Bulletin Newspaper 1 May 2020

1 May 2020

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Rural areas:FREE • Platteland: GRATIS

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Adding to the taxpayer’s account is an accident between a police and a civilian vehicle near Venbeck outside Tzaneen on Thursday morning. The local economy is already strained by certain regulations which begs the question: Can we afford accidents like these?

Her crusade continues Twenty years after she won an award from the World Health Organization (WHO) for her crusade against smokers in South Africa, minister Nkosasana Dlamini-Zuma has been given the opportunity to continue her crusade towards a smokeless society. Read the full story on Page 3 inside this edition.

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Only six active covid-19 cases for Lim 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

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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.

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■ Joe Dreyer Limpopo Health has confirmed the almost unbelievable statistics released by their department related to the current COVID-19 positive cases for the province. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) there have thus far only been 32 positive cases for the entire Limpopo province. Of these, 25 people have recovered and two have died bringing the current total of active cases to just five. These figures are based on the latest data released yesterday (Thursday, March 30th).

This figure is rightfully questioned by many residents of the area, including this publication, after video documented evidence showing thousands of people in the CBD’s of Tzaneen, Phalaborwa and Maake Plaza. The crowds in the video broadcasts exhibit very little in the form of social distancing and very few of them wear the required face mask.

In these live broadcasts performed daily by this writer, it is very clear that there can only be one of two possibilities; either the stats released by the department are wrong, or our understanding of the virus itself is proving to be wrong.

The first death reported in the province was a 69year retired lawyer who died from an underlying disease at the private Netcare Pholoso hospital more than a week ago. The second was the 55-year old man from Cape Town who had somehow managed to cross through three provinces during the nationwide ban on inter-provincial travel to join his family in Sekhukhune outside Tzaneen. His son apparently felt the need to go and fetch him. He died after he was rushed to a local private medical consultation room when his condition worsened.

He too, suffered from underlying co-morbidities and it was only after a post-mortem indicated he was positive, that his death was registered as COVID-19 related.

So far 168 643 tests have been conducted across the country. With the current screenings programme steamrolling ahead, more tests are expected to come. Since the Covid-19 pandemic started in South Africa, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) GSH (Groote Schuur Hospital) laboratory performed testing generally uninterrupted while implementing stringent measures to reduce workplace transmission and increase of staff awareness. It was also reported by a national independent media house that nine of the staff members at this laboratory have tested positive for COVID-19 and the laboratory was subsequently shut down until the 1st of May (today).

Limpopo’s health department has allegedly screened 2.7 million people for COVID-19, a staggering figure that matches the combined tally of all the other provinces bar the Eastern Cape, it emerged on Monday. These screenings are conducted by more than 10,000 people divided into teams to conduct household screening. The team members include community health-care workers, HIV counsellors, mother mentors, peer educators, condom distributors and people working for non-governmental organisations.

Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba said that credit should be given where it was due. “Each person recruited into the screening drive was given a target of 10 households a day, and the average household had between five to seven people living in it,” she said.

“These are people who know the communities and know the area well. None of our people have been rejected by the communities.” The MEC added that Limpopo’s screening drive had not revealed any hotspots, or

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clusters of the disease, suggesting there was little local transmission in the province. In total, 3 589 of the people screened in Limpopo were referred for testing.

Earlier in March, two medical doctors, who were in self-isolation, were forcefully taken into quarantine at a site in Modimolle. The way these two doctors were treated, made headlines across the country. The Limpopo High Court has since ordered their release from the site, and they have now been found to be negative for COVID-19.

In what has become more and more apparent, there seems to be a reoccurring narrative in the manner in which certain ethnic groups are being treated by authorities during this lock down. There have been instances reported of unfair treatment towards minority group members during this period. One case in particular, came after the two doctors’ incident when a woman whose husband had died of COVID-19, had tested positive shortly after the fact but was seen at a busy shopping centre in Lebowakgomo.

The DA at the time condemned Ramathuba for alleged lack of consistency and transparency in enforcing health regulations regarding self-isolation. DA provincial leader Jacque Smalle stated that they believe it is important to treat all cases, without exception, according to the prescriptions of the lockdown regulations.

In Louis Trichardt we have heard of the instance of the two retail stores which, although they belong to the same group, were treated differently by police after they were accused of contravening the lock down regulations which specify only 50 shoppers in the store at a time. It is reported that one of the outlets was temporarily closed and the management warned by police to enforce the measures before reopening again shortly afterwards. The other store was shut down by police and the managers allegedly arrested for contravening the regulations. At the time of going to print this was however not confirmed by the police, nor was an official statement issued as explanation.

Rather shockingly, Ramathuba then said local transmission of

COVID-19 was not the challenge as interprovincial transmission remains a problem. “As factories will be opening at 50%, we are going to see many workers travelling across provinces.”

Today, Friday the 1st of May, Ramathuba and her concierges arrived in Tzaneen in celebration of workers’ day where she thought it a good to hand out cell phones received from MTN and Cell C to Community Health Care Workers and so-called Tracer Teams to assist them in their work. She was accompanied by the Mayor of the GTM, Maripe Mangena.

Following her short visit to Van Velden hospital to handout the cell phones (or as the department termed them “working tools to the frontline officers”) she made her way to the Malaria Institute where she personally congratulated the staff at the institute for the continued decline in malaria cases in Limpopo.

In her address she claimed that she had always placed emphasis on the fact that while the province is gripped by COVID-19, they should not forget about malaria. Which is rather strange as a statement considering the lack of media releases or promotional material on the matter from her office.

“If we had to be honest, malaria was taking more of the lives of our people than covid-19. So, if we relaxed on our efforts to fight the disease, we would see more deaths. Let us continue with the houseto-house fumigation for malaria, so while people are doing door-to-door screening for covid-19 they must also check for malaria.” She concluded by saying that malaria mortality rates are down by 50% and the team had done well to achieve this.

Stand van Damme Dam Levels

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Dlamini-Zuma co continues her smokeless crusade ■

Joe Dreyer

South African smokers are beside themselves with rage at the announcement by cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Wednesday evening that the ban on the sale of tobacco products will not be lifted.

According to her, the reasoning behind this is health related.

This despite there being no conclusive proof to support her statements at this juncture. Research into tobacco and Covid-19 is still ongoing, and while the World Health Organization (WHO) advises that smoking probably increases the risk of complications from the disease, French researchers last week said they’re testing whether nicotine could be used to treat the illness.

Co-operative governance and traditional affairs Minister; Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma

“As you know, besides the effects of tobacco on the person’s lungs, they sometimes in which the tobacco is shared, does not allow for social distancing, but actually encourages the spread of the virus.

Even those who ‘zol’ who do tobacco and make like a zol, they put saliva on the paper and then they share that zol. This means that they are moving saliva from one person to the other.”[verbatim] The minister said that because of this and “various other” covid-19 related concerns, the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and all other related tobacco products remains prohibited.

But there was more to this statement than met the eye. The covid-19 platform has offered Dlamini-Zuma the perfect opportunity to continue a crusade she started more than two decades ago – to get people to stop smoking. In fact, in May 1999 she was awarded the Tobacco Free World Award from the WHO. Dlamini-Zuma served as health minister in former President Nelson Mandela’s cabinet from 1994 until 1999. In that role she spearheaded legislation that eventually banned smoking in public places, prohibited all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, and recommended penalties for transgressors.

Excise duties make up almost half of the retail price of a packet of 20 cigarettes in South Africa. An excise, or excise tax, is any duty on manufactured goods that is levied at the moment of manufacture, rather than at sale.

Many criticized the minister for a lack of logic in the decision not to lift the ban, stating that people shared coffee in a group too and even sweets or bottled water. Not everyone shares a cigarette with a multitude of people either.

When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the national lock down, which is hailed as one of the strictest in the world, on the 31st of March, he outlawed the sale of alco-

hol and tobacco products. Earlier this month he announced that the ban on the sale of cigarettes would be lifted on the 1st of May when the lock down is eased from the current level 5 status to a relaxed Level 4 status.

Dlamini-Zuma however, had other plans.

Even before the lock down, South Africa was one of the world’s biggest markets for illicit cigarettes.

The government is losing about R7 billion a year through related tax evasion according to a report by the Tobacco Institute published in 2018. During the last five weeks alone, South Africa’s economy lost out on R1 billion in unpaid excise tax and further fortified the illicit trade.

According to an article published on the Microsoft News channel MSN, the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) will be taking the matter to court.

Shortly after the NCC briefing concluded, FITA, which previously threatened legal action prior to Ramaphosa’s short-lived respite, announced that it would reinstitute a fresh challenge against government, saying that they were consulting with their attorneys and senior counsel on the urgent court application. “Let a court of law adjudicate on this issue once and for all.”

MSN further reported that Tax Justice South Africa, an organisation focused on exposing illicit trade and corruption involving state funds, also lambasted Dlamini-Zuma and the NCC for its sudden reversal. The group’s founder, Yusuf Abramjee, said, “This is life-endangering economic sabotage that hands trade to the organised syndicates who flourished under SA’s decade of ruinous leadership.

Those crooks and gangsters who thought their free run was over when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced lifting of the ban last week are still very much in business. They will be partying tonight.”

At the time of going to print there were rumours that president Ramaphosa would overturn Dlamini-Zuma’s decision, but this was not confirmed.

SAPS arrest man in Tzangeni during cigarette bust ■

Joe Dreyer

On Tuesday, a man was arrested at his house in the up-market Tzangeni security estate near the dam wall in Tzaneen. The 32-year old Ayaz Lunat, was found in possession of a very large quantity of illicit cigarettes (84 boxes containing cartons of cigarettes) and 1 319 sexual performance enhancing tablets.

He was arrested by a team of SAPS members including a unit from Tzaneen Crime Intelligence and the local detective branch. The arrest was affected at approximately 11:30 on the morning of Tuesday, 28th of April.

After a search was conducted at the suspect’s house, the 84 boxes containing cartons of illicit cigarettes, 1 319 sexual performance enhancing pills and a cash amount of more than R60 000 was seized. Furthermore, four vehicles including a Ford Ranger, an Audi, a Chrysler and a Hyundai Elantra were confiscated. All the recovered goods are worth over R1,5 million according to the police.

Lunat appeared in the Tzaneen magistrate’s court

on Thursday (yesterday), on charges of possession of illicit cigarettes, contravention of the medicine and related substances control act and selling of unregistered sexual enhancement medicine. He was denied bail and the case was postponed to the 7th of May, for formal bail application and further Police investigations.

Bulletin has asked the SAPS provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafelo Mojapelo, whether this latest arrest is in any way linked to the arrest of two men two days earlier at a roadblock in Kwa-Zulu Natal. During that incident, two men were travelling in a Nissan Qashqai with Gauteng number plates when they were stopped at a roadblock near the King Shaka International Airport. They were stopped at around 20:30 on the evening of the 26th of April.

The police officers asked them why they were travelling at night upon which they produced two permits for inter-provincial travel to a funeral.

Both the permits were stamped and signed by the Tzaneen SAPS station. The members searched the vehicle and discovered a large amount of illicit cig-

arettes (Pacific Blue brand) to the estimated value of R280 000 in the vehicle.

When the police asked the two occupants about the cigarettes, they attempted to bribe the officer with R9 720 and were then arrested and charged with contravening lockdown regulations, fraud and bribery as per KSIA Cas 12/04/2020 count 1.

Act 1 of 2020, Sub II, B (1) 3 (iii) Moving between province during lockdown transporting prohibited items, Fraud and bribery. All exhibits including four cell phones, their vehicle, cash and the cigarettes were seized and handed in. According to information we received, the suspects were interviewed the following day by a police captain who noted that the suspects made their first delivery on Thursday, the 22nd of April at a house in Mountainview, Verulam. The suspects however failed to point out the location of the house and they were transported to Tongaat where they were detained.

Brig Mojapelo said that at this stage the two cases have not yet been linked and police investigations are continuing into the matter.

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Avocado thieves caught in Flora Park ■ Joe Dreyer The arrest of a suspected avocado thief on Friday morning at 03:45 in Tzaneen, has placed the spotlight firmly on the efficacy of the police to enforce not only the lock down regulations, but also stem the scourge of crime in the Greater Tzaneen area following the suspension of all neighbourhood and farm watch groups by minister Bheki Cele.

In the early hours of Friday morning (today) a Canine Security patrol spotted a suspicious vehicle travelling on the Agatha Road just passed the bridge in Flora Park near the new industrial area. This is a popular back route used by criminal elements to travel undetected from Tzaneen to Nkowankowa. The vehicle, a white bakkie, was carrying passengers on the back and a driver in the cab. The cargo had been covered with a tarpaulin top.

The Canine Security patrolmen pursued the vehicle until it finally came to a stand still and pulled to the side of the road.

The passengers on the back of the vehicle jumped off and ran into the surrounding bushes. The driver was not fast enough to make his getaway and was cornered by the patrolmen. Upon inspection of the vehicle it was discovered that there were roughly 20 bags full of freshly picked avocadoes.

At first, the driver said that the avocadoes were being transported from Levubu, but he later admitted that the fruit had been stolen off a farm in Magoebaskloof. He did not mention the farm name. The suspect was arrested by the local police and a case was registered against him. His accomplices evaded arrest.

In the meantime, Bulletin asked a well-known local avocado farmer from the Magoebaskloof area about the possibility of the avocadoes being fruit stolen off his farm. “It may very well be our fruit, but it is difficult to tell at this stage. It is packing season and we have already caught a number of the workers employed by the picking contractor, attempting to steal fruit in their bags.”

The incident has raised the question of how it was possible for a very heavily laden vehicle to travel in the early hours of the morning, undetected past the roadblock at the entrance to Tzaneen when there are supposed heavy lock down rules in place.

Furthermore it begs the question of whether or not the police in the area are able to execute their duties without the help of the neighbourhood and farm watch patrols.

Local security company, Canine Security, patrolmen apprehended a suspected avocado thief in the early hours of this morning.

The driver of the suspicious vehicle was too slow to make his getaway and landed behind bars after admitting that the fruit had been stolen in Magoebaskloof.

The vehicle was heavily laden with twenty bags of stolen fruit covered beneath a tarpauline sheet. The passengers that were on the back of the vehcile escaped into the busshes.

The vehicle had managed to make it from Magoebaskloof through Tzaneen despite the current lock down regulations and a roadblock at the entrance to town.

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Die Leeus brul in tyd van nood ■

Roelof de Jonge

Talle klein sake-ondernemings ervaar huidiglik swaar ekonomiese tye. Afleggings is onafwendbaar vir talle van hierdie eienaars as ‘n keuse om hul besigheid te laat oorleef wanneer dié land se ekonomie na die COVID-19 inperking weer begin.

Hierdie toekomstige onafwendbare afleggings gaan natuurlik verder bydra tot die land se reeds hoë werkloosheidsyfer. Dit op sy beurt gaan lei tot meer mense wat in armoede gedompel gaan word. Armoede gaan gewoonlik met hongerte en veral wanvoeding onder babas en kinders gepaard.

Danksy die welwillendheid van die lede van Letaba Tzaneen Lionsklub en vennote sowel as die goedhartigheid van Tzaneen se gemeenskap en landbousektor word daar gesorg dat armoedige gesinne en gemeenskappe se honger mae gevul sal word.

“Soos wat die stryd om oorlewing toeneem weens die gevolge van die COVID-19 se inperking, is ons Lionsklub weldoeners in samewerking met Covid Flight en die Acorn Foundation druk besig om kos, vrugte, skoonmaakmiddels, troeteldierkos en geld vir die Lionsklub se fonds in te samel. Hierdie skenkings word dan aan behoeftige mense en weldoener-instellings van Tzaneen en sy omgewing geskenk wat dan weer verder versprei word”, het Rodney Sabatier, president van die Letaba Tzaneen Lionsklub aan die Bulletin gesê.

Sedert Donderdag die 23ste April het die Lionsklublede gesamentlik met die Acorn Foundation en Covid Flight sowat vyf ton se voedselskenkings ter

waarde van nagenoeg ‘n R100 000 in ontvangs geneem om versprei te word.

Volgens Sabatier sal die skenkings vir oor ‘n 1000 behoeftige mense en diere voorsien word.

Sabatier het verduidelik dat die Covid Flight en die Acorn Foundation in Gauteng gevestig is, en dat hierdie instellings alreeds geld en skenkings aan die Lionsklub bewillig het.

Volgens Sabatier het die Lionsklub Saterdag die 25ste April een ton mieliemeel van Covid Flight in ontvangs geneem. Hierdie mieliemeel is volgens Sabatier reeds aan behoeftiges geskenk.

“Sodra die pre-primêre en kleuterskole na die inperking heropen sal ons Lionslede 5 000 basiese voedingstowwe ter waarde van R80 000 aan behoeftige kinders skenk wat met behulp van die Acorn Foundation voorsien sal word”, het Sabatier gesê.

Volgens Sabatier ten tye van sy gesprek met die Bulletin op Woensdag die 29ste April, is die aantal behoeftiges wat gehelp word sowat 1 343 volwassenes en kinders tesamentlik. Sabatier het gesê hulle verwag egter dat hierdie syfer gaan toeneem.

Dit is volgens die syfers van die behoeftige mense soos verskaf deur die verskeie welwillendheid instellings wat die Letaba Lionsklub ondersteun.

Hierdie instellings is ondermeer die Suid-Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie van Tzaneen (SAVF Tzaneen), Laerskool Tzaneen se Voedingskema, El Olam Gemeenskapsentrum, God’s Haven, Pioneers, Goue Jare, AGS El Shadia, Tafelrondte 96 Tzaneen en die Letsitele Gemeenskapsdiens.

Volgens Sabatier het al hierdie mense

‘n behoefte vir basiese benodighede en is hoofsaaklik van Tzaneen en Letsitele se omgewings afkomstig. Sabatier het gesê soos wat hierdie inperking voortduur neem die armoede en behoefte vir basiese benodighede soos kos en toiletware toe.

Maar dit is nie waar die Lionsklub se weldoenerswerk ophou nie, want intussen beman die klub se lede ondermeer ‘n insamelingspunt vir troeteldierkos vir Letaba Dierebeskermingsvereniging (DBV) wat binne die Tzaneen Lifestyle inkopiesentrum gevestig is.

“Ons as Lionslede het begrip vir die moeilike finansiële omstandighede waaronder mense tans in hierdie COVID-19 gebuk gaan en besef geld is bitter skaars. Maar tog wil ons graag ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap, maatskappye en plaaseienaars doen om hul harte oop te maak en hierdie waardige saak te ondersteun”, het Sabatier gesê.

Sabatier het gesê alhoewel die skenkings van vrugte, groente en vleis baie hoog geag word, is daar tog ‘n broodnodige behoefte vir geld. Geldskenkings sal vir die Lionsklub se fonds gaan om ander noodsaaklikhede aan te koop waarvan daar ‘n behoefte is.

Mense en maatskappye wie graag ‘n bydrae tot die fonds of skenkings wil maak kan gerus vir Rodney Sabatier (076 792 1150), Martin Froise (083 461 0022) of Sheri Botha (084 323 8181) skakel.

Die Letaba Tzaneen Lionsklub wil graag die volgende instansies bedank vir die skenkings: Mahela Boerdery (vrugte)

Letaba Tzaneen Lionsklub se lede Rodney Sabatier, Bryan Hyland, Martin Froise, Ingrid van der Merwe, Liesel Roos, Bernard Froise en Lizette Appelgryn by ‘n klein gedeelte van die skenkings wat tot dusvêr ontvang is.

Bernard Froise en Bryan Hyland.

Letaba Citrus Processors (vrugtekonsentraat) Covid Flight (een ton mieliemeel en R25 000) Miami Canners (tamatie en uie sous) Phakathi Milling (1,25 ton mielie meel) Acorn Foundation (noodsaaklike voedselstowwe vir kinders) Pest Control PPS Petroleum.

Martin Froise

1 May 2020

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Granny’s Grumbles - CHRISTMAS NIGHT

During December 2019, Phalaborwa had a heatwave second to none. The night before the start of the great heat I had two Dutch ladies arrive to stay in our self-catering cottage. They were booked in for six nights which made a nice change as most of our guests are one-nighters who are either going into or coming out of the Kruger. The night they arrived it was hot but we had air-conditioning so everything appeared fine. The next morning I heard their car leaving just after five as they had indicated that they wanted to be one of the first cars at the gate.

That same morning a sub-station blew up and we were without power – the temperature was 40 degrees – I checked with the municipality – their guys were working on it. The guests arrived back to no

air-cons, fans or basic niceties of rented accommodation. I assured them that the municipality was working on it. The temperature on the verandah outside at 10 o’clock that evening was 34 degrees The temperature the following day was 41 degrees – I contacted the municipality non-stop – I think the rest of the area did as well because they stopped answering the phone. My Dutch guests arrived back from the Kruger at three o’clock - couldn’t handle the heat in the car – even the air-con was not cooling the car. What was happening about the power?

I had to do something – I walked down the road to a company whose owner I knew fairly well and asked if there was any possibility that I could borrow a generator – I told him my plight and not only did I get a generator but he had two hefty helpers bring it to the cottage, plug it in and get it going. I felt that my problem was solved – went inside and told he guests that the generator would keep the fans, fridge, kettle and stove working but unfortunately no air-cons.

At 6.40 I got a call from the guests – they wanted to speak to me. The one who appeared to be in charge said that there was no way they could spend another night of no air-cons and the intense heat and the terrible noise of the machine was impossible. They had already packed their car and were leaving to find a place that had power. I could only apologise – the younger of the two squeezed my hand and said she was so sorry but they were just spoilt Dutch women who were not used to problems like this. Off they went...didn’t ask for a refund but I felt that my review with the booking company was not going to be flattering. I was wrong about the latter – they gave me a glowing review and said it was the intense heat that was problem. My review status was pretty good and what happened next was

sure to put me at the top of the log so to speak. Four young South American girls were booked in for Christmas night. I sent them the location pin and wrote underneath in large letters – DO NOT TRAVEL ALONG SECOND SREET and asked that they let me know the approximate time of arrival so that I could unlock the gate and welcome them. Second Street had turned into a no-go area after the first rains of the season – it appeared that that all the sand in the entire area had been washed into the road making it into something akin to the Gobi Desert.

They were apparently arriving sometime between five and six o’clock. My grand-daughter Shanika and I sat in the cottage garden being taken apart by mosquitoes for over an hour. No sign of them.

The next two hours passed with the odd message saying they had taken a wrong turn or were lost. At 8.30 they were almost at the cottage or so they said.

It was nearly nine when we had a frantic call to say the car was stuck – in the middle of Second Street. I cannot repeat what I said (under my breath). Shanika and I drove to the end of said road and walked with a torch to where our intended guests were.

The car looked like it had taken a nose-dive into the sand – the front wheels were at an extreme right angle and the sand almost covered the rims.

Under normal circumstances I would have called for help from any man that I knew but on Christmas night and with no residential homes within half a kilometre that was not an option.

Also no street lights and a cloudy sky meant we were in total darkness except for one little torch and the car lights. The only good thing was that it was a small car and like most new small cars appeared to be made out of plastic. After a good deal of pondering I thought maybe five of us could pick up the front of the vehicle while the

driver put it in reverse as the driver was adamant that she was not going to leave the car in the sand and get a lift to the cottage with us as she was sure it would be stolen. Anyway I marshalled the forces – three of the visitors pushing up the bumper in front and Shanika and I each at a side.

When I shouted “Now” the driver - who had the car in reverse - put her foot on the accelerator full blast. I was peppered with so much sand that I landed on my bum but success was ours – the front wheels were free. We managed to turn the car around and then followed it back to our car.

We eventually arrived at the cottage at about ten and I then had to explain how to find the easiest way to the park, the problems associated with dumping odd items into a toilet connected to a septic tank, how to use a mozzie coil and what to do in the event of a power failure. When we returned to our house I said rather smugly to my grand-daughter that I anticipated a good review from these guests. I actually fantasised about the heading in the magazine which I assumed was part of an international booking agency – “Great-grandmother aged 78 rescues guests trapped in a sand drift on Christmas night”.

Alas – my dreams of international recognition did not materialise – the guests departed at 5.30 in the morning leaving evidence of having enjoyed the rest of the previous evening – three empty wine bottles and loads of left-over food spread liberally around the place. Ah well – they would obviously write it in the review.

Unfortunately they didn’t bother to send a review, but as my ever positive grand-daughter said “Gran – we had a far more interesting Christmas night than anybody else” I couldn’t argue with that!

Legals IN THE MAGISTRATE COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF TZANEEN HELD AT TZANEEN CASE NUMBER: 8232018MAI000023 In the matter between: ELIZABETH MARIA SNYMAN Execution Creditor ID NR: 830510 0012 08 2 and JAN VAN NIEKERK SNYMAN Execution Debtor ID NR: 751025 5079 08 0 NOTICE OF AUCTION In pursuance of a Judgement dated 25 February 2020 and

a warrant of execution in the Magistrate’s Court for the District of Tzaneen held at Tzaneen, the following goods will the sold on THURSDAY the 21st day of MAY 2020 at 10:00 by Public Auction to be held at the Sheriff Letaba’s store room. Main Store No. 2 Industria Road 20, Tzaneen by the sheriff for the district of Tzaneen held at Tzaneen to the highest bidder for cash, namely: 1 x 7 Pc Lounge Suite 1 x Chair

1 x Chair 1 x TEK LCD TV 1 x TV Cabinet 2 x Coffee Tables 1 x Side Table 1 x Wingback Chair 1 x Linen Chest 1 x Samsung LCD Fridge 6 x Wooden Cabinets 1 x Standing Fan 1 x Defy D/D Fridge 1 x Standing Fan 1 x Defy Top Loader 1 x LCD TV 1 x Audi TT with reg. nr: DWX727 L

AUCTION 1. This sale is a sale in execution pursuant to a judgement obtained in the above Honourable Court.

2. The rules of the auction are available 24 hours prior to the auction at the office of the Sheriff, 33A Pieter Joubert Street, Tzaneen.

3. Registration as a buyer is pre-requisite subject to a specific condition, inter alia: 3.1 Directives of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 can be downloaded

from Url http://www.info. gov.za/view/downloadfileaction?id-99961 3.2 FICA registration in respect of Proof of identity and address particulars, payment of registration deposit of R500.00 in cash.

4. The office of the sheriff will conduct the sale with the auctioneers being Tertius Robertson or any representative of his office .

5. Goods will be sold for cash only to the highest bidder or sold subject to confirmation

as per the consumer Protection Act upon instruction from the execution creditor.

DATED at TZANEEN on this the 28th day of APRIL 2020 ATTORYNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF THOMAS AND SWANEPOEL INC

19 PEACE STREET, TZANEEN TEL: 015 307 1027 E-MAIL: nadia@tslegal.co.za REF: C VAN HEYNINGEN/NJ/S2399

May101__________________________

NOTICE: LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in

terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Title Deed T9150/2008 in favour of Michael Neopihito Toulou, Identity Number 461002 5082 08 4, in respect of certain (1) Remaining Extent of Portion 3 of the Farm Kort Hannie 439, Registration Division L.T., Limpopo Province which has been lost or destroyed.

All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby

May102__________________________

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. ________________________

required to lodge the same in writing with the Register of Deeds Limpopo at Polokwane within two weeks from the date of publication of this notice.

Dated at Tzaneen on this the 29 April 2020 Applicant: Joubert & May Attorneys Address: 50 Boundary street, Tzaneen, 0850 Telno: 015 307-3660 Email address: fransie@joubertmay.co.za

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

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 ________________________

Let’sgetSocial

Advertise your business in the classifieds. Only R35 Contact 015 306 0198

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1 May 2020

9

Ford polishes EcoSport range with upgrades

The EcoSport is ideally suited for active individuals and families where the convenience of an automatic makes it perfect for busy city driving.

■

Roelof de Jonge

The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) bolstered the Ford EcoSport’s position in the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the addition of a six-speed automatic transmission for the popular and most affordable Ambiente petrol derivative.

This is further complemented by specification upgrades on the Trend and Titanium models that enhance driving safety and comfort. The introduction of a six-speed automatic transmission for the EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente represents another trendsetting move for this successful model.

Paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox and the lively 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, the EcoSport Ambiente is a unique and compelling proposition that offers exceptional value for money, according to FMCSA. This makes the EcoSport ideally suited for active individuals and families where the convenience of an automatic makes it ideal for busy city driving, while delivering comfortable and hassle-free openroad cruising.

In addition to the new Ambiente model, the EcoSport Trend and Titanium derivatives benefitted from the inclusion of Ford’s Collision Mitigation System which is a pre-collision assist feature. This clever device alerts the driver of a potential collision with the vehicle ahead, pre-charges the brakes and, if necessary, applies maximum braking pressure once the driver presses the brake pedal.

Cruise control with an adaptive speed limiter has now been added to the Trend models, while the Titanium gains front parking sensors to complement the rear sensors that are standard across the range.

An underbody protection shield on Trend and Titanium models makes the EcoSport more robust for less-than-perfect roads in combination with its 206mm ground clearance.

These attributes, combined with the EcoSport’s impressive list of safety, comfort and convenience features, plus a standard four-year or 60 000km service plan, ensure that the expanded range is more appealing and competitive to its rivals.

With the addition of the new model, a total of seven EcoSport derivatives are available, starting off with the 1.5 Ambiente in fivespeed manual or the new six-speed automatic version. The three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine available in the Ambiente auto’ delivers 91kW of power and 151Nm of torque resulting in impressive overall drivability and low fuel consumption. The 1.5-litre TDCi turbodiesel model (producing 74kW and 205Nm) is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox and also available in the Ambiente trim.

The multiple award-winning 1.0 EcoBoost engine, which produces 92kW and 170Nm, powers the Trend and Titanium models, which can be specified with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Another area where the EcoSport punches well above its weight is in the number of airbags fitted. All the Ambiente models feature no less than six airbags (dual front, side and curtain airbags), while the Trend and Titanium also incorporate a driver’s knee airbag.

Multimedia functionality remains a stand-out feature of the EcoSport, as the EcoSport Ambiente incorporates Ford’s SYNC® with Bluetooth and Voice Control, as well as two USB ports, six speakers and a 4.2-inch screen.

The Trend models boast a more sophisticated version of the SYNC® infotainment system with a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, while the Titanium’s SYNC®3 features an 8-inch display as well as embedded turn-by-turn navigation.

Active driving safety features across the board include ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC), as well as Roll Stability Control (RSC) in the EcoBoost range, that adjusts engine torque and braking to help drivers maintain control.

The 1.0 EcoBoost-powered models are also equipped with Hill Launch Assist (HLA) that makes pulling off on steep inclines easier, along with Ford’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

All EcoSport models come standard with Ford’s Protect plan which includes a four-year or 60 000km service plan, three-year unlimited distance roadside assistance and a four-year or 120 000km comprehensive warranty. This is complemented by a five-year unlimited distance corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000km.

GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 / *120*7867# from any cell phone Persons with disabilities: SMS “help” to 31531 Woment Abuse Helpline: 0800 150 150 Child line: 0800 10111/ SMS Crime Line: 32211 GBVF-related service complaints (SAPS): 0800 333 177 / complaintsnodalpoint@saps.gov.za Coronavirus Hotline: 0800 029 999

Folding rear seats creates for additional loading space in the EcoSport.

The introduction of a six-speed automatic transmission for the EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente represents another trendsetting move for this successful model.

National AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322 Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567 National Human Trafficking Helpline: 0800 222 777 National Department of Health: www.health.gov.za National Institute of Communicable Diseases: www.nicd.ac.za World Health Organisation: www.who.int

10

1 May 2020

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Limited Edition Golf GTI TCR hits the streets ■

Roelof de Jonge

The limited-edition of the Golf GTI TCR will be available for order from Volkswagen dealers in South Africa as of May. The Golf GTI TCR is the final swansong of the Golf 7 range which has sold 40 128 units in South Africa since launch in 2013. Of the total Golf sales, 13 230 (33%) of those were of the GTI derivative, which makes South Africa one of the top 10 markets worldwide for the Golf GTI. The Golf GTI TCR is derived from the racing car of the same name namely the two-time overall winner of the international TCR racing series.

The Golf GTI TCR, which will only be available in a five-door version in South Africa, is distinguished by the standard black 19-inch Reifnitz alloy wheels, perforated disk brakes, matte black exterior mirror caps, sill extensions, front splitter, TCR roof spoiler and a diffuser at the rear.

The Golf GTI TCR makes a further strong impression even before the driver settles behind the wheel, as the TCR logo is projected onto the road when the front doors are opened.

In the interior, Alcantara (the brand name of a common synthetic textile material) door inserts and the gear lever, premium Alcantara sport seats with GTI TCR detailing with a new fabric design as well as floor mats with black and red stitching, further accentuate the Golf GTI TCR. Additional interior features include climatronic air-conditioning and red ambient light strips and an exclusive sports steering wheel.

The Golf GTI TCR also features standard technology such as Dynamic Chassis Control including driving profile

selection, Active Info Display, Parallel Park Assist and LED headlights.

The Golf GTI TCR comes with a host of standard features and is the only model in the Volkswagen range in South Africa where the only optional features are the colours. Customers can choose between the following colours namely Pure White, Tornado Red and Pure Grey.

Another exclusive offering just for the Golf GTI TCR customers in South Africa, will be a unique number that will be placed under the GTI logo at the rear of the car and a personalised ownership certificate.

The Golf GTI TCR is equipped with a six-speed DSG gearbox and can reach the 100km/h mark after just 5.6 seconds. The standard Vmax increases the maximum speed from 250 to 264km/h. The torque is 380Nm available between 1 950 and 5 300 rpm.

The Golf GTI TCR comes standard with a three-year or 120 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is every 15 000km.

The limited-edition Golf GTI TCR.

The interior of the limited-edition Golf GTI TCR speaks a very high premium brand language to welcome the driver and passengers.

Toyota span die kroon by SA Motor van die Jaar ■

Roelof de Jonge

Die wenners van die 2020- Auto Trader- Motor van die Jaar-kompetisie (MvdJ) is ná maande se motortoetse, openbare stemmery en statistiese ontleding in ’n ongekende virtuele prysuitdeling aangewys.

Toyota was die enigste vervaardiger wat drie benoemde modelle in vanjaar se kompetisie gehad het, naamlik die Corolla Hatch, die RAV4 en die GR Supra sportmotor. Die drie modelle het hul man tussen ’n verskeidenheid kandidate, van klein stadsmotors tot groot sportnutse en dubbelkajuitbakkies, gestaan.

Die Corolla Hatch 1.2T XR CVT het in die Gesinsmotor-afdeling met die louere weggery. Toyota se beroemde sportmotor, die GR Supra 3.0T, was derde algeheel en het die prys vir die Sport of Verrigtingsmotor-afdeling gewen.

Toyota bedank Auto Trader, die Suid-Afrikaanse Gilde van Motor Joernaliste, sy getroue kliënte en die Suid-Afrikaanse publiek vir hul volgehoue ondersteuning.

Die oorwinning in die twee afdelings en ’n topdrie-plasing algeheel is ’n bewys van die vertroue wat Suid-Afrikaanse motoriste in Toyota se produkte plaas, en dit is waarlik iets om op trots te wees, volgens Toyota Suid-Afrika.

Onder: Die GR Supra 3.0T was derde algeheel in die Suid-Afrikaanse Motor van die Jaar toekennings en het ook die prys vir die Sport of Verrigtingsmotor-afdeling gewen. Foto’s: MotorPress

Die Corolla Hatch 1.2T XR CVT het die Gesinsmotor-afdeling in Suid-Afrika se 2020 Motor van die Jaar kompetisie gewen.

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1 May 2020

11

GLE 400d star shines in Premium SUV category ■

Roelof de Jonge

The Mercedes-Benz GLE400d has won the 2020 AutoTrader South African Premium SUV category and was judged as the runner-up for the overall Car of The Year Award.

This award was presented in a new online digital awards format on the 21st of April. In 2019, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class won the AutoTrader South African Car of the Year competition.

According to Mercedes-Benz South Africa, the Premium SUV Category caters for vehicles that offer a combination of versatility, comfort, style and performance both on- and off the road. Boasting genuine 4x4 ability without low range, these vehicles are luxurious, spacious and refined.

“The judges were particularly impressed with the GLE’s interior comfort, modern luxury design, innovative technology, exceptional SUV ability and innovative safety features,” says Rubin van Niekerk, chairman of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ).

“Incredibly, members of the public reached the same conclusion as the highly qualified jury members, who collectively have 584 years of experience in the motor industry. The competition has a 35-yearlong running history. The competition allows for members of the public to cast a vote via the AutoTrader website, and pick a car that they believe is most deserving of winning in the AutoTrader categories,” said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.

The jury commented favourably on the car’s beautiful design and magnificent craftsmanship. The judges were particularly impressed with its interior comfort,

stunning design, innovative technology, terrific 4x4 road manners and exemplary safety features.

The new GLE offers modern luxury both on and off the road and is available in three variants, namely the GLE 300d, GLE 400d and the GLE 450, with the MercedesAMG models are expected in South Africa later this year.

The GLE 400d generates 243kW output and 700Nm of torque with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

The GLE SUV is a trendsetter full of innovations, which introduces the new control concept with innovative driving assistance and the active suspension system namely E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. The infotainment system boasts larger screens and MBUX Interior Assist, which can detect hand and arm movements to assist with control functions.

“The GLE’s design idiom perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity, thus representing modern luxury.

The interior derives its fascination from the contrast between the luxurious and elegant design and digital high-tech of the MBUX system,” says Selvin Govender, Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa.

“The GLE exhibits the iconic MercedesBenz design while remaining true to its character as an off-roader. We appreciate the public’s vote and continuous support, and thank the Guild of Motoring Journalists and AutoTrader for the great awards show,” concludes Govender.

To learn more about the Mercedes-Benz GLE, visit https://www.mercedes-benz. co.za/gle

Jece oefen fluks in tuisgemaakte gimnasium ■

Roelof de Jonge

Menige rugbyspeler en dié sport se geharde ondersteuners wil al teen die mure uitklim weens die sportdroogte wat deur die COVID-19 inperking veroorsaak is.

Jece Swart, kranige rugbyspeler en bestuurslid van Letaba Rugbyklub, het met Bulletin gesels oor hoe hy homself besig hou in hierdie tyd van inperking.

“Ek het eerlikwaar nie gedink dat so iets soos ‘n pandemie in ons leeftyd sou gebeur wat feitlik alles tot stillstand gedwing het nie”, het Swart oor die omstandighede gesê.

Swart sê voor die inperking begin het, het hy vir hom gimnasium-gereedskap gebou waarmee hy hom self in oefening hou.

“In die middae maak ek en my verloofde, Deidré, ‘n punt daarvan om met die honde te gaan stap. Andersins probeer ek maar om my liggaam so gesond as moontlik te hou”, het die voormalige leerder van die Hoërskool Merensky gesê.

Swart het vertel dat hy na sy skoolloopbaan eers na Durban gegaan het. Daar het hy vir die Sharks Academy gespeel terwyl hy deur die rugby akademie vir sy Bcom-graad in bemarking gestudeer het.

Swart is nou al vir die afgelope vier jaar ‘n bitsige skrumskakel vir Letaba Rugbyklub en was hierdie jaar vir die eerste keer benoem om as addisionele-lid van die bestuur te dien.

Volgens Swart is sy doelwit op die bestuur om jonger generasie spelers te werf sodat die klub en die sport vir die toekoms behoue kan bly.

Swart het gesê dat dit vir hom as skoolseun natuurlik ‘n droom was om eendag professionele rugby te gaan speel.

“Dit is enige jong man se droom, ek het dit gaan probeer, en ek gee respek vir die mense wat dit wel gemaak het om professionele rugby te kon speel. Want dit vereis ook baie opof-

feringe in ‘n mens se lewe”, het Swart gesê.

Volgens Swart het Letaba Rugbyklub ‘n manier om jong mans van die dorp bymekaar te bring.

“Dit is hier waar ons mekaar aanmoedig en elkeen ondersteun”, het Swart gesê.

Swart is van mening dat klubrugby in Limpopo nie op die standaard is nie veral gesien in die lig dat klubs nie vier spanne in die liga kan voorsien nie. Dit is weens die knypende ekonomiese tye wat die afgelope paar jaar sy merk op amateur-rugby gelaat het.

“Veral as plattelandse klubs soos Letaba in stedelike wedstryde moet gaan speel raak die kostes te veel, en dit plaas die klub onder finasiële druk. Dis hoekom dit belangrik is om ou en jong spelers beskikbaar te hê sodat die klub se afrigters en bestuur ‘n wyer keuse het om spanne saam te stel” het Swart gesê.

Swart en sy pa, Wikus, is vennote in ‘n besigheid (Sprayrite), wat landbou toerusting voorsien reg oor die wêreld.

“Ons onderneming het al selfs ‘n hele paar uitgevoere na Egipte, Nieu-Seeland en Malawi beleef. Dit was alles te danke aan my Oupa, Jan Swart, wat hierdie manier van besigheid doen aan my pa oorgedra het”, het Swart gesê.

Swart het gesê sy grootste aansporing is sy familie, want hulle het die grootste inpak op sy lewe en maak nie saak wat die omstandighede is nie weet hy dat hy altyd op hulle kan staat maak.

Swart het gesê as hy kon raad gee vir ‘n jonger Jece, sal dit wees om altyd eerder na die raad van jou pa te luister, want ‘n mens se pa weet gewoonlik die beste.

“Tweedens as jy besluit om enige sport jou loopbaan te maak, moet jy besef jy gaan baie opofferings moet maak. En dan laastens maak God jou eerste prioriteit, want oral waar jy gaan sal die Here jou grootste invloed wees op die besluite wat jy neem”, het Swart gesê.

SHOP LOCAL. EAT LOCAL. READ LOCAL. SPEND LOCAL. IT TAKES A COMMUNITY TO BUILD A BUSINESS. SUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESSES WHO SUPPORT THE AREA WHERE YOU LIVE, WORK AND PLAY. 015 306 0198

Sport 1 May 2020

Birdlasser en die Comrades ■

Die inperking wetgewings het egter ‘n stokkie voor die atlete se planne gesteek en is die moontlikheid dat hierdie atlete nie aan vanjaar se Comrades Paul Zaayman, voorsitter van Tzaneen Marathonklub, het met Bulletin oor sy gaan kan deelneem nie baie groot. ervarings as ‘n padwedloop-atleet gesels en beskryf hoe die huidige inperkings “Die uitstel van die Comrades het ook meegebring dat ons atlete geldelike verhom en sy mede-atlete raak. liese gelei het. Die inksrywingsfooi vir die Comrades is wel nie die grootste koste “Ja, die tydperk van inperking is ‘n moeilike tyd vir die atlete van die Tzaneen nie, maar kostes soos vlieg- of buskaartjies asook verblyf in Durban of PietermarMarathon Klub. Ons atlete is egter baie verskillend van mekaar in die sin itzburg wat wel vroeg reeds bespreek moes word en reeds aangegaan is”, volgens dat vir sommige atlete is ‘n 10km wedloop ‘n bykans onmootlike uit- Zaayman. daging, terwyl ander lede veel meer as dit per dag kan handhaaf”, het Zaayman sê heelwat van die Tzaneen Marathonklub se atlete is mense wie Zaayman gesê. gewone arbeiders is en vir wie hierdie kostes ‘n hele jaar se spaargeld is. Maar Volgens Zaayman is dit moeilik om nie te kan oefen soos gewoon- hy het gesê dat alles nie tot niet is nie, aangesien die Comrades nog steeds lik nie. Hy het gesê dat algemene fiksheid ‘n groot bekommernis bly hierdie jaar moontlik gaan plaasvind. aangesien dit baie moeilik is om weer terug te kom as atlete eers onIn 2013 het Zaayman tesame met sy een dogter, Relita, sy eerste Comrades fiks geword het.

Ultra aangedurf en voltooi. In 2019 se wedloop het Zaayman vir die sewende Vir mense wie dit nie besef nie, vat dit etlike maande se oefeninge en jaar agterenvolgens hierdie mergelende wedloop suksesvol kaf gedraf. deelname om ‘n volwaardige fiksheids-vlak te bereik om ‘n wedloop soos Vir mense wie nie atlete is nie sal iets soos die Comrades Ultra ‘n gekkespul die Comrades Ultra Marathon aan te pak. wees. Vir Zaayman is dit egter die vervoering om die eindpunt te bereik en die “Dit gesê, is dit glad nie onmoontlik om groot afstande in ‘n beperkte belewenis dat hy dit kon regkry. spasie soos jou eie tuin aan te pak nie, soos die person wat onlangs “Die “sense of achievement”, is iets wat my laat teruggaan. Al word dit moeiin Tzaneen sowat 50km op een dag in sy eie tuin gehardloop liker soos ‘n mens ouer word. Ek dink dat padhardloop, en die Comrades Ultra het”, het Zaayman bygevoeg. in besonder, my ontsaglik baie van myself en die lewe geleer het, en ek steeds Die Comrades Ultra Marathon was geoogmerk om daaruit leer”, het Zaayman gesê. op Sondag die 14de Junie plaas te vind. Volgens “Vir my leer mens uit die Comrades dat uitdagings, hoe groot en moeilik, moontlik Zaayman is hulle tans nie seker wanneer, en of, is om te oorkom. Dit leer my dat elke opdraende ‘n afdraende het, dat slegte tye nie die 2020 Comrades wel gaan plaasvind nie. vir ewig aanhou nie.”

“Dit is ‘n tyd van onsekerheid, want mens weet “Dat daar altyd mense langs die pad is wat jou sal help as dit moeilik gaan, nie hoeveel om nou te oefen nie. Om deel te dat mense langs die pad jou die geleentheid sal gee om ‘n hand uit te reik en kan neem aan hierdie ikoniese wedloop, te help as dit moeilik met hulle gaan. Vreemdelinge word vriende. Soms is moet ‘n deelnemer ‘n standaard marathon die pad eensaam, alleen, en moet jy met jouself worstel om dié uitdagings te of ‘n langer afstand binne ‘n voorgeskrewe oorkom”, het Zaayman gesê. tyd voltooi”, het Zaayman verduidelik.

Afgesien van padwedlope hou Zaayman daarvan om te reis, en spesifiek in Volgens hom het sommige van hul klub Afrika. Hy het gesê Botswana en Namibië is vir hom veral baie besonderse se lede reeds met die begin van die in- lande en waar daar nog so baie is wat hy nog daar wil gaan besigtig. Om nie perkingstydperk gekwalifiseer om aan eers van Suid-Afrika se mooi plekke te praat nie wat nog besoek moet word. ‘n die Comrades deel te neem. Hy het Ander stokperdjie is om voëls te kyk. gesê daar is steeds sowat 26 atlete van “Daar is ‘n ongelooflike wêreld van die geveerdes wat hier tussen ons is Tzaneen se klub met inskrywings wat wat mens nie altyd raaksien nie. Mens kan dié stokperdjie van jou eie huis voor die begin van Mei aan kwaliaf beoefen. So is daar in die inperkingstyd die Birdlasser Lock fiserings wedlope sou deelneem.

Down Challenge waaraan ek deelneem. Die uitdaging is om so veel as moontlik voelspesies te identifiseer in die beperkte ruimtes waarin jy kan beweeg. Dit help om op die dak van jou huis te kan sit waar die uitsig baie beter is”, het Zaayman gesê.

Zaayman het gesê Tzaneen Marathon Klub se doelwit is om padwedlope in en om Tzaneen te bevorder en om vir mense die geleentheid te gee om aan die sport te kan deel neem.

Dié klub het nog twee wedlope wat vir hierdie jaar geskeduleer is. Die eerste een is die Tzaneen Spring Opener wat by Lifestyle Inkopiesentrum aangebied word teen die einde van Augustus.

Zaayman het gesê daar is tans nog onsekerheid of die wedloop wel gaan plaasvind.

“Tans is die moontlikheid dat die Magoeba Plunge einde November gaan plaasvind baie goed. Die klub sal steeds voortgaan met die bevordering van die sport waarvoor ons lief is deur gereeld oor naweke “club runs” aan te bied sodra dit natuurlik weer Paul Zaayman se vreugde na sy vyfde Comrades Ultra Marathon spreek boekdele van die geluk wat dit vir ‘n atleet bring Voëlkyk is een van Zaayman se stokpertjies en gedurende die inperking homselfs daarmee besig gehou toegelaat word” het Zaayman wanneer hulle dié wedloop voltooi het. Verlede jaar het hy sy sewende Comrades voltooi. Foto’s: Paul Zaayman om die tyd verby te kry. gesê.

Roelof de Jonge