie ervaar al van kleins af Sondagblues, dit is ‘n integrale deel van hulle totale belewenis van menswees. Hulle beleef: om alleen te wees, om mense te vermy, is om nie seer te kry nie. Wie jy is, speel ook ‘n rol. Ons leef in ‘n geweldige vyandige en kompeterende, onsimpatieke wêreld. Sommige mense floreer in so omgewing. Dit bring die beste en sterkste in hulle na vore. Andere weer, glad nie. Jy kan maar net om jou kyk om dit raak te sien, as dit nie met jou persoonlik gebeur nie. Mense raak huiwerig om mekaar te vertrou. En, sosiale media maak dit maklik om te vereensaam. Jy kan skryf wat jy wil, sonder dat daar enige iemand naby jou is. En ongeag wat jy skryf, die kans is goed dat daar reaksie gaan wees. Soos PG du Plessis sê in Siener in die suburbs; “mens wil van geweet wees”. Gaan lees maar baie facebookinskrywings, as jy ingeteken is daarop. Hier sien jy hoe verwronge eensaamheid kommunikasieprosesse kan maak. Iemand skryf vir ‘n onbekende ontvanger hierdie boodskap: “Ek wil nt vir jou se: God slaap nie. Jou daggie sal kom en jy gn bitaal vi als wat jy an my gedoen het. Jy dink jy is te gut vi my, ma ons sal sien wie laste lag.” Hierdie plasing op facebook word tien keer “gelike”, en vier kommentare volg: twee “amens”, “dis rerag so,

die dywel is verslaan halleluja”, en “dki dat jy dit met ons gedeel het.” Kan dit wees dat almal wat gereageer het, ook slagoffers van eensaamheid is? Waarom anders sou jy op ‘n wildvreemde se hartsontboesemings met iets soos “Amen” wou antwoord? Sosiale media het ‘n substituut geword vir gesonde, persoonlike kommunikasie tussen mense waar inligting geruil word, gevoelens gedeel word en misverstande uit die weg geruim word. Soms is sosiale media die bewys dat ons in ‘n ontsaglike eensame wêreld leef. As iemand iets verrukliks mooi beleef, en daar is niemand om dit te vertel of die foto mee te deel nie, is die logiese gevolg vir hulle om dit op facebook te plaas. Net ter wille van die reaksie: Ek

sien jou, ek hoor wat jy sê, ek waardeer jou mening. Jy ís vir my iemand. Jou opinie is vir my belangrik. Facebook is soos Jan Rabie se verhaal oor ingenieur Jacobs wat vir hom ‘n robot gebou het na sy vrou se dood. Die eensaamheid het hom totaal ondergekry. Hy het die robot aangetrek met sy vrou se trourok. Elke keer as Jacobs die robot, wat hy Andries genoem het, vra: “wat is liefde,” antwoord die robot met ‘n afgemete stem: “Liefde is aanhou beweeg en geluide maak. Ek is Andries, die verdomde robot.” So het facebook vele eensame mense se Andries geword. Daar is altyd iemand wat reageer as jy huil. Iemand om voor nag te sê. Iemand wat sê: “Ek is lief vir jou.”

Tannie Poppie se: Popelinas-tunasmeer 1 pak (125 g) aartappelskyfies, fyngemaak 1 blik (170 g) tuna, gedreineer en gevlok (behou olie of vloeistof) 2 jumbo-eiers, liggies geklits 1 pakkie (55 g) sampioensoppoeier Water om met tunavloeistof te meng 125 ml mayonnaise 125 ml tamatiesous 1. Voeg die aartappelskyfies by die tuna 2. Voeg die eiers by die

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

9 August 2019

Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee

tunamengsel 3. Voeg die soppoeier by en meng 4. Voeg water by die tunavloeistof of -olie tot daar 250 ml vloeistof is. Roer dit by die tunamengsel 5. Meng alles goed deur 6. Plaas in ‘n mikrogolf wat op hoog gestel is en kook 4 minute lank 7. Laat staan 10 minute lank 8. Voeg mayonnaise en tamatiesous by. Roer goed deur 9. Laat staan 1 – 2 dae lank in die yskas voor gebruik

9 August 2019

SPORT NEWS

“I love painting portraits!” “I love painting portraits!” That’s how Brenda Koper describes her love for painting people: “Portraits and flowers.” As we sat in her home in Secunda discussing her interview for The Bulletin I couldn’t help noticing how Brenda’s face lit up when we spoke about the various portraits in the room. She has a passion for painting and portraits. This love for portraits stems from an early desire to combine her love for art with her love of working with people. “My grandfather used to pay me half a cent for every painting or drawing that I made,” she said, “this was before I went to school.” Art has been a part of Brenda’s life from early an early stage. She enjoyed drawing when she was little. This grew into a burning passion to become a fulltime artist. As life would have it, it is not always possible to follow your path as you planned it. She became a teacher and after a few years in Ermelo teaching art, she moved to Secunda where she became known for her art, both as an artist and a teacher. Brenda later moved to the Department of Education as an Education Specialist for Art, Gert Sibande District. Her love for her children played a huge role in her decision to concentrate on their education and her work. Brenda decided to put her art on hold or at least scale down on the time spent painting. She did however still have the opportunity to make art a part of her life as she could educate learners on art. When I asked Brenda whose advice played a large role in her art career she smiled and said: “My Highschool teacher, Miss Haroldt, always said that negative spaces are just as important as positive spaces.” This is a valuable lesson for all of us as it is relevant to all of us that produce art pieces.

Brenda entered the Sanlam Portrait Awards 2019. This is a very prestigious competition. Here is a brief history taken from their website: https://www. rust-en-vrede.com/sanlam-portraitaward/the-award/: Inspired by the long-standing, UK-based annual international portrait competition, the BP Portrait Award, Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville, Cape Town launched the Sanlam Portrait Award in 2013 – with generous sponsorship from Sanlam Private Wealth. The competition is similar to its UK counterpart but at a reduced scale. This biennial competition is open to all resident South African artists, 18 years and older and aims to increase public awareness and appreciation for the art of portraiture as well as give South African artists an opportunity for further exposure. With an overwhelming 1 783 entries by 1 205 artists in its first year, the competition has grown by leaps and bounds. With the launch of a digital entry system for the 2019 competition, it is sure to elevate the standard of South African portraiture for years to come. The competition is based on anonymous judging: all the works entered are unsigned, thereby levelling the playing field and ensuring that the three judges select the top 100 portraits purely on a technicality, narrative and emotional appeal. Each year, a panel of three judges, consisting of one international and two local judges, select what they deem the best 100 portraits from the entries received. From there, the Top 40, Top 5 and winning portrait are selected. In addition to the Top 40 works exhibited at the Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville, the remaining 60 portraits will be exhibited at the AVA

On Saturday, 3 August, contributions from different biker clubs in the area were made to the Buhlebethu Foundation in Kinross.

Gallery in Cape Town, under the title PORTRAIT 100, allowing the public to view 100 of the country’s best portraits in one City. Collectable catalogues are printed to commemorate the Top 40 Portraits. Brenda’s painting called “My Friend, Anna” was selected as one of the top

40 finalists. This was a portrait of a friend and colleague of Brenda. The top 5 and winner will be announced on 23 August. We at The Bulletin and I are sure everyone else in town would like to wish Brenda all the best wishes with the final stages of the competition.

Brenda koper with one of her recent portraits

NEWS

9 August 2019

Gert Sibande TVET College’s Fourth Industrial Revolution class graduated To many South Africans, the slogan Fourth Industrial Revolution, instils fear for their jobs when Statistics SA recently announced that 29% of South Africans do not have jobs which are equal to 600 000 homes with no income every month. A worrying factor not only for new graduates, but also the country. “What we can not divulge from is that more than 500 students enrolled for various courses in Gert Sibande TVET College in Evander a few years ago, only to find out that only approximately 200 students actually graduate today,” says the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Mr Sihle Mathibela, at a Graduation ceremony held at Kruik Church, Secunda, on Friday, 2 August. The program started with a former student from GS TVET, Mr Joel Magagula, giving a heart-warming poetry recital which led to a standing ovation. Miss Gugu Mahlangu, the program director, introduced the partners present as well as sponsors of the College, included in them: the media partners, of which The Bulletin news was part of. A sponsor who plays a very important role in a day to day running of the college is the Kalulu Foundation. A very young man was introduced to give a message of support. Dr Sizwe Mkhwanazi, who is doing his Doctoral Degree in the (UK), explained the term “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” The Fourth Industrial Revolution is simply a new way of thinking, meaning

students must be able to use education to benefit the community they live in. He also said that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is here to replace CVs. Dr Mkhwanazi continued his speech by emphasising the importance of TVET colleges as they render required skills in the working environment. He concluded his powerful speech by giving a short story of a man who died at the hands of post-apartheid soldiers. When he died, he said: “Rona Re Bantu” meaning why do you kill or dislike us? We are also humans. By that line, he challenges the employment sector to stop undermining college graduates because they are also qualified as university graduates. The next speaker was introduced, Dr Enhle Sambo, who didn’t waste time as she raised her concerns about the unemployment rate in South Africa which is 29%. 56% of the unemployed population is young people that are graduates. She continued with her speech as she told the new graduates that life begins after this joyous moment. She said the time of brokenness is beginning, but graduates must keep on persevering because it will bring good results. She also explained the difference between losing and failing. Sambo said losing is simply dying but failing is all about going down and getting back up again and continuing to do it until you are successful. With those words, Sambo told graduates to keep on knocking and sending those CVs and that it will

get better. A huge applaud as she concluded her speech by wishing South African women a joyous: “HAPPY WOMENS MONTH!!!” Gert Sibande TVET College Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs P. Mange, gave her vote of thanks to the partners present as well as the students dedication for the past few years. Mange recognised their hard work as she broke the good news that the Gert Sibande College, Evander campus, is currently leading with the highest pass rate in the province of Mpumalanga. A new department was also launched that students may start enrolling in called

Maritime. This specifically deals with oceans. A great excitement aroused as students started making their way to the podium to get their hardearned certificates. There were mixed emotions as parents were singing and shouting of joy saying: “USIGCINE KWAZEKWABALA!!!” (God has kept us till this far!) Some cried out of joy, some were very excited to graduate in front of the big crowd that attended. The event was also attended by Pastor Peter Dos Santos who prayed for blessings upon anyone who attended the graduation. - Sandile Mkhwanazi

9 August 2019

SPORT NEWS

19th Sasol Techno X: hugely successful again This year’s Sasol Techno X was the 19th and definitely a step above the rest. The Techno X exhibition alternates between Sasolburg and Secunda and this was the third time the exhibition was hosted in Secunda. The Techno X exhibition serves to showcase the world of opportunities available to learners after they have finished school. The main focus of the exhibitions was to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. It is also targeted at the STEM related skills that can be developed in the youth of today. This year was extremely well organised and schools as far as Kwa-Zulu Natal attended the exhibition. The theme was: “Dream. Explore. Become.” Some of the exhibitions available were a virtual reality station, an explanation of how coal is mined and the machinery involved and how Sasol produces plastic. These were only a few

exhibitions on show for the week. There were competitions the learners could take part in too: art competition, science competition and also designing garments from recyclable materials. The latter was definitely a highlight as the children’s creativeness had no boundaries and their pride in their designs showed when they modelled for the crowd and judges. The SpringBots, hosted by Prommac and CGI Holdings, inspired the children with their achievements and taught them that in today’s world one can teach oneself anything and can do anything one sets one’s mind to. Mrs Maureen Mboshane, Vice President for Corporate Affairs, Sasol Secunda Operations, said the following in a statement released to the press: “The intention behind Techno X is to motivate learners to dream big while empowering them to make these dreams a reality.” – Ané Prinsloo

VACANCIES VAKATURES TO ADVERTISE CALL 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845

The SpringBots at the Prommac and CGI Holdings stall explaining robotics and encouraging the learners to pursue their dreams and never give up because everything is possible with the technology that is available today.

Layher opens doors in Secunda

Layher moved to Secunda after 7 years of being based in Johannesburg. The South African subsidiary of the German scaffolding manufacturer opened a new branch in Secunda in style on Friday, 2 August. Established over 75 years ago, Layher is the world’s largest producer and innovator of high-quality system scaffolding. Since its establishment, Layher has pioneered advanced scaffolding systems and is consistently at the forefront of innovation, safety and quality. Based in Johannesburg since 2011, South African subsidiary Layher (Pty) Ltd provides local training

and innovation, with a focus on safety, versatility and high standards of engineering and service provision. Offering training and technical support, Layher’s skilled local engineers design and, where necessary, provide technical assistance in the assembly of scaffolding. Layher understands market-specific needs and works closely with contractors and clients to ensure the successful outcome of projects. Layher’s products are well used and accepted at industrial locations worldwide. Layher prides itself on providing specific solutions to local challenges with a team of

engineers designing the structure, providing training, ensuring the correct selection of materials and assisting with on-site assembly of the scaffolding system. The move to Secunda was inevitable in the company’s pursuit to bringing more proximity to its client base currently doing work at Secunda and the power plants in the Mpumalanga region. A move in the right direction to provide more proximity, more efficiency and more possibilities!

SCHOOL

9 August 2019

SERVICES Laerskool Trichardt vaar puik in sport TO ADVERTISE CALL: 017 631 1903 017 631 1845 MARIËTTE 083 476 2860 ANNALIE 082 906 0546 Die volgende seuns van Laerskool Trichardt is verkies tot die Gert Sibande landloopspan wat die 31 Augustus te Witrivier aan die Mpumalanga kampioenskappe gaan deelneem.

Laerskool Trichardt se O/11 skaakspan het ‘n derde plek verower by die Gert Sibande uitspele wat by Laerskool Kruinpark plaasgevind het.

Hoërskool Secunda wen Virseker Beker Kwarteindrondte

Laerskool Trichardt se B-skaakspan het ‘n derde plek verower by die Gert Sibande uitspele wat by Laerskool Kruinpark plaasgevind het.

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say: “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13

Op 3 Augustus het Hoërskool Secunda se O/14 rugbyspan teen Pietersburg in die kwarteindrondte van die Virseker Beker gespeel. Hoërskool Secunda het as die wenners weggestap met ‘n eindtelling van 20 - 13. Hulle speel eerskomende Saterdag in die semi-finaal teen Klerksdorp, te Klerksdorp.

Die volgende landloop-atlete van Laerskool Secunda is gekies vir die Gert Sibande-span en sal op 31 Augustus aan die Mpumalanga Kampioenskappe (MUSSA) in Witrivier deelneem. VLNR: Amorè Roets en Liane van der Merwe. MLNR: Michaela Hobkirk , Daylen Mathee, Gabby de Olivieira (podium plek 3de) ALNR: Liane Smit en Lu-Mari du Plessis

Cheri Rudolph van Hoërskool Secunda, het Vrydag 2 Augustus aan die Nasionale ATKVFinaal deelgeneem. Sy het ‘n 3de plek in die afdeling: Eerste Addisionele Taal Onvoorbereid Gr.10-12 behaal.

9 August 2019

SPORT NEWS

Goedehoop spog met vele prestasies

Die volgende redenaars het uitstekend presteer tydens Artisticulta Nasionaal wat plaasgevind het vanaf 11 – 13 Julie te Laerskool Wierdapark. Voor: Cayla Rossouw (Afrikaans Voorbereid: 3de – Graad 6), An-Eunè van Niekerk (Afrikaans Voorbereid: 2de – Graad 5), Karli van Schalkwyk (Engels Voorbereid: 5de – Graad 5), Suzaan Thomas (Engels Voorbereid: 5de – Graad 4) Agter: Me. Janette Coetzee, Nika Thomas (Engels Voorbereid: 6de – Graad 7), Calene Grobler (Engels Voorbereid: 6de – Graad 6), Juandri Fourie (Afrikaans Onvoorbereid: 2de – Graad 6)

Die volgende atlete dring deur na MUSSA wat plaasvind op 31 Augustus te Witrivier. Voor: Errie Bellingan, Minay Campher, Liam Olivier, Suzaan Thomas, Cheyenne Erasmus, Danankia Lesch, Tiaan Byleveld, Lynne Coetzer Agter: Elri Kruger, Leandri Engelbrecht, Clarise van Zyl, Nika Thomas, Mia du Toit, Chenèl Badenhorst, Roxy-Lee Fick, Luan Greyling

Marelize wen ATKV Redenaars Landsfinaal Laerskool Kruinpark se pragtige uitslae van die ATKV Redenaars Landsfinaal wat plaasgevind het by Goudini Spa in die Kaap. Marelize van Niekerk, Hoofdogter van Laerskool Kruinpark is aangewys is as die algehele wenner van die ATKV Redenaars Landsfinaal op 1 Augustus Hier ontvang sy haar prys van Mnr Gerrie Lemmer, Hoofbestuurder van ATKV Projekte. Laerskool Kruinpark is baie trots op hierdie Kekkelkous wat geskiedenis gemaak het as die eerste Kruinparker wat ‘n ATKV Landsfinaal wen!

Die volgende leerlinge dring deur na Radikale Redenaars Mpumalanga Finaal wat plaasvind op 17 Augustus te Cambridge, Witbank. Voor: Minke Coetzer, Cayla Rossouw, Wernich Rossouw, Karli van Schalkwyk, Suzaan Thomas, Elanie Breed Agter: An-Eunè van Niekerk, Danankia Lesch, Juandri Fourie, Nika Thomas, Kayla Hurter, Elri Jacobs, Calene Grobler, Erik Grobler, Wilmie Lyons, Lienke van Schalkwyk

Op 2 Augustus het Goedehoop se O/9-, O/11- en O/13-spanne aan die Gert Sibande Top Skole Skaakliga finaal deelgeneem. Twaalf skole het deelgeneem in die finaal. Goedehoop se O/13-span tree as ligawenners uit die stryd Jeandrè Beukes (Bord 6) wen al 5 sy rondtes. Voor: Franco Bester, Vida Mhlongo, Richard vd Walt Agter: Eljay van Heerden, Avon Smith, Juandrè Beukes, Wernich Rossouw Follow us on Instagram: thebulletininsa

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SCHOOL

9 August 2019

LEGAL TP Stratten's sport achievements NOTICES

PROPERTIES EIENDOMME

Drie personeellede van Laerskool TP Stratten was in die bevoorregte posisie om ‘n uitstekende Robotika Seminaar op 29 en 30 Augustus te Hoërskool Menlopark, Pretoria, by te woon. Solidariteit het hierdie 2-dag kursus gereël ter voorbereiding van die 4e Industriële Revolusie. Die formele aanbieding is deur me Angela Harris van die VSA gelewer. Bo: Me Tamzin Louw (grondslagfase onderwyseres), Me Mellita Gurupersad (seniorfase onderwyseres) en Mnr Mossie Ourique (skoolhoof).

Dedication on behalf of their children. Teachers of TP Stratten Primary braving the cold to accompany and support their mini hockey teams when playing friendly matches against Laerskool Standerton, Balfour, Krielpark, Kalie de Haas and Laerskool Hannes Visagie in Balfour on Saturday, 3 August. LTR: Ms Tamzin Louw, Mrs Lisa Jacobs, Mrs Mischka Carrim (foundation phase teachers as well as coaches) and coach Michelle Fakude.

TP Stratten played a friendly match against Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk on 1 August at their homegrounds. Retabile Tladi and Sindi Mlotshwa, U/13, are busy defending and played a major part in ensuring their team enjoys the match.

Magopurutse Tladi of TP Stratten’s U/11 hockey team is preparing to score a goal for his team in a league match against Laerskool Secunda on Friday, 2 August, at TP Stratten in Evander.

TP Stratten’s U/7 mini hockey girls participated in friendly matches on Saturday, 3 August, in Balfour. Other schools who took part in the day were Laerskool Standerton, Balfour, Kalie de Haas, Hannes Visagie and Krielpark. Samkelisiwe Mlambo and Lwanele Mzangwe, U/7, of TP Stratten are doing their best to win the ball foe their team.

TP Stratten Primary played a hockey league match against Laerskool Secunda on Friday, 2 August. Siyanda Mhlanga u/11, is charging towards the goal post trying to score a goal against Laerskool Secunda. TP Stratten complimented their opponents and thank them for the excellent spirit that the match was played in.

Laerskool Secunda fietsryers presteer by die Spur MTB skole bergfietsreeks

Laerskool Secunda se fietsryers het goed presteer by die Spur MTB skole berg-fietsreeks tydens hulle Interprovinsiale kompetisie wat op 3 Augustus in Nelspruit plaasgevind het. LNR: Leyla de Oliveiera – 4de Interprovinsiaal en 3de in Mpumalanga Robin Jones – 3de Interprovinsiaal en 2de in Mpumalanga Francois van Tonder – 2de Interprovinsiaal en 2de in Mpumalanga

9 August 2019

SPORT

Navigation Speed Rally at Secunda Airfield On Saturday, 6 October 2018, the firstever speed rally took place at Secunda Airfield organised by the Secunda Flying Club in association with SAPFA (South African Power Flying Association). The speed rally, being the first of its kind, had a completely new set of rules and regulations developed which included a brand-new penalty system. This year will see the final Speed Rally for the 2019 season at the Secunda Airfield. The Speed Rally will be held on the weekend of 9 and 10 August. 50 Teams entered the race, but the list will be finalised on the weekend. It is also the end of the season and this rally will also be used to determine the season’s winner. The rally is seen as a fun rally, although it is taken very seriously. The following is taken from Speed Rally Navigation Challenge Rules and Regulations: “The sport of fun flying is aimed to improve fundamental flying skills to enable a team (fun fly crew) to navigate and handle their aircraft under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) as independent

of technical subsystems as possible. Thus, fun flying enhances flying safety. This competition is designed as an introduction to rally and precision competitions and does not replace these as either national or international events. This overall aim for fun flying is achieved by: Emphasising the ability to navigate a given route using basic equipment Emphasising the ability to follow a precise track” The weekend will see several planes and teams ascending into Secunda and the skies will be buzzing with planes on Saturday. The teams will take to the skies on Saturday morning and will fly a predetermined route before returning to the airfield. With the 2019 season closing in at Secunda on 9 and 10 August, there is some serious competition between the Pilot Insure Speedsters and especially the top 5 sponsored teams on the championship list. At the time of print the championship leaders, Leon and Martin, are still securing their team sponsorship and stand a very good chance of winning

Terra Nova sponsors kit for soccer teams

the Pilot Insure 2019 Speed Rally Championships. However, some serious sponsored teams are breathing down their necks, Pilots Post-Race team, Mary and Phil, are in second place and have been a serious team to contend with, they too have a great chance of winning this championship. In third place we have the airplane Factory Sling racing team, David and James, that have had an exceptional season and stand a chance to win the championships, however, we are now moving into a group that need the top two to make a small mistake for the remaining team of Pilot Insure Team of Jonty and his son, Jonathan, only 100 points behind the leaders. The privately funded team of Johan and Cor are also on the heels of the top four. That said, there are serious teams breathing down the neck of the top speedsters for example the Prompt Roofing team of Leon and Sandi and the Beegle Micro Trackers team of Quintin and Johan have only raced 2 races and are in a great position to upset the applecart if they win or even

place in the top ten for the finale in the next Pilot Ensure Speed rally. The Mach 1 flying school that has gone from strength to strength with their eight teams, how the skill level has improved is epic and are in a position to do well. Not forgetting all the other speedsters that have proven to be exceptionally good and all have the opportunity to upset the standings and final results. Three father and son teams have challenged each other, competition is tight with Hendrik and son, Jeandre, who still have to beat Johan and his son, Quintin and Jonty and his son, Jonathan. Currently Jonty and Jonathan have won once as did Johan and Quintin. The build-up to this finale is something not to be missed. Beegle Micro Trackers have sponsored 5 tracking units to the top 4 sponsored teams and their team. They will be showing the race live on their website and can be watched all around the world. -Encee van Huyssteen - www.flightlineweekly.com - www.speedrally.co.za

K.S.A Suid hou Algemene Jaarvergadering

Die naweek van die 2 de tot die 4de Augustus het K.S.A Suid oos hulle jaarlikse Algemene Jaarvergadering by Kamp Oase gehou om hulle nuwe kommitee te verkies. Die nuwe Voorsitter is Mnr J P van der Westhuizen en die Onder Voorsitter is Mnr BMG Buitendag. Kontank gerus vir Barend 072 727 4851 om meer inligting oor die karavaan klub te bekom. Die klub vier vanjaar hulle 40ste bestaans jaar

Terra Nova sponsored the kit for two soccer teams: Terra Nova FC (green and white) and the OK Foods team (blue). The teams captains are Knowledge Shiburi (Terra Nova FC) and Anton Mukaele (OK Foods). With the teams are George Chauke, Chairman of the teams and Mandy Loubser from Terra Nova.

9 AUGUST

2019

Bulletin

Sasol DigiMag Secures Title

It was a hard fought game to secure the title of Mpumalanga Champions. Sasol triumphed against White River, at Mbobela Stadium, in a game that was equally balanced. The final score was 22 - 20 in Sasol’s favour. The first half did not see Sasol DigiMag play their normal game and they allowed White River to play their own game ,but in true Sasol fashion they consolidated and started to play their own game. Slowly they started to force their game plan on the game. The forwards struggled to find their rhythm in the first half much to the frustration of the backs but that also improved as the game progressed. The lineouts were a pleasure to watch. Sasol managed to secure a number of the opponents’ balls in their lineouts. Scrums seemed equally matched with Whit River pushing Sasol upwards in one or two scrums. The backline had

their defences tested on numerous occasions as White River tried to break through the line. The replacements to Sasol’s team came at the right time and added much needed fire to the backline. This helped the backline to gain dominance over the opponent’s backline. The conversions were spot on as well as the penalty kicks. Sasol managed to keep the pressure on White River until the final whistle. White River came with a final burst in the final stages of the game, but could not break Sasol’s defences. Sasol faced White River three times this season. Sasol won the first and White River the other two. In the end it all came down to the final. This was the decider for the title and the opportunity to play against the other best clubs in the country during the Gold Cup 2020. Well done Sasol in being victorious in the Phakisa Premier League Championships!

Emotions ran high after the final whistle blew and Sasol Digimag snagged the title.