tame TIMES Bedfordview & Edenvale
A FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS Volume 03, 21 April 2015, Week 17
Delivered every Tuesday
Tel: 011 862 8500 Fax: 011 869 7335
tame TIMES
Page 2
Domestic workers, gardeners, front line of defence in crimes
I interviewed an incredible person this past week – Helga Barkhuizen (see page 4) who has spearheaded a talent contest for people living with disabilities. She spoke about the pain and frustration of losing a limb in an accident, a year after her crowning as Miss South Africa International. Maybe you have lost something or feel frustrated by your circumstances, as Helga told me she had been many times. Chances are, there are things in your past – and present – that have been completely unfair. Helga explained how much courage it initially took her to go to places the rest of us go all the time, like a shopping centre, and the immense frustrations she experienced over what we consider simple things, like getting
to the first floor of a building when there is no lift. She said she felt overcome by the perceived injustice of her ordeal and robbed of her freedom. But she eventually found the freedom she sought when she realised she couldn’t change what had happened – what she could change was her attitude towards herself, others and her future. As we celebrate Freedom Day on 27 April, let’s remember the true meaning of freedom. Helga is today a vibrant, successful leader who believes you find your own freedom when you help others find theirs.
Bedfordview house robberies under control There have been no incidents of house robberies in the Morninghill area following a recent security meeting in the area. Lieutenant Colonel Ausker Pratt, speaking on behalf of the Bedfordview police at a recent meeting of the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF), said the house robberies in the area had peaked over the month of March, but in April, these crimes had declined, with only two house robberies in Bedfordview having been reported to the Bedfordview police in this month.
BCPF chairperson Gavin Henry said that crimes of ‘home invasion’ in Bedfordview – including house burglaries and robberies – had increased from 43 to 58 incidents in the January to March period this year, as compared to the same period last year. He said when the community stood in solidarity with policing officials, as with the Morninghill meeting, it sent the message out to criminals that the police and community meant business, and this was a strong deterrent to crime.
hoSteD bY Vuuren eQuipMent ptY ltD
ENTER
NOW!
CorporateS anD publiC welCoMe. enter Your teaM oF 4 anD teSt Your “DriVing” SkillS in the powtran longeSt DriVe CoMpetition. r1000.00 per teaM Date:
Saturday, 09 May 2015 8:00 - 15:00
ORT COME SUPPHAR ITY YOUR LOCAL
C
The importance of co-operation between residents and their gardeners and domestic workers was emphasised at a recent meeting of the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF). A vigilant gardener will be rewarded this week by officials of the Bedfordview Residents’ Action Group (RAG) for following correct security procedures during a criminal attack in Kings Road, Bedfordview, according to RAG representative Gary Sweeney. “Domestic workers and gardeners are often the first line of defence in crimes such as these and, sadly, are often the ones traumatised by these incidents. For this reason, the Bedfordview police hold regular workshops and training for domestic employees, as often the information they
Police on stand by following xenophobia attacks
Heather Djunga
heather.djunga@tametimes.co.za Policing officials are on 24-hour standby following the scourge of xenophobia attacks which have swept through the Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas over the past few weeks. Sergeant Mduduza Nhlabathi, Bedfordview spokesman, said these crimes were unacceptable and police would be monitoring the area to protect innocent lives and to bring the criminals to book. Ward 20 councillor Jill Humphreys said she had seen utter devastation caused by the crimes in the area and had been part of a team assisting countless families, among them many women and children, who had been left without food and shelter. She said residents had opened their hearts to these people and that she was most sad that such hate-filled actions had shaken the community.
ContaCt:
ACTIVITIES ON THE DAY INCLUDE:
KIDS PLAY AREA/FACE PAINTING BAR/RESTAURANT PUTTING COMPETITIONS CHIPPING COMPETITIONS
LoADS oF PRIZES FoR LoNGEST DRIvE ovERALL, MEN (SNR & JNR), LADIES (SNR & JNR) AND KIDS. ALL PRoCEEDS Go To BRoKEN WINGS ASSoCIATIoN FoR ADuLTS WITH DISABILITIES.
The Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF) chairperson Gavin Henry asked for solidarity between policing and security officials in dealing with the crimes. Speaking on behalf of policing authorities from the Elandsfontein area, Jackson Mudzielwana, said he believed the number of shebeens and ‘tuckshops’ in the area should be monitored, as jealousy often arose when these stores weren’t properly policed. Ward 19 councillor Bill Rundle said a specific licence was needed for these stores and Edenvale currently had just 21 of these licences, monitoring who was trading and where, and ensuring businesses weren’t in conflict with each other, to diffuse potentially hostile situations. Mudzielwana said police should also ensure that shebeens were closed after certain hours as when people had had too much to drink and were in a heated environment, the results could be hazardous to the community. at the Writers2000 monthly meeting. Where: Inyoni Creek Clubhouse, Rand Aid Complex, corner of Modderfontein and Wordsworth Roads When: 25 April, 1.30pm for 2pm Contact: 082 076 9142 or challenge@tiscali. co.za (Garth Coetzer)
Peter McGonigle 081 882 2967 / 011 042 6871 info@vuurenequipment.co.za / www.vuurenequipment.co.za
• • • •
New house invasion MO At the meeting, Sweeney also informed delegates that there was a new modus operandi in use whereby criminals were putting their own mechanisms into gate motors, leaving residents confused when the criminals opened their electric gates with their own remote controls before robbing them on their property. “We advise residents to keep their gate motors locked and secured for this reason,” he said.
Seven employees of a popular store at a centre in Bedfordview were recently arrested after CCTV cameras picked them up drinking the company’s soft drinks and stealing items from the store. Sergeant Mduduza Nhlabathi, Bedfordview spokesman, said the men were filmed stealing CDs, knives, bread, drinks and other items to the value of R1 860.
Venue:
LIVE ENTERTAINMEN/MUSIC MOTOR EXHIBITION JUMPING CASTLE SAND PIT
have, and experiences they have been in are invaluable in the fight against crime. They also need to be equipped to know what to do if a crime does happen on their premises,” said BCPF chairman Gavin Henry.
‘Big Brother’ is watching you
Tin Cup Driving Range, Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Swartkoppies Road, 2053 Rietvlei 101-lr JHB South, Gauteng 26° 18’ 40.723” S, 28° 5’ 0.47” E
• • • •
21 April 2015
Free Sars tax workshops The South African Revenue Service (Sars) is holding free tax education sessions. When: 23 April (Employer Tax Incentive) and 30 April (E@syfile and EFiling), 9am to 11am Where: The Sars Edenvale Branch in Van Riebeeck Avenue Contact: EngagementAlberton@sars.gov.za Explore the art of publishing Join a talk on The New Paradigm of Publishing
Slow Mag Marathon Put your running shoes on for the 23rd annual Slow Mag Marathon. Runners are invited to take part in the Ultra (50km), Full (42.2km), Half (21.1km) Marathon, 10km and Family Fun Run (5km). Where: Benoni Northerns Sports Club, Albert Bekker Park, Northmead, Benoni When: 26 April, 6.30am for the Ultra, Full and Half Marathons, and 6.40am for the 10km and 5km Family Fun Run Contact: 076 819 2122/ 079 836 4019, or bnacraceorganisers@gmail.com
Distribution: Alberton & Germiston South: 37 000 JHB South: 26 500 Bedfordview & Edenvale: 14 500 Kathorus: 55 000 Delivery on Tuesday to all households and businesses in Alberton, Germiston South, JHB South and Bedfordview. Published by Tame Communications Corner Michelle Avenue and 37 Sangiro Close, Randhart. PO Box 17699, Randhart, 1457. Tel: 011 862 8500, Fax: 011 869 7335 Editor: Heather.djunga@tametimes.co.za
Sub-editor: Linda Yates linda.yates@tametimes.co.za Production Manager: Stephen Davey stephen@tametimes.co.za Advertising Executives: Loreen Fletcher 074 581 9327 loreen@tametimes.co.za Shane Stander 071 671 7264 shane@tametimes.co.za
Classified Manager: Tessa Arthur 011 862 8500 tessa@tametimes.co.za Distribution queries: Happy Khumalo 011 862 8500 Next issue: Tuesday 28 April 2015 Deadline: Thursday 26 April 2015 www.tametimes.co.za FInd us on Twitter and Facebook
Although reasonable efforts are made by tame Communications (Pty) Ltd and the owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all referred to as “TAME”), no responsibility is taken by TAME for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides TAME with any information, including any editorial, advertorial and/or advertising material, in any format, indemnifies TAME against any claim of whatsoever nature which may be brought against TAME by whoever.
21 April 2015
tame TIMES
Monica Supra monica.supra@tametimes.co.za
Page 3
Page 4
tame TIMES
Heather Djunga heather.djunga@tametimes.co.za
Heather Djunga heather.djunga@tametimes.co.za
SHIATSU AND LOW LEVEL LASER
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE. STRESS/PAIN GOUT/ARTHRITIS FROZEN SHOULDER SCIATICA/INJURIES NECK/MIGRAINE’S ALSO PSYCHIC HEALER
CONTACT: DR HELEN THP. REG. 5706388 082 059 4401
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
How did you get into music?
SG – “I started playing piano seriously when I was 16 and studied music after high school. When I was at varsity, I started playing the cello. Both of my parents are musicians.” SA – “I started playing piano at the age of five and studied music after school.” RL – “I started playing piano when I was eight years old and then moved on to flute at age 12. My mom and aunts on both sides are all musicians and music teachers so I guess music was in my blood!”
tame TIMES
Personal role model?
SG – “Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph, my former composition lecturer. I would like to follow in her footsteps and become a well-known composer.” SA – “David Foster. I think he is possibly one of the best musical directors/producers I’ve heard of. I have a similar vision for myself.” RL – “My role model is actually one of my old flute students. She was underprivileged but gave her heart and soul to her music. She had to take numerous taxis to get to our lessons but she was always there (on time!) and had always practised. She never complained and always gave 100 percent. It Other interests? was inspirational to have a person like that SG – “Pipe band, fine art, painting.” SA – “Other musical instruments, plants, in my life.” animals, nature.” RL – “I am an avid horse-rider and love a What is your big personal dream? good novel when I have the chance.” SG – “To hear my original compositions being
Day job?
SG – “Music teacher” SA – “Freelance musician” RL – “Qualified research psychologist”
performed by accomplished musicians.” SA – “To perform in shows at major theatre in the country.” RL – “Unrelated to music, I’d love to one day own my own horse.”
Page 5
Page 6
21 April 2015
tame TIMES
ABUSE SET-UP
THE CYCLE OF
GUILT
VIOLENCE FANTASY
RATIONALIZATION NORMAL BEHAVIOR
Page 7
tame TIMES
Your children are special. We think so too. At Life Bedford Gardens Hospital we offer exceptional care to even our littlest of patients. A combination of quality and clinical excellence, supported by a focus on the personal needs of our patients and their families, makes Life Bedford Gardens Hospital a hospital of choice for all your paediatric needs. Our facilities: A 16 bed paediatric unit A six bed neonatal intensive care unit complete with stateof-the-art monitoring and life support equipment providing the best possible environment for our smallest patients Well Baby clinic, oering health and wellness advice, as well as child health checks and immunisations.
Our specialists: Dr A Baxter Dr J Mitchell Dr S Strachan Dr J Da Fonseca Well Baby Clinic: Sr Amanda Spruit
For further information about our doctors and our facilities, please contact us on 011 677 8500 or email jennifer.cooney@lifehealthcare.co.za
2189
21 April 2015
7 Leicester Road / Bedford Gardens / Bedfordview 2008 Tel 011 677 8500 / Fax 011 616 2760 www.lifehealthcare.co.za
Page 8
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
tame TIMES
Page 9
21 April 2015
tame TIMES
YOUR WORLD NEWS THIS WEEK THE KING’S SPEECH
XENOPHOBIA IS CAUSED BY DEEP-SEATED ISSUES By Lebogang Seale The Star www.iol.co.za
In Pongola King Goodwill Zwelithini makes controversial remarks at a moral regeneration event, by saying “We are requesting those who come from outside to please go back to their countries.” Soon after, attacks begin against foreigners in KwaZulu-Natal.
MARCH 25, 2015 ISIPINGO FOREIGNERS ATTACKED
‘’The intermittent xenophobic violence in South Africa is a result of deep structural socio-economic problems and often manifests itself in the big cities that have undergone a post-apartheid character change.’’ This is the view of Dr Sagie Narsiah from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Social Sciences, regarding the xenophobic attacks, reported The Star. “Unemployment, poverty, inequality and increases in the price of basic commodities, all those issues are now being used in a superficial level to legitimise attacks on foreign nationals,” Narsiah said. Narsiah alluded to King Goodwill Zwelithini’s statements that could have been the spark that ignited the recent violence. Without mentioning Zwelithini by name, Narsiah said: “Over a period of time, these tensions have been building up and we had some statements made by people in power legitimising violence to ‘get rid of these people’. “So I think it’s a manifestation of a deep structural crisis in the South African social fabric and economic formation. That’s why we now see this phenomenon of finding a scapegoat.” Meanwhile, the Royal House of Nelson Mandela and the Mvezo Traditional Council called on traditional leaders to avoid inciting violence against foreigners. Said Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, without mentioning Zwelithini’s name: “We call on traditional leaders to desist from inciting such shameful acts.
More than 250 foreigners, mostly of Congolese descent, are attacked in Isipingo near Durban on Wednesday and again on Tuesday 31.
APRIL 1, 2015 EDWARD ZUMA AGREES WITH THE ZULU KING ON ISSUES REGARDING FOREIGNERS “We need to be aware that as a country we are sitting on a ticking time bomb of them [foreigners] taking over the country,” says President Jacob Zuma’s son, Edward.
APRIL 7, 2015 ATTACKS IN CHATSWORTH, SYDENHAM AND MALUKAZI. Two Mozambicans are found dead in the Lusaka Informal Settlement. This sparks more attacks on Tuesday evening that spread to Sydenham and Malukazi.
APRIL 10, 2015 UMLAZI ERUPTS IN VIOLENCE.
Foreign-owned shops are looted and petrol bombed in uMlazi as more police are deployed to the Durban area.
APRIL 10, 2015 KING GOODWILL ZWELITHINI BLAMES THE MEDIA.
The king blasts the media for “choosing to deliberately distort what was an innocent outcry against crime and destruction of property.”
APRIL 12, 2015 VIOLENCE SPREADS TO KWAMASHU.
Xen o pho bi a
Residents of KwaMashu burn tyres, block roads and throw stones at police and foreigners. Police arrest 28 people.
/zɛnəˈfəʊbɪə/
APRIL 12, 2015 PETROL BOMBS IN UMLAZI.
a fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners
An Ethiopian man dies from injuries sustained after uMlazi shops were petrol bombed. Police arrest 17 people.
Definitions of xenophobia include:
‘’(Psychology) hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers or of their politics or culture.’ Collins English Dictionary ‘’An unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers, or of that which is foreign or strange.’’ Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary ‘’An abnormal fear or hatred of foreigners and strange things.’ Ologies & -Isms ‘’A strong feeling of dislike or fear of people from other countries.’’ Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
APRIL 14, 2015 PROTESTERS TAKE TO THE STREETS OF DURBAN.
2 000 protesters take to the streets of Durban but are shot at with rubber bullets as police try to restore calm
APRIL 17 2015 FOREIGNERS IN EKURHULENI LASH OUT AT GOVERNMENT
A group of foreigners in Ekurhuleni have lashed out at the South African government, accusing it of failing to protect them against xenophobic attacks. More than 500 people in the Primrose, Germiston area were displaced last night after being ambushed by South Africans while asleep in their shacks.
(*All photos sourced from AFP)
(Sourced from www.citypress.co.za)
21 April 2015
Classifieds
Page 11
tame TIMES
www.tametimes.co.za
Tel: 011 862 8500 Fax: 086 611 2154 Email: tessa@tametimes.co.za
Free delivery every Tuesday - Bedfordview - 14 500 copies
SERVICES 1002 HOME IMPROVEMENTS / D.I.Y.
F.H. MAINTENANCE All home improvements, maintenance, solar geysers and carpentry.
PROFESSIONALLY DONE BY OWNER
Franco 082 553 4195
1004 PLUMBING Always Available 24 HOUR PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL
1006 GARDENING / RUBBLE REMOVAL
tame TIMES also distribute to: Alberton/Germiston, JHB South, Boksburg/Benoni, Reiger Park, Katlehong, Vosloorus and Thokoza
PROPERTY
MOTORING
SEBASTIAN (011) 724 5818 082 872 3859 / 072 499 8746 OFFICE : LINDIWE 073 623 5164 (011) 869-6130/2 (011) 907-3714
6007 WANTED 2nd HAND CARS • We buy & pawn cars for cash. • Best price paid. • Trade-in accepted on your accidentdamaged vehicle.
UNBLOCK DRAINS from
R250
Gavin 083 708 6050
Latest Technology
0800-100-225 082-957-8555 072-596-7220
HERBAL
DR SHEIKH FAHAD FROM MADAGASCAR SPECIALISES IN:
* Debt clearing * Marriage and lost love * Financial problems * Women who can’t be pregnant * Magic ring/magic wallet * Get married quickly and stop divorce * Boost business and attract more customers * Assist manhood problems/enlargement * Win gambling/all casino games * Win court cases/ divorce FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 061 133 2404 EMAIL: DRFAHAD367@GMAIL.COM ADDRESS: TURFFONTEIN / ROSETTENVILLE, TRAMWAY STREET.
LANDLORDS……. WE WANT YOUR PROPERTY WE OFFER BEST IN CLASS MANAGEMENT WITH FIRST GRADE TENANTS COMMUNAL HOUSE RACEVIEW
AREA
(LEN15) Water and lights included, brand new rooms to let in communal house. Shared kitchen, shower, lounge area with TV and DSTV, washing machine and tumble dryer, parking space available. No kids, no pets. With garden in secure house.
PROPERTY
BED BATH PETS
PARKING
R 2500
PRICE
FLATS FOR RENT ALBERTON
(EN19) Very Modern - Upstairs Unit, Open Plan Kitchen/Lounge
2
1
NO
Undercover Parking
R 5500
SOUTH CREST
(BIC8) Duplex, Kitchen, Lounge, Garden
3
2
YES
Garage + Open Parking
R 6500
(GF11) Open Plan Kitchen, Lounge, Garden
3
2
NO
Open Parking
R 7700
3
2
NO
Open Parking
R 7700
or hel Bac
1
SMALL PET
Safe Parking
R 3000
1
SMALL PET SMALL PET
Garage
R 4500
RACEVIEW
(GF18) Open Plan Kitchen, Lounge, Garden, First Floor Unit
RACEVIEW NEW REDRUTH
(AU2) Bachelors, Kitchen, Lounge, Balcony
NEW REDRUTH
(AU11) Kitchen, Lounge, Balcony
1
NEW REDRUTH
(AU9) Bachelor with room divider, Kitchen, Lounge (PR8) Kitchen, Lounge, Bottom Floor Unit Communal Braai Area, Children’s Playground
or hel Bac
1
2
1
NO
Open Parking
R 6000 TBA
MEYERSDAL
(MS62) Kitchen, Lounge, Bottom Floor Unit
2
1
NO
Open Parking
R 5500
MEYERSDAL
(PR6) Kitchen, Lounge, Ground Floor Unit Small Garden
2
1
NO
Open Parking
R 5400
NEW REDRUTH
(JOH) Duplex, Extra Toilet
2
1
R 6800
3
2
SMALL PET SMALL PET
Garage
NEW REDRUTH
(CAM54) Open Plan Kitchen & Lounge, Open Garden
2 Lock Up Garages
R 10 500
ALBERTSDAL
Safe Parking
R 3500
CLUSTERS FOR RENT
HOUSES FOR RENT
BANK DETAILS: TAME COMMUNICATIONS ABSA BANK ALBERTON ACC: 407 281 3641 BRANCH: 631 142 FAX THROUGH PROOF OF PAYMENT BEFORE DEADLINE: 086 611 2154
FLORENTIA
(19SMI) Lounge, Kitchen Area, Large Garden, Flatlet & Lapa
3
1.5
YES
R 10 000
FOR SALE LENASIA
House, Kitchen, Lounge, Garden, 570sqm
3
2
-
NEW REDRUTH
Ground Floor Unit, Opposite Pick n Pay, Open Plan Kitchen, Lounge, Open Garden
3
2
NEW REDRUTH
Upstairs Flat, Opposite Pick n Pay, Spacious, with Lots Extra
3
2
NEW REDRUTH
Units in Clearwater, Kitchen, Lounge
2
1
1 Lock Up Garage
R 720 000 neg.
-
Open Parking
R 800 000 neg.
-
Open Parking
R 780 000 neg.
-
Open Parking
R 620 000
For All Your Rental or Sales Requirements Please Contact Us SEBASTIAN (011) 724 5818 | 082 872 3859 / 072 499 8746 | OFFICE : LINDIWE (011) 869-6130/2 (011) 907-3714 | 073 623 5164 e-mail: wilma.rentals@telkomsa.net
12 LENIN STREET, RACEVIEW, ALBERTON, 1449 | PO BOX 1816 , ALBERTON, 1450 TEL: 011 869 6130 FAX: 086 298 8864
YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR FISHING GEAR
This one is for the fishing fanatic
Win a Pioneer Free Spool Reel valued at R400 SMS: TAME SPACE MIAS SPACE NAME + SURNAME SPACE SUBURB TO 35075
EG: TAME MIAS JOHN DOE ALBERTON to 35075 SMS’s CHARGED AT R3
KICK-OFF PHASE 3: 14 April 2015
Closing date for entries phase 3: 13 April 2015
21 April 2015
Page 12
YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR FISHING GEAR
BENONI:
43 HOWARD AVE TEL: 011 422 2995
Email: miasbenoni1@gmail.com
Sheer determination pays off A resounding 39-10 win by the St Benedict’s College’s 1st team rugby boys against St John’s College on 11 April brought an end to a good contest between two great schools. “It was fantastic to witness the pace and handling skills of the St Benedict’s team and the way they powered their way through tackles,” said school spokesperson Chantelle Burgin. “St John’s, when they had the ball, kept it amongst the forwards and tried to find a way through the defence but were met with stern resistance.” At the break, St Benedict’s was already well in the lead by 22-10. Shingirai Hlanguyo from St Benedict’s College was made man of the match. He ran in a hat-trick of tries for his side to secure the welldeserved 39 points to 10 victory.
DETERMINED: St Benedict’s College first team’s Madiwa Manhombo motors away with the ball in hand.
Calling the courageous! The dream of a businessman to escape the hustle and bustle of the corporate environment recently culminated in the formation of Go Ape SA in Modderfontein. The Modderfontein facility, which offers guests the chance to explore treetops with zipline and bridge facilities, celebrates its first birthday in May this year. Melissa Geldenhuys, spokesperson for the establishment, said Go Ape SA was the brainchild of Mr Catton who believed embracing the great outdoors was essential to any corporate’s sanity. Today Go Ape SA offers group booking and packages tailor-made for birthday parties, team building, school and church groups, family fun days, and bachelor’s/ bachelorette’s. “We offer different courses,” she explained. “For example, there is the Green Course (ages 4 to 8), which includes a combination of 21 different obstacles and ziplines at +/2 metres off the ground. The Blue Course (ages 9 and up) offers a combination of 21 different obstacles and ziplines ranging between 1 to 9 metres off the ground. The Purple Course (ages 12 and up) includes a combination of 27 obstacles and zips also ranging between 1 to 9 metres off the ground.” There is also The Zip Line (ages 9 and up), which is a combination of 3 zips (including the 140 metre zip) and 5 different obstacles. Then, there is the Funbox (ages 2 to 4), which Geldenhuys explained was an
alternative to a jumping castle for little ones: “It is a net-cube structure with three levels inside for the kiddies to climb up, down and around in.” Geldenhuys said she believed the facility offered numerous benefits to Modderfontein and its surrounds. “It encourages the preservation of some of the oldest trees in Modderfontein. We do not allow braaiing (gas, coal or otherwise) in the park at all and have the utmost respect for our trees. We took the greatest care not to harm them when we were constructing the courses and were we to remove everything and move out tomorrow, it would be as if we had never been there.” She said as Johannesburg was becoming more and more developed, areas like this were becoming harder to come by. “It is beneficial for children and adults to spend time outdoors and become active while experiencing a bit of an adrenaline rush. Both kids and adults love climbing and flying around in our trees!” She said she had learned much from working for Go Ape SA. “I have learned that weather can’t be predicted – no matter what the forecasters say. Still, a rainy day in my outdoor office is preferable to any other office job with an A/C or heater!” she said. “I’ve also learned the behaviour of bees and spiders can’t be predicted, no matter how hard you try to reason with them and that pine cones can be rather inconsiderate!” For more information on the facility, visit www.goape-sa.co.za.
Heather Djunga heather.djunga@tametimes.co.za
Benefits of ziplining for participants (children and adults alike): • Opportunity to spend time being active and to enjoy the outdoors; • Improvement of motor skills, muscle strength and flexibility; • The chance to conquer fears (like heights and letting go – literally!);
• Improvement of self-esteem. “Really, you have a “sigh-of-relief moment” when you get off that last ladder, and then, along with a smirk, the sense of selfachievement kicks in.”