Bulletin Newspaper 24 April 2020

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24 April 2020

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Rural areas:FREE • Platteland: GRATIS

Give and take

Mel and Tyson reunited When a semi-tame lioness escaped from her encampment, it was up to a team of dedicated conservationists to lure, dart and return her to her home before scaremongers perpetuated a plan to halt all the sanctuary’s operations.

Read the full story on page 3

PAGE 3

See what you can and cannot do on page 4.

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24 April 2020

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M E D I A

Food Bank to help the hungry Personeel | Personnel Redakteur / Editor Joe Dreyer 072 930 1462 joe@bulletin.us.com Joernaliste / Journalists Roelof de Jonge 078 672 7306 roelof@bulletin.us.com Ontwerp / Design Tessa Thompson 079 653 6317 tessa@bulletin.us.com Deborah Varrie debz@bulletin.us.com

Bemarking / Marketing Chrizelle Dreyer 082 628 4181 chrizelle@bulletin.us.com Sarel Barwise 071 484 5154 sarel@bulletin.us.com Admin / Finance Jacqueline Allan admin@bulletin.us.com Drukker/Printer: Novus Print Office: 064 650 7123 Kantoor: 015 306 0198

Verspreiding | Distribution Tzaneen • Haenertsburg • Modjadjiskloof • Mooketsi • Letsitele Gravelotte • Ofcolaco • Lenyenye Nkowankowa • Phalaborwa FAR NORTH MEDIA

Kontak besonderhede Contact Details

Posbus/P O Box 3838, Tzaneen, 0850.

Tel: 015 306 0198 072 930 1462 (Joe) Fax: 086 502 1853 17B Second Avenue, Tzaneen E-posadresse/E-mail addresses: Agri-advertensies/Agri ads: joe@bulletin.us.com Briewe/Letters: joe@bulletin.us.com Events: tessa@bulletin.us.com Nuus & foto’s/News & photos: joe@bulletin.us.com Copyright © 2016 Far North Bulletin All rights reserved. No part of this publication (including editorial, artwork and layout) may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or be transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission by Far North Bulletin.

Website Visit our website at www.bulletin.us.com and read the latest news, as well as back copies.

■ Joe Dreyer Tzaneen’s Municipal Manager, Thapelo Matlala, has continued his campaign to alleviate the struggle imposed upon the residents of his municipality during the Covid-19 outbreak by establishing the GTM Food Bank.

During the course of the last two weeks he has been tirelessly pitching the idea of a central storage site for any food and essentials garnered from the business owners and farmers of the area, and has managed to secure and safely house these donations at various drop off points around Tzaneen town. The main drop off area is located at the GTM municipal buildings in Tzaneen where a traffic department garage has been repurposed to this end.

When Bulletin visited the site this morning (Friday, 24th of April) there were large stacks of cabbages, butternuts, avocadoes, mielie meel, boxes of fruit juices, grapefruit, and oranges at the store. Komati group was busy delivering another shipment of citrus and avocadoes.

The municipality has also received a large supply of mattresses and comforters.

“It has been a remarkable response and sponsors came pouring in. The food received to date will

be distributed according to the list supplied by Sassa within the Greater Tzaneen area,” said Matlala. “We cannot thank our farming community enough for the support during this time.”

To circumvent the problems that have been cropping up in areas where there have been reports of people taking advantage of the food parcel schemes, the GTM has partnered with local wholesaler, Premjee’s and devised a unique Food Bank voucher system.

“Initially, Premjee’s came on board and wanted to donate food parcels to people in need, at their stores in Tzaneen and the rural areas. We foresaw that his could cause some problems unless we did not find a way to better control the handouts.

That’s when we came up with the voucher system.”

How it works, is Premjee’s have allocated a monetary value equal to that of the food parcels they were donating. These funds they paid into an account. The GTM then produced food vouchers to the value of the parcels which they will distribute to beneficiaries on the SASSA list. The beneficiaries can take the vouchers to any of the Premjee’s stores and exchange them for a food parcel. Each voucher is valued at R350. The program will run for the next three months.

Malaria cases down from last year ■ Joe Dreyer

Noodnommers Emergency numbers Tzaneen

Ambulance / Ambulans Police / Polisie Fire Brigade / Brandweer Electricity / Electrisiteit Water Municipality / Munisipaliteit Letaba Fire Protection Ass. Fire / Brand nr.

Citizen Band Van Velden Hospital/Hospitaal Mediclinic Tzaneen Child line

10177 / 015 307 7077 10111 / 015 306 2129 015 307 5555 / 7000 015 307 4356/8190 a/h 015 307 8000/8190 a/h 015 307 8000 076 550 2260 076 844 1646 Foxtrot Papa Alpha/ Letaba Fire Ops. 015 307 8800 015 306 8500 0800 055 555

As South Africans have become accustomed to the new lifestyle brought about by the nationwide lock down, many residents of the Mopani District seemed to have become oblivious to the ever-present threat of Malaria. Malaria is endemic in the north-eastern parts of Limpopo, with the transmission being seasonal and limited seasonal transmission occurring in the western Waterberg and parts of southern Sekhukhune.

With media both nationally and internationally focussing all attention on the covid-19 pandemic, the serious reality of living in a “Malaria hotspot” appears to have escaped most. But, conversely to some sensationalised reporting on the matter, the infection rate recorded by the Limpopo department of health has shown a steady decline in malaria infections for the current season.

According to the information received from the

Jaques van Niekerk For your wireless Communication needs, contact us!

Call Centre: 086 101 7488 Fax: 086 606 4606 Email: info@letaba.net

Optometrist

Gratis voorgeskrewe sonbril saam met enige voorgeskrewe bril

and beginning of April, mostly affected the Northern part of Vhembe and parts of Mopani such as the Greater Giyani area. Most cases were reported from Madimbo, Folovhovwe, Masisi and Makuya Clinics, with a higher number of cases also reported from Musina and Donald Fraser hospitals.

“In order to reduce the transmission of malaria, the Limpopo health department has 42 malaria teams operational, to conduct the spraying of houses. During the 2019/20 financial year, 882 620 structures were sprayed (95% of targeted structures), which is up from the 663 572 structures in 2017/18,” the report read.

The department health assures all residents that all health facilities in Limpopo are prepared to deal with increased malaria cases. Public Health Care (PHC) facilities can all test for malaria and treatment is available at this level. All hospitals also have access to the latest malaria treatment regime available.

department, which is data compiled by the local Malaria Institute, malaria accounts for an average of between 3 000 and 8 000 infections annually resulting in an average of around 40 deaths.

“While malaria remains at between 3,000 to 8,000 cases per year, 2017/18 saw a dramatic upsurge in malaria, with 18 977 cases and 160 deaths reported in the 2017/18 season. The Department was able to turn the situation around, with 6 606 cases and 38 deaths reported in the 2018/19 period and 3 781 and 28 deaths in 2019/20.”

With April being the normal peak month for malaria, 938 cases and two deaths were report for April 2020 to date. The current increase occurred during the last week of March and the first week of April. “As from the 13th of April however, cases declined to lower levels and it is expected to remain low, as we are approaching winter.”

The upsurge experienced at the end of March

Stand van Damme Dam Levels

Foto deur: Willie & Mariette Source: www.dwa.gov.za Information updated: 17/04/2020

Tzaneen 20.0%

Ebenezer 20.9%

Merensky 101.2%

Dap Naude 10.8%

Middel Letaba 4.2%

Blyde Rivier Poort 100.3%

Klaserie 102.2%

Tours 28.5%

Vergelegen 101.3%

Ohrigstad 12.5%

*Termes & voorwaardes geld.

Tel: 015 307 3703 11 Rencole Building, Loop Street, Tzaneen

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EXCLUSIVE ■

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24 April 2020

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‘Escaped’ lioness back home safely

Joe Dreyer

A couple of lions caused quite the stir the last two weeks when they escaped from their enclosure at the SanWild Wildlife sanctuary in Gravelotte. Like wildfire, reports hit the wire of an escaped lion roaming the grounds of neighbouring farms in that area in search of fresh meat. It went as far as some serious accusations being thrown around by wildlife organization believed to have done so in pursuit of their own ulterior motives. The matter has since been taken up by the SanWild trustees through their legal representative.

Bulletin spent a morning on the grounds of the sanctuary with the manager of the grounds, Willie Smit, to find out the truth behind the rumours and accompany him and his group as they recaptured the two tame beasts.

“It is actually quite ironic that the two lions in question are our two tamest animals on the grounds,” explained Willie as we walked through the bush. “The lioness is named Mel and the male is Tyson.

The two of them arrived here at the sanctuary together and have been sort of a couple ever since then. They are quite inseparable.”

Mel and Tyson share one of the enclosure on the sanctuary grounds and according to the evidence gathered, it appears as though Mel was chasing a porcupine which had somehow slipped into the enclosure through the electrified fencing. With the porcupine having shorted out the fence, the lioness managed to pursue the porcupine as it darted underneath the wires to evade the predator’s claws.

“Now, what amazes me is how quickly the rumour that the lion was prowling around the neighbouring farm had spread. We informed our neighbours, the Osmers’ family, of the escape and asked whether they had noticed one of our cats on their property to which they responded with a resounding no. We then spotted Mel hiding in the bushes around the lion enclosure, still on the SanWild property.”

Smit said that they continued to put out food for her in an effort to lure her back into her enclosure, but she would rush in and grab the meat and hide thick bush before they could catch her.

I eventually walked with a piece of meat in my hand against the enclosure fence to lure Tyson into the direction where Mel was hiding.

This seemed to work as she then appeared from out of the shrubbery. Problem is that when I put the meat down for her to eat, Tyson grabbed it and ran off!”

Smit contacted the NSPCA in Tzaneen, the Limpopo Department Economic Development Environment and Tourism and registered a case with the Gravelotte SAPS as per protocol. His team monitored the movement of the lion until the arrival of Bossie Bosman, a veterinarian from Wildlife Vet in Gravelotte, who darted the animal and returned her safely to her enclosure.

Bulletin was at the scene through the entire operation which was over in less than an hour. Bosman remained on the scene after the recapture to monitor the lions while they recovered from the sedation.

(Tyson had to be darted as well, for the rescuers to safely enter the enclosure and return his feline compatriot to her home).

“There was no need for a helicopter and a massive hunt for the animal,” explained Bosman after he administered the antibiotics. “She was never gone and never left the sanctuary. We knew where she was the whole time, we just couldn’t get a clear shot while she was hiding in the thick bush. It took us a while to lure her out into the open long enough for me to get a shot. There was nothing sinister about any of this, it sometimes happens that animals find their way out of their enclosures.”

Willie Smit and Yke Osmers Jnr, assisted by members of the SanWild team, carry the sedated Mel to her encampment

None of the animals were hurt in the process and Bosman was satisfied that they both gained their full consciousness before he left the scene. Smit and his team monitored the lions throughout the evening and all was clear by the time of going to print.

“From our side I want to express my thanks and gratitude for the assistance received from Yke Osmers Jnr, Bossie Bosman, Shaun Potgieter of Tzaneen Buurtwag and Van Heerden’s Pharmacy in Tzaneen. It was a great team effort that resulted in the successful recapture of Mel without the need for any drastic measures. For that, we are thankful.”

Bulletin editor, Joe Dreyer grabs his photo moment with Mel.

Wildlife vet, Bossie Bosman examines Mel on the back of the Landcruiser after she was darted.

Rachel and hubby, Yke Osmers and Annatjie Smit look on.

Bulletin has posted a video of this recapture on our Facebook page and photographs have been published on our Instagram account @ Bulletintzn.

SUMMARY OF ALERT LEVELS

24 April 2020

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5 ALERT LEVELS

N O R T H

ALERT LEVEL 4

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M E D I A

ALERT LEVEL 3

ALERT LEVEL 2

ALERT LEVEL 1

Physical distancing and restrictions on leisure and social activities to prevent a resurgence of the virus.

Most normal activity can resume, with precautions and health guidelines followed at all times.

OBJECTIVE Drastic measures to contain the spread of the virus and save lives.

Extreme precautions to limit community transmission and outbreaks, while allowing some activity to resume.

Restrictions on many activities, including at workplaces and socially, to address a high risk of transmission.

Population prepared for an increase in alert levels if necessary.

SECTORS PERMITTED Only essential services as per existing regulations.

All essential services, plus a limited number of sectors with a low rate of transmission and high economic or social value.

A wider range of Most sectors permitted, sectors permitted with with limitations a low to moderate remaining where the risk of risk of transmission transmission is high. that can be effectively mitigated.

All sectors permitted.

RETAIL PERMITTED (including stores, eCommerce and informal traders) Only essential goods, including food, medical products, cleaning and hygiene products, fuel, and winter goods such as blankets and heaters.

All essential goods, as well books, stationery and office equipment.

Alcohol may be sold within restricted hours, and in limited quantities, for off-site consumption.

All retail permitted at levels 5 and 4, as well as clothing stores and hardware stores.

All retail permitted.

All retail permitted.

Restaurants and fast food outlets may open for delivery and take-away.

Restaurants may open, with stringent social distancing measures.

All South Africans are encouraged to stay at home as far as possible, and limit their interactions with others.

All South Africans are encouraged to stay at home as far as possible, and limit their interactions with others.

You may leave home, but take precautions while interacting with others.

No inter-provincial movement of people, except to return to usual place of residence, for transportation of goods and exceptional circumstances (e.g. funerals).

Movement between provinces at levels 1 and 2. Movement from provinces at a higher level to those with a lower level may be restricted.

Restaurants and fast food outlets may open for delivery only.

MOVEMENT You must stay at home unless you are an essential worker. You may leave home only to purchase essential goods or seek medical care.

No inter-provincial movement of people, except for transportation of goods and exceptional circumstances (e.g. funerals).

You must stay at home except to go to work, do shopping where necessary, or seek medical care.

No inter-provincial movement of people, except to return to usual place of residence, for transportation of goods and exceptional circumstances (e.g. funerals).

Curfew in place between 7pm and 5am.

Interprovincial movement allowed, with restrictions on international travel.

Curfew lifted.

Walking, jogging and cycling permitted.

GATHERINGS All public gatherings are prohibited.

All public gatherings are prohibited.

All public gatherings are prohibited.

All public gatherings are prohibited.

All public gatherings are prohibited.

TRANSPORT Bus services, taxi services, e-hailing and private motor vehicles may operate at restricted times, with limitations on vehicle capacity and stringent hygiene requirements.

Passenger rail, bus services, taxi services, e-hailing and private motor vehicles may operate subject to directions.

Limited domestic air Limited domestic air travel, with a restriction travel, with a restriction on the number of on the number of flights per day and flights per day and authorisation based on authorisation based on the reason for travel. the reason for travel.

EDUCATION

Directions to be issued by the Minister of Basic Education and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Domestic air travel restored.

SUMMARY OF ALERT LEVELS

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24 April 2020

5

Egpaar oorleef middernag vlamme hel ■

Joe Dreyer

“Jy sal jou nie kan indink hoe vinnig so ‘n brand deur jou huis jaag nie.

En dit maak so gruwelike geluid ook! Nee wragtig daar was net ontploffings en goed wat val om jou. Soos iets uit een van daai oorlogflieks.” So het oom Johannes Kotzé (63) die gebeure van Donderdagoggend, 23ste April, aan Bulletin beskryf.

Om middernag is oom Johannes en sy vrou, tannie Elise (61), saam deur ‘n harde slag vanuit een van die aangrensde kamers in hul huis wakker geskud. Hierdie slag is deur ‘n gesuis gevolg en oom Johannes is uit om ondersoek te gaan instel.

“Ek het dadelik gesien daar is fout en terug kamer toe gedraf om vroulief te kry sodat tons uit die huis kan kom. Ons het eers probeer om die vuur te blus, maar dit was ter vergeefs en besluit toe om te gryp wat ons kon en uit te hardloop,” vertel hy. “Dit is iets verskrikliks hoor. Binne sekondes is ons deur die rook omring en dit is toe dat ons agterkom ons gaan in die moeilikheid wees as ons nie nou hier uit kom nie.”

Die egpaar is daar uit en oomblikke later is die brandweer op die toneel. Een van die bure moes hulle ontbied het. ‘n Ondersoek deur die assessors die volgende oggend het bevestig dat die brand deur ‘n elektriese kortsluiting in ‘n multi-prop in die tannie se naaldwerkkamer veroorsaak is. Die kortsluiting het vonke veroorsaak wat op hul beurt die linne in die kamer in vlamme in laat uitbars het. Binne oomblikke was tannie Elize se naaldwerkkamer ‘n woedende inferno.

Slegs 20 minute na die brand ontstaan het, het die Mopani Distrik se brandweerspanne reeds die ergste van die vlammer onder beheer gebring. Deon van Tonder het die egpaar onder oë gehad en lede van die Tzaneen Buurtwag het begin inval om te probeer red wat gered kon word. Die Kotzé’s is van die toneel af na hulle dogter, Chantelle, se huis toe waar hul tans die res van die grendelperiode sal deurbring. Daarna sal hul soek vir nuwe blyplek.

“Ons het 22 jaar in hierdie huis gewoon en ons kinders is almal daar groot gemaak. Maar niks kan daar gered word nie en so ons sal nou na al hierdie corona-besigheid verby is, begin te soek vir ‘n plekkie om te huur. Daarna sal ons moontlik vir ons ‘n kKleiner plekkie op daai erf bou. Tzaneen het het weereens aan ons bewys hoe ‘n gemeenskap kan saam staan in tye van nood. Vir julle almal sê ons hartlik baie dankie.”

Bulletin het besluit om hand by te sit en sal deur die loop van volgende week enige donasies in die vorm van klere en linne of enige ander toebehore, by gemeenskapslede kom oplaai en vir die egpaar neem.

Ons sal net eers seker maak wat als kort, en sal dan vir ons lesers ‘n kennisgewing op oor ons Faceboek-blad pos. Hou gerus sosiale media dop.

Peter Gouws, Chris van Vuuren, Quintus Rossouw, Louis Bosshoff, Victor Loucao, Ludi Bhotma, Shaun Potgieter, Daniel Bronckhortst en Jason Thompson.

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24 April 2020

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LOCK DOWN ESSENTIAL SERVICES Evac 911 083 708 8749

Ambulance Dispatch Service Deon van Tonder Advance Life Support Paramedic

083 641 7406

Home & Decor by die Sirkel Ashie 082 978 6720

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24 April 2020

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NEED WATER? NEED WATER? WATER DRILLING

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We are here to meet all your water & irrigation needs!

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072 011 8402 / 072 918 0250

afri@tzaneen.co.za

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24 April 2020

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LET’S TALK REAL ESTATE Are you looking to buy a home but not sure whether to buy a full title home or in a sectional title complex?

In this months edition of Let’s talk Real Estate, we’ll be giving the pros and cons of owning both freehold or Sectional title property.

First, let’s start by explaining the difference between Sectional Title Townhouses and Full Title houses.

Sectional Title As the name suggests, sectional title describes separate ownership of units or sections within a complex or development.

When you buy into a sectional title development, you purchase a section or sections, as well as an undivided share of the common use areas.

Full Title Full title ownership means the transfer of

full ownership rights to the buyer when purchasing the property, including the whole building and the land it is built on. Generally, these types of properties include free-standing houses, cluster homes and smallholdings.

Property remains the best investment a single person will make in their lifetime. When selecting a property to buy, you have to look at the specific need of the purchase you make. Needs change based on the age of the buyer, the size of your family, the ages of the children, current employment structure, use of the property and many more factors. But regardless of these, the best time to purchase is always Now. So let’s look at these two property types and how they will fit into your lifestyle.

Sectional Title The Pros: • Increased safety and security.

• Property taxes are lower than freehold homes.

• A community lifestyle filled with lots of social contacts and the companionship of close neighbours.

• No garden, lawn or pool maintenance.

• Due to higher demand of Sectional title units by tenants, these makes an excellent investment.

• Building insurance, security and complex maintenance are all covered by Levies, so these are not the responsibility of the owner, but the Body Corporate.

• Easy to lock up and go when you want to travel.

61 Boundary Road, Tzaneen 015 307 7677 082 447 1512 nicola.strydom@seeff.com

• Ideal for investors since these units usually sell at a more affordable price to the landlord who can then in turn charge a lower rental.

The Cons: • Unreasonably high Body Corporate levies in some complexes.

• Restrictive rules and regulations limiting owners from renovating and making changes to the exterior of the property .

• A possible lack of privacy due to shared communal areas.

• Rude or noisy neighbours.

• Restricted living and storage space.

• Insufficient secure off-road parking.

• Administrative duties can be time-consuming and stressful.

• Poor management from Body corporate in some complexes.

• Pets are usually not allowed in Sectional title complexes.

• Owners or trustees may try to push through unpopular proposals at AGM’s and in some cases, using proxy votes.

Full Title Houses The Pros: • The owner has got the freedom to alter and extend the exterior of his property (within municipal building regulations).

• Owners have the ability to keep pets.

• As an owner you’ve got the right to rent out one or more sections of your home.

• Freedom to install any additions such as, satellite dish, swimming pool, gardens, carports or borehole.

The Cons: • Neighbours may neglect their property which may deter your future buyers and may bring down the average sales price of the area, in turn affecting your asking price.

• Your neighbours are free to make changes to their home which may be aesthetically unappealing.

• All costs related to the property are payable by the homeowner including security, upgrades and general maintenance.

• All administrative costs of owning a freehold or full title property are payable by the homeowner including insurance.

Now taking into consideration all these factors the choice lies with the buyer to choose in which type of property they would want to invest.

With the help of an experienced and knowledgeable estate agent, buyers can get insight into which areas have better re sale values?

Which properties are in higher demand in your specific area? Which properties will yield a greater ROI(Return on investment), Which are safer areas to buy in.

But the most important is to do your homework. Agents know their areas and complexes. Agents also know which complexes are a higher risk when it comes to bad management and poor financial status. So don’t be afraid to the questions.

HAPPY HOUSE OR TOWNHOUSE HUNTING!

Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions.

- Dallin H. Oaks

Smouskous l Classifieds Services Dienste Limpopo Paint Pot Paint, arts and crafts and more.

Visit us in store for specials.

56 Boundary Road, Tzaneen 015 307 3517 ________________________ Handyman General Steelwork, Plumbing Waterproofing.

Tzaneen & Letsitele Area Contact Marius on 064 918 4161 ________________________ Dulux Paint Centre Need paint or other supplies?

Get in touch right away 40 Danie Joubert Street 015 307 7756 __________________________________

Forum Makelaars Makelaars / Brokers Contact 015 307 4229 lynette@fsabrokers.co.za __________________________________

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Sleebok Supplier of quality granite, engineered quartz and Caesar Stone.

Private home owners and building contractors are welcome. www.sleebok.co.za 015 307 1205/6005 __________________________________

Limpopo Party Hire Jumping castles, Water slides, Balloon water dunk, Popcorn machine, Candy floss machine.

073 265 2650 __________________________________

Dedam Security/Steelworks/Construction Contact Mike on 071 302 8909/ 082 298 5352 dedamsteelworks@gmail. com __________________________________

Duvenhage Furniture Removals

Ons verpak en verseker landwyd.

Marlien: 083 252 8928

Fabric & Decor Your one stop interior decor and fashion design destination. Curtaining, Upholstery, Blinds, Haberdashery, Dress Fabrics, Wool, Bed Linen, Exclusive Furniture.

015 307 4467

__________________________________

Ultimate Security

Garage doors & motors, Roller shutters, Awnings and much more .Contact: 015 307 1768

pump & injectors Calibrating of pump & injectors • Service of petrol injectors • Reconditioning of Turbo’s 064 524 4000 / 071 885 8840

__________________________________

Jaques van Niekerk Optometrist Gratis voorgeskrewe sonbril saam met enige voorgeskrewe bril. Terms & voorwaardes geld.

015 307 3703

__________________________________

__________________________________

(TERME & VOORWAARDES GELD)

Hobby Print

For all your printing!

Full colour work, from invoice books, statements, programmes, wedding cards, school reports, advertising material, calendars and much more.

Contact 015 309 9382.

083 628 9257

__________________________________

Wisani Burial Society 24 Hour emergency numbers 083 513 4988 helene@wisani.co.za __________________________________

Kloofsig Diesel Service & Repair of diesel

Vervoer/Transport

Steynberg Trok & Trekker.

8 Ton Trokke te huur R25.50/KM + BTW, 8 TON KOELER TROK R28/ KM + BTW, 12 TON TROK R27.50/KM + BTW, 35 TON TROK R42/KM + BTW & 20 TON @ R34.50/KM + BTW ,LOWBED TRAILER @ R34.50/KM +BTW, 6 CUBE TIPPER @ R27/KM + BTW EENRIGTING, VRAGMOTOR MET KRAAN @ R2700/DAG

Authorised dealer & Service centre 015 307 1849 contact@starspares.com www.starsparestzaneen.com

SKAKEL VIR KWOTASIE: 0764109503 0828517139 OF 015-3451192 0846270956

DASS Domestic appliances.

Speed Queen, Bosch, Whirlpool, Defy etc. Repairs, spares and service.

We collect and deliver.

11 Plantation Rd, Tzaneen.

015 307 1798 082 898 0468

2nd HAND SHOP Bargains Galore We buy, sell and pawn.

Furniture, appliances, kitchen ware, jewelry ect. Best value for your money. Visit us at 11 Plantation Rd or call 015 307 1171 082 472 8483

VERVOER & VERPAK VAN MEUBELS SKAKEL MELODY VIR KWOTASIE 015 345 1192/ 084 627 0956 076 410 9503 082 851 7139 Epos:troktrek@mweb.co.za www.steynbergmeubelvervoer.com

Dr Spies & Partners Tzaneen & Duiwelskloof 015 590 0098 Tzaneen Diabetic Care Centre 015 590 0098

Jobseeker

Jobseeker

My name is Julia Senyolo. I’m looking for Full time Domestic work. I can start immediately. Tzaneen area. Contact me on 060 757 5986 ________________________

My name is Rosinah Ramodike. I’m looking for Full time Domestic work. Washing, ironing and all cleaning.

Can look after children. I can start immediately. Tzaneen area. Sleep out only, Monday to Friday. For reference contact Carlien (072 309 3879).

Contact me on 082 597 7973 ________________________ My name is Prudence Bottoman.I am looking for Full or Part time Domestic work. Can look after children.

Tzaneen area. Sleep out. Very neat and well presented.

Worked for four years for previous employer, references available. Please contact me on 072 442 2805. ________________________

My name is Venecia Ramatseba. I’m looking for Full time Office or Domestic work. I can start immediately. Tzaneen, Letsitele or Duiwelskloof area.

Contact me on 073 254 9124. ________________________ My name is Bridgette Chauke. I’m looking for Full time Domestic work or General Work. Washing, ironing and all cleaning. Can look after children. I can start immediately. Tzaneen area.

Sleep out only, Monday to Saturday. Contact me on 078 779 5154 ________________________

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24 April 2020

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Granny’s Grumbles - THE VOLUNTEER

As Forest Gump’s mother said when Forest was called up for war duty “Just volunteer for everything – that way you keep out of trouble”, That is probably okay in the army but in real life it often comes back to bite you.

It was the mid- nineties – my husband and I were both employed by the mine and had received an invitation to attend the management Christmas party on Friday 6th December. This was the first year we had been invited so it was quite a big deal for us. When I passed on the good news to my hubby after work he merely grunted and reminded me that I had volunteered to work at the Refugee Christmas party the day after and was being picked up at eight in the morning. I didn’t think it was a problem – I always wake up at five.

The party was tremendous – we were at a table

full of party people – very often at mine get-togethers you are led to a table which has been picked by somebody and are put with people with whom you have absolutely nothing in common. Wine flowed, the band played and the evening wore on. I don’t know what the time was when a waiter came around pushing a trolley loaded with liqueurs – I think I tried every one of them. As the evening wore on my husband kept giving me ‘the look´ which indicated that it was time to go home. Not that night – I was enjoying myself far too much. Eventually there were only ten people left in the hall – six of whom were sitting at our table. My husband insinuated that the waiters were looking a trifle miffed about the hangers-on. “True” said the South American doctor who was sitting at our table “Let’s all go back to my place and end off the evening with Irish coffee”. What a good idea or so I thought.

The folks at the other table joined us and the ten of us went off to enjoy a glorious ending to a fantastic evening. My husband eventually managed to drag me away and on the way home I mentioned the funny red light on the other side of town. Turned out it was the sun coming up.

The time was 4.30 – the sun comes up early during December. By the time we reached home and got undressed it was five o’clock – hubby told me not to wake him up when I left at eight. I suddenly realised that I only had three hours left to pick-up time.

Definitely not a good idea to lay down - I had a cold shower and about four cups of coffee – the weather forecast said 38 degrees so a pair of modest shorts, a tee shirt and slops. When Karlien arrived to pick me up she was impressed that I was ready and standing at the gate – the only reason being that if I had sat down on a comfortable chair I would have undoubtedly passed out. “Looked like you were enjoying yourself last

night – we left at midnight and your table looked like they were all set to carry on for a while”. I just smiled. It turned out that we would be serving food for all the refugees = parents and children – nobody was sure of the exact amount- because they were arriving daily. I assumed there would be a very large kitchen – maybe after an hour or so I could find a chair and a shady place. Turned out there was no kitchen nor any building. The male refugees were housed in an enormous marquee and the families who had managed to cross the Kruger Park (this was during the Mozambican war) had been encouraged by the Catholic church to build their own huts.

We were parked on the edge of what I assumed was a soccer pitch – not a blade of grass and one very scraggly Mopane tree. It turned out that the food was being cooked in town and brought out in large containers. Where were we going to serve the food? It turned out that the scraggly Mopane tree was he only shade in the area so we would erect the folding tables, unload the crates of juice and kitchen utensils and wait for the food to arrive. The food arrived in enormous zinc baths – one had rice – another had pap, two tubs of stew AND– horror of horrors – a bath of boiled cabbage. Now I have disliked the smell and the taste of cabbage since I was old enough to eat solid food and if there is anything worse I don’t think it’s yet been discovered. My mother was particularly fond of it and as children we all had to eat what was put in front of us – many a night I had to sit at the table long after the meal was finished and was not allowed to leave until my plate was clean. Anyway I digress…….. I was handed a huge serving spoon and a teenage refugee was roped in to help me Karlien was on the other side of the Mopane tree and the tubs were strategically placed so that we (and our two helpers) had access to the

food.

The children appeared like magic as soon as the food arrived. They had each been told to bring a plate and our job was to fill the plates.

Every time I leaned over the cabbage tub I felt like retching and so the next two hours went by.

Our Mopane tree hadn’t helped keep the sun off us and my feet and shoulders were burning.

Suddenly another car arrived on the scene and a voice said “Can I take over from you?” There was a lady who I knew quite well and who had been as it happened also at the party the previous night. I told her I would be good for another half hour so she wandered off to see if anybody else needed a hand. Now you are wondering why I didn’t jump at the opportunity?? Probably because I was virtually in the middle of a desert and as long as I was actually doing something I wasn’t likely to pass out. Also I was under the only tree.

I had asked if there was a toilet and was pointed in the direction of a long drop which was for the benefit of the community. I gave it a miss and struggled on – headache, sunburn and what felt lie a twisted bowel. I was so dehydrated that I think my bladder had ceased operating which was actually a relief.

At two o’clock the nuns and the priest from the Catholic Church arrived with toys for the children asIt was they who had organised land and the tent for the refugees. The food was finished so Karlien suggested that we watch the gifts being handed out and then she would take me home – it had been the longest six hours of my life.

On the way home Karlien told me that she was so glad that I had volunteered for the eight o’clock slot as none of the other ladies had wanted it due to the party the previous night. This was news to me – I didn’t know one had a choice.

She had asked if I would help – I said yes and she said she would be pick me up at eight.

“Volunteers develop new skills in a totally unique environment and this in turn benefits a professional resume” Elizabeth Andrews

He deserves a monument

■

Roelof de Jonge

An image received from Bulletin reader, Nicolaus Nicolau depicting a man busking with his guitar in front of the old Bank Cafe in 1972, has gone viral over social media. Because of the ensuing discussions among the older residents of Tzaneen, the name of this iconic entertainer was finally revealed to be, Gert Malatji. Bulletin has learnt that this man entertained townsfolk for more than three decades between 1970 and the late 1990’s. He was also a handyman in his village of Ramotshinyadi in the Modjadji area where he was affectionately known as “Mechanic”. According to one commentator, Eric Rabothata, Gert passed away five years ago.

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24 April 2020

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SA Economy in ICU ■ Roelof de Jonge The South African economy has been in the hospital ward for a while mainly due to the political mismanagement of it over the past 10 years or so.

The inability of Eskom’s to generate constant and reliable power supply especially during December when the country experienced Stage Six power cuts (maximum load shedding phase), the COVID-19 lock down and the extension there off and an economic down grade to junk status for South Africa by Moody’s at the end of March has seen South Africa’s economy in ICU. Even if a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed and becomes widely available within a few months, the fallout has already done material damage to the economic outlook for South Africa. South Africa’s precarious financial position means that, unlike most developed countries, there is little scope for fiscal support to boost the economy during this crisis.

Thankfully, the private sector came to the party, and it is wonderful to see government and the private sector working together to help lessen the burden this COVID-19 pandemic has added onto the South African economy and society.

The long-term forecast HSBC Bank’s Global Research division predicted for the foreseeable future, especially relating to South African Banks, does not provide an easy road forward. We can rather expect a rocky off-road path where the SA economy must brace itself for a difficult time ahead, for the next three years at least.

HSBC Africa’s principal activities are commercial and global banking, global markets, and a representative office for the Private Bank division.

A forecast of large earnings declines in 2020, smaller declines in 2021 and for earnings to recover strongly in 2022 were one of the forecasts HSBC released.

HSBC Bank is to make large cuts to TP’s (the Take Profit is an important component in all trading activities. TP is one of the aspects that particularly interest actors? participants in the forex market and in other markets in general. Take profit (TP) or target price is an order that you place on your broker informing them to close your position or trade when the price reaches a specific level in profit) HSBC’s Global Research will continue to rate Absa, FirstRand, Nedbank and Standard Bank as Buy. This is since the big four are well-regulated, well-capitalised and have proved their grit over decades through many other crises.

The key uncertainty for HSBC is to predict how long the entire shutdown in South Africa will last. The country took strong action early on which has kept COVID-19 figures low. The key number to watch is the daily new cases of COVID-19, HSBC cautioned. The risk for banks is that the longer the shutdown lasts, the larger the resultant bad debt fallout will be.

Like in many other countries, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has implemented measures to ease liquidity pressures. Unlike what is the case in some other countries it has guided for a relatively strict appli-

cation of IFRS9 meaning bad debts will not be under-reported.

It further offered capital relief which should not be interpreted as a situation that the banks need capital, but points to a proactive regulatory approach.

HSBC also stated a cut of its Headline Earnings Per Share (HEPS) forecasts for 2020-2022. This global bank forecasted large declines in 2020 driven by declines in revenue and spikes in bad debts. HSBC therefore forecast further smaller declines in HEPS in 2021 due to continued rising bad debts.

The bank has further forecasted the Return on Equities (ROE’s) to reach 40-year lows in 2021. The bank was however quite optimistic by forecasting strong increases in HEPS and ROE’s in 2022 as revenue levels will start to normalise and credit loss ratios should drop.

Yields on South African government bonds have surged. According to HSBC, the global scramble for liquidity has caused many dislocations with assets being sold away from fundamental value to raise cash.

As part of this, yields on South African government bonds have surged the interpolated 10-year yield on the South African government bond reaching a level last seen in 2002 according to HSBC. Over the last few years, many offshore investors have parked their liquidity in South African government bonds due to the already high yields that prevailed pre the outbreak of COVID-19. It is this liquidity that is likely exiting these investments now, causing the spike in yields, HSBC noted.

Bank’s default could ruin agriculture ■

Roelof de Jonge

Land Bank has warned debt holders of R50 billion that it is in danger of defaulting. The repayments in question are for its revolving credit facility, Land Bank cited a current “liquidity shortfall” as the problem. Agri SA encouraged the government to intervene to resolve this looming economic crisis for agriculture.

This followed on the Moody’s credit downgrade of the bank on the 21st of January which already highlighted this bank as “riskier”, making access to finance more challenging and expensive for the bank.

Land Bank is a significant player in the agricultural sector, with a strong market share of 29% of South Africa’s agricultural debt. The bank is an important line of credit for agribusinesses to finance the buy-in of harvests at silos and for production credit which the bank channels to farmers via agribusinesses.

Agriculture is cyclical as many farmers do not have a fixed or regular income, rather, they earn the bulk of their income in a short period (varies based on commodity) when their produce is harvested.

Access to credit is essential to meet cashflow needs (for example like paying for inputs and labour) throughout the year, with farmers typically settling their debt when their produce is harvested. It is quite a risky business if some unfortunate, unforeseen disaster or another prevents a farmer from producing their crop and they are unable to pay their debt.

The bank is one of a few state-owned companies that remain profitable, despite an increase in defaulting loans ( because of drought challenges amongst others), recording a profit of R181 million in 2019.

The bank is mandated to fulfil an important developmental mandate, according to Agri SA. However, the bank is mainly depended on accessing funding in financial markets based on commercial terms.

Agri SA’s Economics and Trade Centre of Excellence division however has the idea there seems to be a misalignment between the shareholder’s (Government/National Treasury) expectations of the bank and the level and type of funding and support that is given to the bank.

Whilst failing State-Owned Enterprises (SOE’s) has already received consecutive bailouts, the Land Bank is much more deserving of government support, according to Agri SA. Agri SA said that agriculture is vitally important to South Africa’s food security and the broader economy. The sector is also posed and committed to support post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

The government must show the necessary leadership and vision to urgently support the agricultural sector to resolve the Land Bank’s current default crisis, Agri SA stated. This can help to position the Land Bank and agriculture for growth that will in the end assist to support a broader economic recovery.

Agri SA therefore encouraged the Land Bank Board and National Treasury to constructively engage with Land Bank clients and agricultural lenders to mitigate this systemic risk.

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24 April 2020

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Jaguar Land Rover expands with plug-in hybrid ■

Roelof de Jonge

Jaguar Land Rover has expanded its electrified vehicle line-up with the introduction of its latest plug-in hybrid system, which debuts in the company’s two best-selling vehicles.

This is the next step in delivering Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero mission to shape future mobility for zero accidents, zero emissions and zero congestion.

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder plug-in hybrid seamlessly combines a conventional petrol engine, the smallest in the Ingenium range, with an electric motor to provide sustainable, efficient all-electric performance for shorter trips plus traditional power or combined petrol and electric drive for optimum efficiency on longer journeys.

This new technology has been introduced in the latest generation Range Rover Evoque and comprehensively updated Land Rover Discovery Sport, making them among the most cost-efficient compact premium SUVs available.

Jaguar Land Rover’s latest plug-in hybrid system offers customers a cost-effective choice of modes to best suit their needs. Electric-only mode delivers quiet, zero-tailpipe emissions driving on shorter journeys, with a range of up to 66km, depending on the model.

The Hybrid mode automatically combines petrol and electric driving for optimum efficiency on longer journeys. In this mode the car adapts to the driving conditions and judges the remaining charge in the battery to maintain the charge or fuel economy.

As a third option for longer distances, the vehicle can be powered solely by the 1.5-litre Ingenium petrol engine, maintaining the battery charge.

Battery charging is made as easy as possible, whether the vehicle is on the move or plugged in.

While being driven, energy generated by the engine during acceleration, or by braking in electric or hybrid mode, is harvested and used to charge the battery.

When plug-in charging is required, the 15kWh

battery can be powered up from zero to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes using a public rapid charger. It takes between one hour and 24 minutes and six hours 42 minutes at home, depending on whether the car is plugged into a dedicated wall box or typical domestic electricity supply.

Jaguar Land Rover has filed over 40 patent applications for the latest class-leading technologies that debut in the three-cylinder plug-in hybrid system. A number of these relate to the high voltage belt-integrated starter generator (BiSG), for example, which is a key enabler for the hybrid system on this car.

The company’s new 147kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine is designed, engineered and manufactured in-house. This lightweight aluminium engine is 37kg lighter than even the four-cylinder version.

It a fuel economy as low as 1.4 litres per 100km, depending on the model, thanks to its hybrid electric technology. Both the Range Rover Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport are built on Land Rover’s Premium Transverse Architecture, which was designed from the outset for both plug-in and mild-hybrid technologies.

The hardware has been packaged beneath the cabin floor without compromising cabin and luggage space, or all-terrain capabilities. The South African introductions of the plug-in hybrid Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport are unconfirmed. More information will follow in due course.

The introduction of this latest technology to the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport marks the second phase in the electrifica-

Jaguar electrifies SA Car of the Year opponents ■

Roelof de Jonge

The all-electric Jaguar I-PACE has added to its growing tally of international awards by claiming the coveted 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year title on Tuesday afternoon the 21st of April.

The nomination represents two historic firsts, as it was the first time an electric vehicle has won the event in its 34-year history. Secondly, it was the first time a Jaguar has taken overall honours.

The award was presented in another first for the competition, as due to the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown regulations the ceremony was held virtually with a live video stream.

In addition to winning the overall Car of the Year, the Jaguar I-PACE EV400 AWD SE was also named best Premium Car by an expert panel comprising members of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ).

“We are absolutely thrilled to add the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year title to the long list of awards the I-PACE is gathering globally.

It’s also an honour to have an all-electric vehicle listed among a long line of high-profile previous winners since this competition’s inception in 1986.

This is literally history in the making”, said Richard Gouverneur, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa.

“We are aware of the tough competition we faced in the running, and the entire Jaguar Land Rover South Africa team is extremely proud to be recognised in a contest celebrating automotive excellence. A hearty congratulations is due to all other nominees, runners up and individual category winners, and I’d like to personally thank the Guild and AutoTrader teams for their hard work in running the competition”, said Gouverneur.

Since its reveal in 2018, the Jaguar I-PACE has collected nearly 100 global awards including the 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the

Year, World Green Car, European Car of the Year, and German, Norwegian and UK Car of the Year.

All these titles recognise the technical excellence of the I-PACE’s zero emissions powertrain, which was designed and developed from a clean sheet of paper. Aside from being the best premium electric vehicle in the world, it is a true Jaguar driver’s car with a combination of sports car performance, exceptional refinement, advanced driver technologies and all-wheel drive SUV usability and practicality.

A 90kWh lithium-ion battery enables a range of up to 470km and is capable of charging from 0 to 80% in just over an hour. The two light, compact and efficient Jaguar-designed motors generate a combined output of 294kW and 696Nm of instant torque, delivering 0-100km/h exhilaration in just 4.8 seconds.

In 2018 Jaguar South Africa introduced a R30-million public charging infrastructure investment in partnership with electric vehicle charging authority GridCars. The network includes nearly 100 charging stations nationwide, making day-to-day travel and even long-distance journeys by EV and plug-in hybrid vehicles even more convenient.

The grid comprises stations positioned along frequently travelled holiday routes including the N1, N2 and N3, as well as various points of convenience such as shopping centres in the country’s major city hubs. Every Jaguar Land Rover dealership also has publicly accessible charging stations installed.

Jaguar also recently announced its partnership with e-Movement, the Cape Town Formula E Bid Company, which plans to host an all-electric Formula E World Championship round on a street circuit in the heart of Cape Town. As the Founding Partner of the bid, Jaguar is reaffirming its position as the leading motor manufacturer in South Africa’s future of electric mobility.

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tion of the company’s Halewood plant in the UK. More than 1 500 employees have been retrained to build the latest electrified variants of the ever-popular compact SUVs. This follows the earlier enhancements at the plant for the launch of the new Evoque and significantly updated Discovery Sport, including mild hybrid-electric assembly facilities and a new stamping line. Both these vehicles are already available with a line-up of efficient four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. Similarly, the recently revealed New Defender features mild hybrid from launch and plugin hybrid will be introduced later this year. Jaguar Land Rover was the first company to launch a premium all-electric performance

SUV, the multiple award-winning Jaguar I-PACE, and has confirmed plans to transform its Castle Bromwich facility to manufacture a range of new electrified vehicles, starting with the new luxury Jaguar XJ. In parallel, Jaguar Land Rover continues to refine and improve the latest diesel and petrol engines, which are an integral part of the journey to electrification and are required alongside electric technology, both for consumer choice and as part of hybrid systems.

By growing its portfolio of electrified products, the company is driving towards Destination Zero, its ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner.

Through relentless innovation, Jaguar Land Rover is adapting product and services to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Sport 24 April 2020

Gritty cyclists’ mettle pedal for charity ■

Herman Fourie

Jarryd Gosling

Roelof de Jonge

Fourie and Jarryd Gosling, both Gr.11 learners from Stanford Lake College, took part in some gruelling cycle challenges on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th of April.

This experience tested both their physical and mental endurance and stamina, and this was all done for the sake of charity. Fourie and Gosling embarked on two vastly different but very extreme cycling challenges. And to achieve all this without breaking any of the COVID-19 lockdown rules, these two avid cyclists completed the challenges from their homes.

By using a virtual cycling app called Zwift, Fourie entered the app’s hall of fame by “virtually Everesting” or “vEveresting” as it is called on the app, and completed the equivalent elevation gain of Mount Everest.

The term “vEveresting” is when a cyclist selects a certain climb on the app’s program and keeps riding it virtually until you reach the height of Mount Everest. Fourie cycled the Alpe du Zwift a total of nine times, reaching a total elevation gain of 9380 metres, Mount Everest is 8848 metres high.

Fourie was adamant to get himself into the “vEverest” Hall of Fame. And even after he reached the equivalent elevation of Everest after 8.5 summits of Alpe du Zwift, he kept pushing to eventually summit nine times. Fourie completed this incredible feat in 12 hours and 40 minutes.

In response to Fourie’s challenge, Gosling decided to set himself a different challenge to embark on for this charity cause.

Testing his grit, determination and commitment, Gosling took on a 24-hour cycling challenge, in his own back garden.

Starting at 16:00 on the Friday afternoon, Gosling only stopped for meals and comfort breaks. During these breaks, he paused his watch. He completed his “garden route” endurance challenge only until his watch indicated that a full 24 hours was complete. In total, Gosling completed 351 kilometres of cycling laps.

These achievements and charity initiatives all came about when Fourie at first realised that his immense challenge could be a worthwhile opportunity to raise money for food parcels for less fortunate persons.

As soon as the word has spread about this cycling charity cycling challenges, the Stanford Lake community showed their committed support to this cause and within the space of 48 hours, an amount of just over R6 000 was reached.

According to Beth Coetzee, Head of Marketing at Stanford Lake College, sponsorships are still coming in and therefore the exact amount has yet to be determined.

“The next step will be to sort out the food parcels for distribution among those in need and also amongst the rural communities close to the vicinity of Stanford Lake College”, said Coetzee.