Bulletin Newspaper 22 January 2021

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22 January 2021

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DA SAYS “MASK ARRESTS” WERE UNLAWFUL

After many citizens were arrested and manhandled by members of the SAPS and SANDF, the DA has stood up and said enough. According to the party’s provincial leader, Jacques Smalle, the police must order citizens to put on a mask, if the citizen refuses, arrests can be effected. Read on Page 5.

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■ Jeff Jackson Citizens of South Africa still await a clear answer from government as to the source of funding for the Covid-19 vaccine, which by the end of the year, could have been supplied to around 40 million people.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his last family meeting that the details of the funding would be unpacked by finance minister, Tito Mboweni, in his budget speech.

However, opposition parties were quick to warn government against the increasing of taxes as the citizenry is already overburdened. The Democratic Alliance (DA) were the first to object to tax hikes while the labour federation, Cosatu went as far threatening not to support the ANC in the municipal elections if there could be a freeze in salary hikes.

While the state coffers had already

■ Jeff Jackson The Department of Health has once again claimed to be bankrupt just two months before the national budget could be tabled by finance minister, Tito Mboweni, and subsequently, the provincial treasury. This time the blame was placed on the department itself for returning the money which was not used for the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Towards the end of last year, the department had reported that they had run short of finances due to unforseen expenses because of the pandemic, and they were going to ask for more from the treasury. MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba announced that her department was bankrupt shortly before the Medium Term Budget Strategy (MTBS) was tabled

by Mboweni. Ramathuba then said the money they had in hand would carry her department to March 2021, and as result they were appealing for funds from the Treasury.

She added that they had lobbied for more from the office of the Premier and Treasury. According to the National Finance Management Act, departments should not return the funds they were allocated. In most instances departments were criticised by the Auditor Gen-

eral (AG) for returning monies that were for meant for service delivery, which if not spent, had a negative impact on the communities of their department’s jurisdiction.

“After the first wave of Covid-19 passed, we returned the money back to the Treasury which is the reason why the department is now bankrupt. We followed the law that states if money could not be used, it should be returned to Treasury. Therefore, we wrote to them requesting that that money should be returned to the province in order to deal with the second wave,” explained Ramathuba.

Before Ramathuba’s statement, there were existing concerns in many of the rural areas in Limpopo and Mopani District in particular, that clinics were no longer serving the communities they were built for and instead they were used as dispensaries for chronic diseases patients. In some medical centres in Mopani there are no sanitisers and therefore residents are prohibited to enter.

Tzaneen’s municipality is in the grips of a power struggle between two factions of the ANC just six months ahead of the local elections. One faction supports Jacob Zuma while the other supports Cyril Ramaphosa.

Though the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) had applied to the electoral court to have the by-elections set aside until after the pandemic had normalised, political activists are busy preparing for the elections.

The local government elections are set to take place in August and will see the various municipalities in Mopani and other districts displaying new faces for councillors. Some old faces will retire and will be replaced by whichever candidate has the most successful lobby.

In Tzaneen, comrades have turned against one another after allegations of unkept promises surfaced. Accord-

ing to those in the thick of things in Tzaneen politics, there are four people in the contest for the office of the mayor.

One of the chairpersons of the branches in the Lesedi cluster of the subregion, said that after the completion of the listing conference shortly before the 2016 elections, some of the promises which included the deployment of local comrades was not implemented. He said that at the centre of the dispute was the appointment of the Municipal Managers at local and district municipalities which were sourced from the Capricorn district.

He further alleged that branches were just used during election time, and afterwards they were abandoned when the time came to share in the spoils. According to him, it emerged that the owners of certain contractors conducting business with government benefitted the most through their continued financial support of

certain strategically placed officials.

“The case in point is the employment of contractors for jobs in various municipalities. There is a handful of companies who are always awarded the contracts while there are other firms locally who could do the same but are ignored. The fact that companies are required to have their names on the databases as service providers, is just a formality because the ones receiving the tenders were sorted a long time ago by the party in what has been termed “deployment”, the chairperson continued.

Whisperings in the corridors of Tzaneen’s Whitehouse allege that should the current mayor, Maripe Mangena, run for the office of mayor once more, his chances of re-election were exceedingly small in a region associated with Jacob Zuma and Ace Magashule.

Furthermore, sources speculate that if the current Mopani District Mayor, Pule Shayi, was elected for a second

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time last year when finance minister Tito Mboweni told labour unions that the government could not afford the salary hike increase for the coming three years as at the time they spent over 61% of the budget on paying workers.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigating Unit is following an instruction from the office of the president and probing several cases of corruption related to PPE tenders since the start of the pandemic.

The fact that the Limpopo Health Department is forever in need of bailouts from treasury is not new news.

Just last year, the same Ramathuba complained of lack of finances in her department and said that they would not be able to finish the financial year with their remaining funds. This statement she made just six months after the budgets were allocated. When they received the money, they returned it to Treasury.

In fact, after the emergence of Covid-19, all health services were centralised, and focus was placed on coronavirus patients. Clinics were transformed into referral centres, or first options before ambulances were called to a scene. Patients with chronic diseases were referred to clinics for the collection of medication, while also discouraged to visit the health centres because they were hotspots. In the meantime Ramathuba is still under investigation following allegations of PPE tender fraud.

Tzaneen Municipality divided by infighting ■ Jeff Jackson

Noodnommers Emergency numbers

there will be increases on the fuel levy, sin taxes for cigarettes and liquor, exorbitant fines for disregarding Covid-19 regulations, and an introduction of wealth tax. However, treasury could not respond immediately and said it will announce any tax changes and detailed money matters on Budget Day in February.

The DA labelled the increases by Treasury as morally indefensible and bad economic policy. The wage hike freeze had been in the news for some

“We have no money,” – Limpopo Health

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been stretched to their limits, the president recently announced that government is planning to supply about 40 million people with vaccines before the end of this year. During a recent media interview Ramaphosa said that money is available for vaccines. “There can never be any talk that we don’t have money for vaccines to save the lives of our people” he said.

Ramaphosa promised that everyone will have access to the vaccines which would be acquired through three channels; World Health Organisation’s Covax facility, the African Union’s vaccine initiative and through contacts with the vaccine manufacturers. Adding that 20 million vaccines are to be distributed in the first half of 2021.

Economists do not foresee a largescale increase in taxes to fund the vaccines and speculate instead that

term, he would not side with Mangena, but would rather choose the ANC Youth League deployee with whom he is on good terms.

Further speculation suggested that the appointment of the municipal managers for both Tzaneen and the Mopani District Municipality, was the main source of friction in the region. This because of claims of interference by well-connected big contractors. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa will have to choose from the three names that would be sent to him.

Tzaneen is the second economic hub of the province and as result the appointment of the mayor is done by the state president after he received recommendations from the regional and the provincial offices of the party. It is likely that the future mayor of Tzaneen will come from the Ramaphosa camp if the current status quo is maintained.

Foto deur: Willie & Mariette Source: www.dwa.gov.za Information updated: 18/01/2021

Tzaneen 21.7%

Ebenezer 26.2%

Merensky 102.3%

Dap Naude 105.6%

Middel Letaba 0.7%

Blyde Rivier Poort 101%

Klaserie 103.4%

Tours 47.8%

Vergelegen 101.6%

Magoebaskloof 100.8%

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“Pay your staff to wash their uniforms!”

■ Joe Dreyer

Another massive blow was dealt to the already punch-drunk restaurant industry this week with the news that owners will have to cough up even more towards their staff expenses. The regulations which were published on Monday state among other requirements, that owners of fast-food outlets, lodges, coffee shops and restaurants will have to pay their staff R17.50 per week if they are required to wash their own uniforms.

This new weekly reimbursement is included among a set of irrational regulations which will require restaurateurs to pay a December bonus to each employee who has been employed at their establishment for longer than a year – of one week’s wages. The new requirements will also force employers to increase the wages of their staff, from waiters upwards, to a level that exceeds the national minimum wage by a massive 7%. Employers will not be allowed to reduce the salaries of staff who have been paid higher than the prescribed rates. The new regulations came into effect on Monday, the 18th of January.

This was after the Department of Employment and Labour extended the main collective agreement of the newly formed Bargaining Council for the Fast Food, Restaurant, Catering and Allied Trades to all employers, including those who are not part of the bargaining council.

This newly formed council will require employers to pay a monthly bargain council expense levy of R5 per employee, every employee will also be required to the R5 levy. Additionally a dispute resolution levy will be paid to the council of R3 per employee and every employee will also be required to pay the same levy. A General establishment levy of R25 per month will also need to paid per establishment. In total the monthly levies to be paid to this newly formed Bargaining Council, could cost a small business which employs ten staffers, an additional R105 per month. In total, the new requirements will increase the overhead costs of restaurant employers by at least 16%, according to the National Employers Association of South Africa.

According to the department, all restaurants and fast-food outlets will have a month to register with the council. Restaurants are now threatening legal action against government to stop the new bargaining council rules from taking effect.

The Democratic Alliance have condemned the decision by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, to extend the agreement to fast-food, restaurants, catering and allied trades to all employer and employees in the industry. According to the DA Member of Parliament, Dr Michael Cardo, the extension of this agreement, and its enforcement, will deliver the death-blow to an industry that has been battered over the past year and is already on its knees.

“The coronavirus pandemic, the stringent lockdown regulations that have caused many small businesses to close, and the rolling blackouts that make it incredibly difficult for small-scale fast-food outlets, restaurants, and caterers to operate, have all constituted a series of blows. Now Minister Nxesi has delivered a sucker punch”.

According to Cardo, for many employers in the industry, this is simply unaffordable. Many of the fast-food outlets, restaurants, and caterers that have remained open only barely survived the hard lockdown. The extension of this agreement may very well result in the

A waitress at a popular local eatery with no customers to serve.

Wrought by a curfew and alcohol prohibition, many restaurants in Tzaneen stand deserted.

Photos: Joe Dreyer

complete closure of their businesses.

Wendy Alberts, CEO of the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA) spoke to Bulletin yesterday (Thursday the 21st of January) and expressed the association’s outrage over the continued attack on an industry that is the life blood of areas such as the Mopani District that is known as a key tourist destination.

“It is devasting to the industry and many employees will lose their jobs, many business owners will lose everything. We cannot run our businesses with this curfew, with the ban on alcohol and now with these new increases. We simply cannot afford to. Our cries are falling on deaf ears and this year, our industry will not celebrate love over Valentine’s Day. It will be a day of mourning.”

Alberts said that legal action has already been prepared against this extension. It will be added to the battle currently being fought in the high court against the alcohol ban and the curfew restrictions.

She said that an industry body has indicated that it will lodge an urgent interdict, which will have the support from other organizations, including RASA. Bulletin spoke to several restaurateurs in the Tzaneen and Haenertsburg areas who all expressed their concern over the government’s continued attack on their industry. Two popular local restaurants have already had to adjust their business models and work from home, one of these have had to place their employees on temporary lay-off while the other opted for retrenchment.

Empty seats mean empty pockets for restaurant employees and employers alike.

Addio Panarotti’s na vyf smaaklike jare

■ Joe Dreyer

Die gewilde familierestaurant, Panarotti’s, gaan sy Tzaneen-deure op die 31ste Januarie permanent sluit. Die redes hiervoor is nie heeltemal duidelik nie, maar volgens werknemers by hierdie restaurant besit die eienaar, Werner Nagel, ‘n tweede tak in Pretoria en sal hy sy belange soontoe skuif. Ons kon teen druktyd nie vir Nagel in die hande kry vir kommentaar nie. Hierdie volg na die heel eerste restaurant in die Spur-groep, Golden Spur, in Desember verlede jaar sy deure om finansiële uitdagings na 53-jaar in Nuweland gesluit het. Die Spur-groep sluit Panarotti’s, Spur en John Dory’s restaurante in.

Panarotti’s in die Lifestyle Inkopiesentrum gaan sy deure na vyf jaar sluit. Foto: Roelof de Jonge

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Hopefuls ignore Covid Forced to work despite testing positive ■ Billy Sibuyi

■ Billy Sibuyi Hundreds of hopeful first year students, who had either taken a gap year or could not acquire space last year, flocked to Mopani South East TVET College on Monday morning for a chance to enroll for the 2021 academic year.

The students ignored the advisory from the president, that they should keep a clear distance between each other, as they stood in social group clusters, whilst waiting to be granted permission onto the premises.

Security officials at the campus gate were observed sanitizing the hands of the students before they entered the school, but they did nothing about the non-compliance of the distance between individuals.

Moreover, these numbers that flooded the gate on Monday, are only a fraction of the numbers that are to come when school re-opens in February and matric learners find their way to their respective colleges.

As Phalaborwa battles the spread of the Covid-19 disease, residents were warned by the department of health that the country had already entered the second wave of the pandemic, and thus people needed to practice extensive social distancing.

Although experts argue that there is no significant difference between the first wave and the second wave, as they both follow the same pattern, it does not mean that the safety precautions should be ignored. Arguably, Limpopo got off relatively lightly during the first wave, but according to health officials in the province, this second wave is five times more intense and a peak is expected in a week or two. During the second wave alone, 227 people allegedly died from Covid-19 in Limpopo.

According to the Acting Deputy Director General for healthcare services, Dr Abrey Lekoloana, this would still mean there would be a high number of cases and hospitalizations until the end of February.

Healthcare workers, more especially student nurses, in Bushbuckridge’s Mapulaneng hospital alleged that they were forced to work despite having tested positive for Covid-19 or they would not be allowed to complete their end-year exams.

According to healthcare personnel, the workers hardest hit

by Covid-19 are student nurses in the frontline healthcare sector, especially in Mapulaneng, as they are subject to dictatorship by their nursing-principal. Student healthcare personnel contacted Bulletin and asked to all remain anonymous for the fear of reprisal, and they informed us of an alleged irregularity at the hospital.

According to the student nurses their principal, who oversees the nursing student department at the hospital, told them that as of two weeks ago, they would not be allowed to go on leave if they had already taken leave due to Covid-19.

“We were told that our 12 days sick leave was exceeded because we had Covid-19 and that we will have to repay those days we exceeded by working on our weekends off”.

The nurses were allegedly given an ultimatum by the principal that if they did not pitch for work over the weekends and made up for the off days they took when they were sick, they would not be eligible to write their end-year exams. Another nurse told Bulletin that she had tested positive again for Covid-19 and was prepared to die on duty because “I will not go home and then not qualify to write my exams or have to come work extra weeks”.

Bulletin contacted the Mpumalanga Department of Health Spokesperson, Chris Nobela, and initially he denied that there were nurses forced to work on weekends. Even after Bulletin put it to him, that we could confirm for sure, that there were

nurses forced to work to cover for the sick days, Nobela insisted that it was not happening and asked us to be more specific in terms of who those nurses were.

Seeing that Bulletin was not forthcoming with the names and was adamant about the enquiry, Nobela relayed our queries to the CEO of the hospital, Rosina Makhura, who surprisingly was also not aware of such arrangements.

Nobela promised to investigate the matter, and a few days later told Bulletin that “staff members, including student nurses, are given sick leave after testing positive for Covid-19. They only return after receiving negative results. In case the results are positive the officer remains in isolation for 10 days or as per doctor’s prescription. No officer is expected to replace the sick days given for Covid-19.”

“For the issue raised by the particular student nurse, she exceeded the prescribed academic year 12 days sick leave due to other illnesses previously which is not related to Covid-19.

Arrangement was made with her to replace the extra days by getting one day off per week until the owed days are covered so that her hours of training are not affected,” stated Nobela.

However, the students still begged to differ with what Nobela had told Bulletin as they say it is not just one nurse who was told to work extra days, but the whole student department who had contracted Covid-19. Following our inquiries, the principal told the students that she was only trying to help them by making sure they had enough hours covered for their practical assessment.

Bulletin was also informed that the principal in question has allegedly attended several hearings for her conduct towards previous learners and would likely not qualify to have another intake the following academic year. We have again issued an inquiry with the department to verify these allegations.

Sono passes away ■ Billy Sibuyi

Mopani South East TVET College

NOTICE MAJOR HAZARDOUS INSTALLATION In terms of regulation 3 of the Major Hazardous Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act no 85 of 1993 (as amended), the Provincial Director of Department of Labour as well as the Tzaneen Municipal Emergency Services verify that the installation of Granor Passi (Pty) Ltd, located Farm Letabakop, Trichardtsdal road, Letsitele falls within the scope of the provisions of the Major Hazardous Installation Regulations.

The risk assessment and any other relevant information required by these Regulations is available for inspection at the Tzaneen Disaster Management, Tel no 015 306 7010

Anna Sono, one of the former mayors of the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, died on Tuesday, the 19th of January, following a short illness.

According to Odas Ngobeni, the spokesperson of the district municipality, when Sono died, she was the chairperson of the Ethics Committee in the Mopani District Municipal Council and was also serving as the PR Councilor of the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality.

“Councilor Sono is of a working-class upbringing and has known nothing else except serving our people at the level of our municipalities in various capacities,” stated the Executive Mayor Pule Shayi who learned with shock of the passing of his colleague. “The discernible progress and development of the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality could partly be attributed to her contributions, as a former mayor of the municipality. But most importantly, her stewardship as the MMC for Community Services and later as the chairperson of the Ethics Committee, has come to inspire us as we deliver services to our people”.

“Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time. On behalf of the leadership collective, the people of Mopani and the entire administration, we send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and members of her organization,” mentioned Pule on behalf of the African National Congress. She will be laid to rest on Saturday, the 23rd of January at 05:30 at her home.

Anna Sono, one of the former mayors of the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality

Mystery blaze at Namakgale school ■ Billy Sibuyi Speculation is rife regarding the mysterious fire that destroyed two filing cabinets at a high school in Namakgale on Tuesday, the 19th of January. The police in Namakgale outside Phalaborwa have launched an investigation into malicious damage to property at Sebalamakgolo High School after two cabinets containing sensitive documents appear to have been intentionally set alight. The cabinets were situated in the staff room at the school.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, it is alleged that on Sunday, the 17th of January at approximately 09:00 the morning, the complainant, who

is known to the police, went to the school to check whether everything was still in good order which he found to be so.

However, two days later when he returned to the school at about 10:00 to check again, he was shocked to find the staff room damaged by a fire which had destroyed the contents of two filing cabinets. The damage is estimated at R10 000. Mojapelo said that the cause of fire and motive for the incident was still unknown at the stage and that there were no arrests.

While it is unclear what sparked the blaze, concerned parents and community members have questioned whether they may be dealing with a case of arson, presumably because of someone trying to destroy certain evidence.

Sebalamakgolo High School

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Arrests for not wearing masks unlawful - DA ■ Joe Dreyer The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo is appalled by the raids conducted in the Waterberg region, specifically in Modimolle, by SAPS and the South African Defence Force (SANDF) on Tuesday this week. Scores of SAPS members and members of the SANDF filled the streets of Modimolle and arrested unsuspecting persons on the pavements who were not wearing masks or were wearing masks incorrectly.

Businesses were entered and employees who were not wearing masks were arrested and taken to the police station to be processed.

The same occurred in Tzaneen where just last week a total of 28 citizens were arrested and processed in the Tzaneen police station for contravention of the regulations. These residents faced a R500 fine or six months in jail.

The DA’s Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle, said that the party has it on good authority that some people were treated with unnecessary force and were hauled off to the police station without observing protocols. The same vehicles were used more than once to transport persons to the police station without being sanitised between trips.

When President Cyril Ramaphosa first re-imposed a level 3 lockdown in the country, on the 28th of December 2020, he announced that wearing masks in public would become mandatory for citizens.

President Ramaphosa further stated that people will be asked to put

on their masks and failure to do so will result in an arrest. of Covid-19, we request members of the public to continue to obThis is confirmed in section 34(2) of the Disaster Management Act, serve these protocols.”

2002: Amendment of Regulations as Gazetted on 29 December 2020 The DA will seek further clarity on the matter by engaging with the which clearly states that “the wearing of a mask is mandatory for affected individuals and stakeholders to compile a factual dossier every person when in a public place, and any person who fails to before seeking legal counsel on how to proceed. comply with a verbal instruction by an enforcement officer, commits and offence.”

“The DA is adamant that the unlawful arrest of civilians in a rough and ready manner without observing protocols should not be allowed. The DA requests all members of the public who were arrested and manhandled by either SAPS or the SANDF to report the matter at their local SAPS charge office, or to contact the DA directly,” said Smalle.

“We recognise that the regulations to wear masks in public and to practice social distancing are important measures aimed Police and members of SANDF patrolled the streets of the CBD inspecting businesses for Covid violations. at countering the further spread

A-Team still going strong More bad news from Asia ■ Billy Sibuyi

■ Jeff Jackson

It would appear as though the desecration of the once beautiful Phalaborwa town is condoned by the municipality which has still to step in and take ownership of their service delivery failures. It would appear as though the BPM have folded their hands as citizens take it upon themselves to repair roads and clean pavements.

Now with the support of local businessmen and residents, who are fed up with the state of the roads in Phalaborwa, the A-Team are reaching new heights and putting a smile on many motorists faces. Not funded by the municipality or any political organization, the A-Team continues to fill potholes on roads which have become undriveable. This despite scorn from certain ward councilors who instead of backing their efforts, attempts to stand in their way.

Clifford Manyama and his team has employed Facebook Groups to strategize and communicate with the community on roads that are desperately in need of reparations. Through these channels they have managed to unite the community who have praised them for their efforts.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) hereby alerts the agricultural community, importers, international travellers, academic institutions and the entire citizenry about the potential risk faced by our country, Southern African Development Countries (SADC) region and the entire continent as it relates to the Asian citrus greening ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’.

Asian citrus greening is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide and presently does not occur in sub-Saharan Africa. However, Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) was detected and is spreading in central-east Africa, and Huanglongbing (HLB) occurs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius and Reunion.

Both HLB and ACP occurs in countries that are frequent trading partners with Southern African countries. Traders and travellers pose a threat of inadvertently spreading the disease or the vector.

Asian Citrus Greening is a bacterial disease caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and is spread by the insect vector Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri. Symptoms on leaves and shoot include yellow shoots, asymmetric, mottled leaves, small upright chlorotic leaves, out of phase flushing and branch dieback. Flower and fruit symptoms include unseasonal and heavy flowering on diseased branches, small, lopsided, bitter-tasting fruit with small, brown, aborted seeds and uneven colouring at maturity and excessive fruit drop. The sooty mould growth resulting from excess honeydew production can also affect the plants’ ability to photosynthesise, which can affect overall plant health. Production costs would increase because of the need to control this pest. Market access, the economy, the citrus and nursery industry and backyard citrus production would also be negatively affected.

Considering the socio-economic value and the

Clifford Manyama

Local photography club established this month ■ Jeff Jackson The Tzaneen Photographic Club (TPC) is an initiative by the owner and editor of Far North Bulletin, Joe Dreyer, to create excitement around the art of photography. The club is in the process of registering as a non-profit company (NPC) and will hold its first meeting on the 28th of January. The meeting will be hosted over the Zoom Meeting platform in accordance with the level 3 lockdown regulations. Currently the club has 92 members and is steadily growing.

“The idea behind the club was to build a community of photography lovers from all backgrounds and in any level of expertise,” Dreyer explained.

“Our members range from semi-professionals and professionals with expensive gear wanting to share their work with others, to avid social media users who just want to take better quality photos and videos with their smartphones. It can be done, and here, they will learn how to.”

The club will be registered as a non-profit and will use the first meeting next week to elect an executive committee after which a bank account will be opened into which annual membership fees will be deposited. The members will have meetings once a month, whether virtually, or depending on the reJoe Dreyer gulations, physically.

Each month will have a topic for the members to explore and photograph and at each meeting their photographs will be analysed and prizes awarded to winners in the various categories.

“The plan is to use the membership fee of R350 a year (R40 a month), to purchase gear for the club which the club members will be able to book out over weekends, to use on their excursions to the Kruger for example. A lot of times the equipment needed to take really good quality images is simply unaffordable to the average amateur photographer or enthusiast, and we would like to make this more attainable to them.”

The Tzaneen Photographic Club is also in the process of finalizing its affiliation to the PSSA (Photographic Society of South Africa) and once this is done, members will have access to national excursions, clinics, and workshops. For any further information please contact Joe on 072 930 1462 and join the Tzaneen Photographic Club’s Facebook Group. The invite to the Zoom meeting can be found in the events section of the group.

impact that citrus production has in the country, this pest must be taken seriously because citrus contribute immensely to job creation and economic growth. The citrus industry is the third largest horticultural industry after deciduous fruit and vegetables; and it is mainly aimed at the export market. It contributed more than R20 billion to the total gross value of South African agricultural production during the 2016/17 production season and is an important foreign exchange earner and it employs more than 120 000 people.

Any introduction, spread and establishment of this disease in the SADC region and/ or our country will result in immeasurable pressure to the citrus industry, given the other phytosanitary diseases and pests which the citrus industry is battling with, such as Citrus black spot, False codling moth and fruit flies.

The National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa (NPPOZA), within DALRRD, is already developing an early warnings system (EWS) for this pest in collaboration with the citrus industry and PDAs. This is in line with the South African Emergency Plant Pest Response Plan (SAEPPRP). More role players will be approached in the development of the EWS, to ensure all relevant organs of State, as well as research organisations, commercial, small scale and subsistence producers are included.

International travellers and the trading community are advised not to import host plant nursery material from any country into South Africa without following the necessary import procedures, as this may pose a threat of inadvertently spreading the disease or the vector.

6

22 January 2021

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Soldate vir liefde en vrede ■ Roelof de Jonge

Die “Chrome Soldiers Mopani” motorfietsklub glo om deel te wees van die gemeenskap waar hulle woon. Om organisasies te ondersteun waar hul kan deur middel van die welwillendheidsprojekte wat hulle aanbied vir hul lede en ook om die sake- en landbougemeenskap te betrek is deel van die klub se mandaat.

Volgens Edith Palvie, een van die Chrome Soldiers se lede op Tzaneen, het dié klub juis die afgelope Desember ‘n besluit geneem om Solidariteit se Helpende Hand projek te ondersteun.

Hierdie ontbaatsugte gebaar deur die klub en ondernemings het teweeg gebring dat ses verheugde gesinne in nood

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met kospakkies vir Kersfees voorsien was.

Palvie het namens die Chrome Soldiers hul dank betuig aan ondermeer Tzaneen View Eggs en ZZ2 vir hul bydrae asook aan elke Chrome Soldier wie ‘n bydrae tot die projek gemaak het.

“Ons wil egter ander Motorfietsklubs aanmoedig om ook projekte soos hierdie aan te pak. Dit geld nie net vir Kersfeesgeleenthede nie, maar vir allerlei welwillendheidsprojekte reg deur die jaar.”

“Ons moedig selfs ander klubs aan om saam te span met ons soos die nood opduik om mense te kan help. Ons klub is ook natuurlik bereid om graag ons samewerking te gee en te help waar ons moontlik kan”.

Mense wie graag ‘n bydrae wil maak aan een van die projekte of selfs ondersteuning benodig met ‘n welwillendheidsveldtog, kan gerus een van Chrome Soldiers se lede, Adriana Serfontein, by 076 4026 746 skakel.

Hier is van die weldoeners met van die items wat gedurende Kersfees aan behoeftige gesinne geskenk was. Voor is Naomi Labuschagne (Chrome Soldiers), Riekie Smit (Solidariteit Helpende Hand) en Edith Palvie (Chrome Soldier). Agter is Blancé Liebenberg (Chrome Soldier). Foto: Verskaf

Katkinders verlang na liefdevolle versorging ■ Roelof de Jonge Mense dra so graag kennis oor op sosiale media platforms van die troeteldiere wat hulle nie meer wil hê nie, of hulle verhuis en kan nie meer die troeteldiere aanhou nie.

Katte en veral klein katjies is baie gewild op hierdie platforms, maar dit is beslis nie die aangewendste manier om van enige troeteldier ontslae te raak nie.

Min word daar besef dat elke dorp ‘n instelling het wat met graagte hierdie bondeltjies met hul sagte pelsies sal oorneem om in ‘n liefdevolle huis te woon.

Een so ‘n instelling, afgesien van die Dierebeskermingsvereniging (DBV) op Tzaneen, is daar Serala Diere Kliniek wat in 4 King Edward Laan gevestig is. Hier kan mense ‘n verskeidenheid van katte kry. Meeste van die klein katjies is afkomstig van loslopende katte, maar ook mense wie nie nuwe eienaars vir die kleintjies kon kry nie.

Die klein katjies kan vooraf aangeneem word. Dié dierekliniek sal egter die nuwe eienaar later op ‘n geskikte tyd in kennis stel dat die tyd aangebreek het om die kat te kastreer of steriliseer. Indien die kat oud genoeg is, sal die kat in iedergeval hierdie prosedure ondergaan.

Afgesien van die bogenoemde prosedure, kry die katte ook hul eerste inentings wat hulle ondermeer

teen wurms en ander katsiektes beskerm.

Die kostes om ‘n mannetjiekat aan te neem is R700 en R800 vir ‘n wyfiekat, met al die bogenoemde prosedures en inspuitings ingesluit.

Serala Dierekliniek kan vir navrae by 015 004 0940 geskakel word of besoek hulle graag by 4 King Edward Laan.

Melandri Kleynhans. Foto: Roelof de Jonge

Legals NOTICE: LOST OR DESTROYED DEED Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 13 of Proclamation 293/62, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Grant TG1653/1986LB passed by in favour of MALATSHI NELSON MATOME in respect of Erf 1698 situated in GA-KGAPANE-A TOWNSHIP, 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 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 27TH day November 2020.

Applicant: Joubert & May Attorneys Address: 50 Boundary Street, Tzaneen, 0850 Tel no: 015 307-3660 Email address: lilize@ joubertmay.co.za Ref: Lilize/LM0015 Jan301___________________________

IN THE MAGISTRATE’S COURT FOR THE SUB DISTRICT OF TZANEEN

HELD AT TZANEEN CASE NO: 189/20 In the matter between: ERF 2719 TZANEEN PTY LTD Execution Creditor 1994/001625/07 and SHAO HOLDINGS PTY LTD Execution Debtor 2015/028681/07 NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION PURSUANT to a judgment by the Magistrate, TZANEEN, given on 29TH JULY 2020 the undermentioned goods will be sold ON THE PREMISES OF THE SHERIFF LETABA,MAIN STORE NO.2 INDUSTRIA

ROAD 20, TZANEEN by the Sheriff of the Magistrate’s Court, TZANEEN at 10H00 on 11TH FEBRUARY 2021 to the highest bidder for cash: 1 X SILVER CORSA BAKKIE (BMK 659 L) 1 X SAMSUNG LCD TELEVISION 1 X 3 PIECE TELEVISION STAND 1 X 3 PIECE LEATHER LOUNGE SUITE 1 X WOODEN COFFEE TABLE 3 X WING BACK CHAIRS 1 X DOUBLE DOOR SAMSUNG REFRIDGERATOR 1 X 4 PIECE DINING ROOM SUITE

2 X CHAIRS 1 X DEFY FREEZER 1 X DEFY AUTO DRYER 1 X 4 PIECE TELEVISION (BLUE) 1 X 2 PIECE LOUNGE SUITE 1 X WOODEN TABLE 3 X PLASTIC CHAIRS 1 X HEATER 1 X 3 DRAWER STAND 1 X 4 PIECE BEDROOM SUITE 1 X COUCH 1 X 3 PIECE BEDROOM SUITE 1 X CHAIR 1 X 3 PIECE BEDROOM SUITE 1 X DRAWER 1 X HISENSE LCD TELEVISION

1 X MIRROR 7 X DRAWERS 2 X WOODEN CABINETS 1 X DELL SCREEN 1 X LG SCREEN 1 X 2 PIECE CHAIR AND DRAWER 1 X 7 PIECE GARDEN TABLE 2 X GREEN POOL CHAIRS 1 X TRIMTECH 1 X 2 PIECE LOUNGE SUITE 1 X BLACK LOUNGE SUITE 1 X COFFEE TABLE 1 X DELL COMPUTER 1 X TABLE 1 X TELEVISION STAND 1 X SANSUI AMPLIFIER 2 X BICYCLES 1 X HP PRINTER AUCTION: This sale is a sale in exe-

Smouskous l Classifieds Services Dienste 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 (TERME & VOORWAARDES GELD)

SKAKEL VIR KWOTASIE: 0764109503 082 851 7139 OF 015-345 1192 084 627 0956

Letaba Crushers Crusher sand, Stone, Gabion, Crusher Dust, G1 up to G7, Filling, Builders Mix, Dump Rock.

Contact us for more information: André Nel: 076 871 3243.

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HobbyPrint Full Colour Work, Self-Carbonized books, Business Cards, Flyers, Calendars and more.

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Pest Control Specialists Workplace readiness solutions. Protect yourself, your staff and the health of your customers.

015 307 4065

Quality Waste Management Honey Sucker, Waste Bins, Compactable waste.

079 511 3536 __________________________________

Quality Plant Hire Rental of Earth moving equipment, Roads/Buildings and dam construction, Earth works & bush clearing.

081 358 2277 __________________________________

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Deep cleaning of all types of FLOORS/TILES. Contact Lorraine: 073 722 7913 0726340032

083 628 9257

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Go Trans Tippers, Flat Beds & Low Beds.

071 108 0308 Saniplas Great packaging sells your products.

060 792 7034

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The office of the Sheriff will conduct the sale with the auctioneers being Tertius Robertson.

Goods will be sold for cash only to the highest bidder or sold subject to confirmation as per the Consumer Protection Act upon instructions from the execution creditor.

SIGNED AT TZANEEN ON THIS 18th DAY OF JANUARY 2021. (sgd)Y E BHAMJEE FLIP COETZER INC 24 AGATHA STREET TZANEEN 0850 TEL 015 – 307 7524/7585 REF: Y E BHAMJEE/Y02933 Jan302___________________________

Briewe 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

Pioniers sê hartlik dankie Thys Steynberg en die Boere vir die heerlike groente. Henk en Linda Minnie en helpers vir n heerlike bord kos. Be That Guy vir Tamaties. Anonieme Skenker vir Piesangs. Mag die Here julle seen.

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Community Crisis Services 084 400 0911

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SAS Workshop Major Petrol and Diesel service deals.

Open on Saturdays.

2 Antimony Street, New Industrial Area, Tzaneen.

072 988 8522

cution pursuant to a judgment obtained in the above honourable court.

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

Registration as a buyer is a pre-requisite subject to a specific conditions, interalia.

Directive of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008; (Url http://www.info.gov. za/view/downloadfileaction?id-99961) FICA legislation i.r.o proof of identify and address particulars; payment of registration deposit of R500.00 in cash.

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

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

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

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

084 400 0911

073 265 2650 __________________________________

Te Koop For Sale MANGO BOME TE KOOP HOEDSPRUIT Tommy Atkins en Keitt Bome te koop vir R20.

Kwekery geregistreer

by Dept Landbou .

Kontak Tony: 082 387 2880 of Willem: 083 263 3321 Chester Kwekery Hoedspruit __________________________________

Evac 911

083 708 8749

Ambulance Dispatch Service Deon van Tonder Advance Life Support Paramedic

083 641 7406

Stay in touch • Stay up to date • Get it live Like us on facebook

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F A R

N O R T H

22 January 2021

M E D I A

7

PCSA is the distributor of Opel in South Africa ■

Roelof de Jonge

The much-anticipated incorporation of the Opel brand into the Peugeot Citroen South Africa (PCSA) stable has taken place. PCSA is now the official distributor of Opel vehicles in South Africa from the 1st of January.

Opel has a long and distinguished history in South Africa, with a presence in the market since the 1930’s. The brand is expected to continue growing from strength to strength owing to the solid foundation built in the 80-plus years here in South Africa. It was one of the few International Car Brands to allow special edition models to be developed uniquely for the South African market.

The Opel brand has also enjoyed critical acclaims in South Africa, winning the South African Car of the year title 4 times since 1991.

PCSA, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stellantis, currently distribute Peugeot vehicles and since October 2019 Citroen vehicles as well. Opel becomes the third Stellantis brand to be distributed by PCSA. PCSA have been clear in their approach to the Opel Brand, assuring dealers and customers, that the impact to them should be minimal, with no immediate changes planned to the existing dealer network.

Customers can be assured that they will still have access to the same service points as they previously did.

The announcement of the distributorship comes with great news, the introduction of the much-anticipated, award winning all-new sixth generation Opel Corsa, which will be available at Opel dealerships across South Africa from mid-January this year.

The new Corsa Edition will soon be seen in the streets of South Africa. This new model is powered by a three-cylinder 1.2 litre petrol engine, generating 55kW. It emphasises the precision of German engineering, combined with the bold sculptural artistry.

The design of the cockpit features a driver-oriented instrument panel with a distinctly sporty, yet welcoming personality executed with German precision. The controls of the interior are laid out based on the principle of functional grouping and cognitive ergonomics.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new Corsa lost up to 10 percent of its weight, translating into a curb weight of 980 kilograms for this five-door model in its lightest form. It is about 108kg less than the car it replaces, even though they are roughThe new Corsa Edition will soon be seen in the streets of South Africa. Photo: Quickpic ly the same size. The new Corsa is 4.06 meters long, with a boot capacity of 309 litres, The new Corsa Edition will cost R289 900 and will be simply the first an increase on the outgoing model of 10%.

This car remains a compact car for navigating cities or suburban derivative launched this year, with further versions planned for the streets. It will be fully enjoyed by progressive young people, inter- first quarter this year. Further details will be revealed in due course.

The new Corsa makes every drive connected, secure and comfortested in the latest technology, and an active social life. These are predominantly the kind of people who do not mind being seen, hence able with a wide array of class-leading tech features and a variety of prefer a car with a design that stands out like the new Corsa Edition. driver assistance safety systems.

Nissan continues a 60-year legacy in Africa ■

Roelof de Jonge

tion trial engineers, for example, spent three months receiving virtual training (due to Covid-19 travel restrictions) from Nissan trainers in Japan on implementing the model here in South Africa.

The installation of the necessary machinery, including robots,

When Nissan made its first investment towards Africa’s growth sixty years ago with Datsun’s presence in Zimbabwe and the Nissan Motor Company Limited, opening its Rosslyn operations, it was the humble, but bold start of a journey.

In 2019, Nissan continued its commitment to the continent, making a R3 billion investment announcement to facilitate the local production of the Nissan Navara pickup.

The bold investment spoke to the Navara rolling off the production line alongside the popular NP200 half-ton pickup, and NP300 one-ton Hardbody that are already produced at the South African plant.

The modernised Rosslyn plant now has a new, flexible production line and additional facilities. R190 million has already been invested in re-skilling and training Nissan South Africa’s employees to expand their expertise in preparation The new Nissan Navara will be locally manufactured. for the Navara’s local production. The company’s produc-

meanwhile, and new press machines, were completed during lock-down by highly skilled local engineers under the “virtual” online guidance of Japanese, technicians sitting at home in their respective countries as everyone came to grips with the global pandemic.

According to Nissan’s Africa Regional Business Unit, Managing Director, Mike Whitfield, Nissan will continue to develop regional hubs.

“South Africa remains a pivotal market, first for the access that it grants Nissan to the continent and secondly as a light commercial vehicle hub for the Nissan group. We have a specific team working on potential opportunities in East, West, and Central Africa. This includes investigating options for local assembly, consolidating and strengthening our National Sales Companies in Sub-Sahara, and working with local governments to develop their industrial policies.”

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Sport 22 January 2021

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Athletes have dreams shattered tf. Agripulse ad 1.sl.18.06.2019.indd 9

■ Roelof de Jonge

Sport fields stand vacant as government continue to clamp down on all school related activities including sporting events. This has placed a very dark cloud over the prospects of talented athletes who now run the risk of being overlooked by scouts and potentially following a career in the field.

On Thursday the 14th of January, South African Schools Athletics (SASA) announced that all forms of schools athletics are prohibited.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announced of the extension of the adjusted level 3 lock down regulations on the 11th of January.

There will be no staging of school’s interhouse events, no cluster, zone, circuit, district, provincial or national competitions. The established and talented primary and high school athletes who aspire to participate the nationals this year, 2021, will sadly not see that dream come to fruition.

With no official training on sports grounds and fields allowed, it will make it impossible for athletes to compete in events should competitions be allowed at a later stage this year. No structural meetings are allowed. According to SASA, the chairpersons of the various levels at schools need to monitor and ensure that no events take place under the auspices of SA Schools Athletics.

The above rules will apply until new announcements are made by the President, as advised, or permitted by the national command council, which will be communicated to all SASA provinces without any delay. According to SA Schools Athletics, they are committed

in saving lives and not bringing any athlete, coach, parent, educators or administrators’ health at risk.

Austin Makamu, the convener for primary schools’ athletics at Limpopo Schools Athletics (LIMSA), who is based in the Mopani District of Limpopo, said all the above rules apply for both primary and secondary schools.

“It is unfortunate that we had to put the schools athletics season on hold, and it is a worrying time for all athletes.

Schools athletics fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education. Until we get the green light from this department, athletics is banned from taking place,” he told Bulleitn.

“We are however determined to overcome this immense challenge. As soon as the numbers of infections drop, we hope that we can start as soon as possible to get the athletic season going again.”

With the announcement last week of an extension of the current school holiday to the 15th of February because of the adjusted level 3 lock down disaster regulations, means no school sport including athletics for the foreseeable future.

20/06/19 11:09:00