tame TIMES
TWO TIME WINNER OF THE ANNUAL EKURHULENI AWARDS: BEST PRINT MEDIA
BOKSBURG - BENONI
FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS
Volume 03, 02, 10 11 November February 2015, 2014,Week Week746
Delivered every Tuesday Delivered every Tel: Tuesday 011 862 8500 Fax: 011 869 7335
Pekingese
Tel: 011 862 8500 Fax: 011 869 7335
Rescue fun day
PEKE LOVE: Diann van Heerden, president of Pekingese Rescue SA, with her Pekes.
Natasha Kotze natasha.kotze@tametimes.co.za Pekingese Rescue SA, a non-profit organization that relies totally on fundraising and donations to save and re-home Pekingese dogs, is having a fun day on 28 March in Benoni. The Pekingese Rescue of South Africa grew out of the need to find adoptive homes for the increasing number of unwanted, abandoned and abused Pekingese dogs. It rescues and receives Pekingese from many locations ranging from rescued, abused, owner-surrendered, shelters and humane organizations to family pets regretfully given up by their caring owners for reasons beyond
their control, explains volunteer Mirella Venter. “The condition and quality of the Pekes we receive varies greatly from the neglected, abused, and forgotten to the well kept and much loved family member. However, all of our Pekes are carefully evaluated and provided with care in one of our foster homes with the ultimate goal of placement in a loving and responsible household which has been carefully selected based on the needs and habits of the individual dog,” she says. All of the Pekes they receive are groomed when turned in, receive professional medical evaluations and attention, and undergo any treatment necessary to lead a normal life. Next they are placed in competent foster
Boys busted with steroids
BUSTED: The controlled substances found in the possession of two teenage boys
On 29 January, staff at Dr EG Jansen High School phoned Boksburg North SAPS as they believed there were scholars at the school buying steroids. “Upon arrival the two learners were pointed out to the police officers and the boys were searched. Controlled substances were found in the possession of both the learners,” explains Lieutenant Juanita Coetzer, communications
officer for the Boksburg North police. They were arrested and taken to the Boksburg North Police Station and a docket was opened for possession of a controlled substance. “The boys were then released into the care of their parents, because they were underage. The learners were 16 and 17 years old,” she says.
homes where they are evaluated for habits, likes and dislikes. Each Peke remains in its foster home until a suitable permanent home is located. “Basic obedience and manners are taught when possible, and we do recommend postadoption obedience training in some cases. All Pekes are neutered or spayed before placement for adoption. Anyone wishing to adopt a Peke is also evaluated. The prospective adopter is required to complete an adoption application which will then be approved or rejected. “When approved the prospective new owner is urged to meet the Peke to evaluate the behaviour of both Peke and owner. A home inspection will be done by a volunteer. We
do not sell Pekes but do request an adoption fee which varies from Peke to Peke,” Venter explains. But the main income for the NPO is fundraising, and for this reason they are having a fun day on 28 March at Pugs H(e)aven in Nielson Road, Benoni Road Agricultural Holdings from 12 noon till 5pm. Entry is R20 per adult, R10 per child and R10 per Peke. There will be various competitions including best dressed Peke, Best Peke Tail, owner and Peke lookalike, musical mats and more. Each competition entry is R10. There will be raffles, spot prices, fun and games for both human and Peke attendees. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/pekesa or www.pekerescuesa.org.za.
10 February 2015
tame TIMES
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Eskom should make SANRAL suffer too
Satire IN DIE SUBURBS @Stefan609
Gee Haar ’n Roos
Soms wórd ’n mens nie wakker nie. Jy skrik wakker. In koue sweet. As jy besef jy het die selfoon tien keer laat “snooze”, sonder om dit agter te kom. Dan kan jy maar weet: jy is laat. So is dit ook met Valentynsdag. As ons manne te laat wakkerskrik is die “dogbox” ons voorland. Valentynsdag is ’n lelike bekruiper. Jy het nog skaars met die jaar begin of dis al Februarie. En dan is dit al amper te laat. Want dit gaan oor blomme. Valentynsdag gaan oor blomme. Ja, oor beertjies en sjokolade en kaartjies met mooi woorde ook, maar primêr oor blomme. Daar is ’n sekere deel van ’n vrou se brein wat nie brein is nie, dis rangskikking. Want as jy op Valentynsdag die regte ding wil doen en met die bos rose te voorskyn kom soos van jou verwag word, is jou kop deur - vir nog ’n jaar. Dit verg egter, soos verduidelik, fyn, tydige beplanning. ’n Dorp soos Alberton het, soos ek verneem, nie meer ’n ordentlike bloemiste nie. Waar is Lindy’s Florist in Alberton City as mens haar nodig het? As jy ook nie enige familie het wat met rose boer nie, sal jy weke vooruit, waarskynlik aanlyn, reeds die nodige bestelling moet doen om seker te maak jy kry wat jy (sy) soek, en wat jou sak (en haar smaak) sal pas. Maak ook seker jy sien ’n realistiese foto van wat jy bestel, want blomme word partykeer deur ’n vergrootglas afgeneem, en as die “bos” afgelewer word is dit meer ’n bossie as ’n bos. ‘n Ordentlike bos rooi rose op die regte tyd en plek is altyd die eerste prys. (Al ruik dit na niks, lyk dit darem, sê hulle, na iets..) Maar as jy dalk hier lees en nog niks gereël of bestel het vir Valentysdag wat Saterdag is nie, het ek ’n ontsnapplan: as jy ’n snoeiskêr en ’n flits en ’n buurvrou het met ’n welige tuin, is jou kop dalk nogsteeds deur. Dis nou as jou geliefde tevrede sal wees met ’n bos “sweet peas” en “yesterday today and tomorrows”...
Artists in action
Spoil your senses on the Benoni Art Route every last Sunday of the month from 10am to 3pm. The route consists of 24 artists creating and displaying their works at their studios or public places such as restaurants and coffee shops in the Benoni area. Various forms of art such as sculpturing, oil painting, knife making, poetry, painting, stained glass, watercolours, glass blowing and more can be seen during the creative process. All works are for sale. Information: visit www.benoniartroute.co.za. Delivery on Wednesday to all households and businesses in Boksburg. 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: Natasha: natasha.kotze@tametimes.co.za
Letters are the opinion of readers and not necessarily that of tame TIMES or its staff. Send your letters to Natasha.kotze@tametimes.co.za. You may write letters using a pseudonym, but all letters must include the full name, address and contact number of the writer. Preference will be given to letters shorter than 250 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or omit letters.
Only in Benoni Dear Editor, Many people think that jogging is boring, but this is far from the truth. It is amazing what one encounters on the road from time to time if one keeps one’s eyes and ears open. On Saturday morning, while I was running slowly down Edward Street, I saw an entire family on a bicycle. As I greeted them, they turned to smile at me and in that moment I wished I had a camera with me to capture the scene. The young husband was pedalling hard, but even I quickly passed him. The
reason for this soon became apparent: standing behind him with her hands on his shoulders was his wife carrying their baby on her back. On previous occasions while out jogging I have seen a car lose a wheel, a three-legged dog, a woman on a bicycle with two little dogs on leads and two young men ‘skiing’ behind a bakkie on skateboards.
Aster Botha Western Extension resident
Dear Editor, Yesterday, after paying R4.50 to the cashier at the Gosforth Toll Plaza on the N17, I sat for about 30 minutes in traffic only a kilometre or two from the Boksburg turn-off on to the R21. This happens whenever Eskom load sheds the traffic lights, and causes huge inconvenience and difficulties for many honest, law-abiding citizens. Those with older cars often have to pull over because their engines overheat; those with children in day-care have to make alternative plans; and those with empty tanks are in trouble. And all these people have just paid money to SANRAL for the sake of an easy, quick ride home on the N17. It is time that SANRAL came to the party and switched off their power-guzzling gantries.
Frikkie Rossouw Show love every day
Potholes – The Big 5 on our roads Opinion Piece by Palesa Yates Once again it is the rainy season and it is time for big game viewing on our highways and byways. For those who cannot afford trips to the Kruger National Park, this is great news. Your holiday destination choices are not limited to Romania (remain here) or the Garden Route (from your front yard to your back yard). All you need to enjoy the urban wildlife of Jozi is access to our roads via either public or private transport, and big five game-viewing is yours for the taking. First on the list is the elephant pothole. This is any lesion in the road surface too large for the average sedan to fit between its wheels. It forms either from one of those cracks in the tarmac that mysteriously mutates into a monster after a few November rainstorms or is created when heavy traffic encourages a few adjacent potholes to coalesce into one huge crater in the road. The second largest pothole is the lion. As the king of the beasts, this one naturally attracts the most attention. It is generally deep enough to damage tyres and wheels, but its diameter will always fit comfortably between the wheels of ordinary sedans driven by alert motorists. When in traffic, you will always spot Sub-Editor: Linda Yates linda.yates@tametimes.co.za Production Manager: Stephen Davey: stephen@tametimes.co.za
it if you keep your eyes on the brake-lights and steering patterns of the drivers in front of you. It was in honour of this category of pothole that the bumper sticker “I’m not drunk – just avoiding potholes,” was printed. The third category of road lesion that potholewatchers will want to look out for is the rhino. This is the easiest to spot. It is always signposted with poles, red-and-white striped tape or other creative methods, such as brightly coloured pizza boxes on sticks or homemade signage. This is what makes it a rhino pothole – because no traffic can pass over it to enlarge it, its future is endangered. Hyena potholes are generally small, but interesting. Named after the scavengers of the bushveld because they are patched with odd bits of tarmac, filled with sand or gravel but never properly fixed with proper materials; they lurk in odd corners of the roads and display furtive behaviour. The fifth kind of pothole is the most dangerous because it is invisible. During heavy rains, any of the above four categories can mutate into this cruel and cold-blooded reptile. So, be wary when driving on unknown roads in the rain - the crocodile pothole lurks under rain puddles, dragging tyres under the water and gnawing on the rims. Stay alert, stay alive and stay out of potholes!
On Saturday the couples of the world will celebrate the day of love, Valentine’s Day. But, what has always baffled me is that there has to be a day set aside to celebrate love. I’ve always thought this to be one of the silliest ‘holidays’ of all as I have always believed that you need to show those you love that you love them every day, and not have to be forced by commercialism to show them on one day of the year how special they are to you. Why should you buy a silly mug or Teddy bear to give to your loved ones on Valentine’s Day? My husband and I have always laughed at the silliness over the holiday, rebelling against it and telling anyone who would listen how ridiculous it is. For us, those random gifts (whether it’s a rose taken from our own garden, or a chocolate bought when you popped into the store to pick up some milk) meant much more than silly gifts at Valentine’s Day, or even Christmas. Those random gifts were tokens to show that we were thinking about each other during our day, and, for that reason, meant so much more than the expected birthday, Christmas and anniversary presents. To add to my dislike of this commercialised holiday is that it reminds people who are not part of a couple, who have been divorced, widowed, or are in an unhappy relationship, that they are not part of the ‘normal’ people – you know, those people in a blissfully happy relationship. So, if you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, remember also to show your love the rest of the year. And, please, do not rub your good fortune of being in a relationship in the faces of those of us who are not as lucky.
Classified Manager: Tessa Arthur 011 862 8500 tessa@tametimes.co.za Distribution queries: Happy 011 862 8500
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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.
10 February 2015
www.tame TIMES.co.za
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Yellow fever low risk in Ekurhuleni upgrades online payment system Southern Africa Ekurhuleni’s e-siyakhokha online payment system is up and running, with an additional high-tech function set to address technical glitches experienced by users in December. The municipality said the e-siyakhokha system has been enhanced with technology that can detect statement integration failure. The enhancement follows challenges experienced in December when some residents could not access their statements after the system failed to detect the statement integration failure. Residents can continue to enjoy the convenience of viewing, paying and downloading their monthly account statements online on https://www.esiyakhokha.co.za anytime. The online system also enables residents
All travellers arriving into South Africa from Zambia, Tanzania, Eritrea, Somalia, Sao Tome and Principe will no longer be required to produce a yellow fever certificate, says the Health Ministry. This following the countries recently being included on the World Health Organization (WHO) Low-risk Yellow Fever Countries list. The Ministry on Tuesday said a review of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination was conducted during the 136th session of the WHO Executive Board meeting. “… based on the recommendations of the meeting, all travellers arriving into the country from these countries will not be required to produce proof of vaccination against yellow fever. This provision is with immediate effect,” said the Ministry. The Ministry said the International Health Regulations, 2005, states South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all citizens and non-citizens over one year of age, who are travelling from a yellow fever risk country, or have been in transit exceeding 12 hours, through the airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. International Health Regulations (2005) The regulations require countries at risk
of yellow fever introduction to employ measures such as obtaining vaccination certificates from individuals travelling from areas determined by the WHO to be at risk of yellow fever transmission. “As a result, South Africa implements measures for all travellers from Yellow Fever risk countries, who are unable to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at the point of entry,” the Ministry said. Travellers can be denied entry into the country; they can be placed under quarantine surveillance until their certificate becomes valid, or for a period of not more than six days, if they do not have vaccination certificates and are from high risk yellow fever countries. “Travellers who are in possession of an exemption certificate due to medical reasons will be allowed entry, and will be required to report any fever or other symptoms to the health authorities, and be placed under quarantine surveillance,” said the Ministry. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate requires a vaccine approved by the WHO and administered at least 10 days before departure to South Africa at a yellow fever approved vaccination centre. The vaccine offers protection 10 days after administration.
My Boetie se Boetie se Boetie se Baba
Vanjaar se splinternuwe klug van Lefra Produksies is My Boetie se Boetie se Boetie se Baba - een van Londen se West End se mees suksesvolle klugte. Dit spog met top spelers soos Ana van Achterbergh, Botha Enslin, Cindy Swanepoel, Cobus Venter, Dirk Vermeulen, Duncan Johnson, Francois van Rensburg, Marga van Rooy en Phillru van Achterbergh. Dit wys by die Springs Stadsteater, hoek van Tweedelaan en Sewendestraat, Springs vanaf 26 tot 28 Februarie om 7nm. Besprekings kan gemaak word by Computicket by 0861 915 8000 of www.computicket.com. Groepe van meer as 10 kan bespreek by 011 815 3000 of e-pos admin@lefra.com. Vir meer inligting, besoek www.lefra.com of www.myboetie.co.za.
to pre-date payments (i.e. you can set the system to pay your account on a set date with a set amount if you are out of town). The system immediately gives you notification of payments, keeps records of your accounts and payments from the time you register to use this method and permits you to query your account online. The due date for payment is fixed and it does not change from month to month, which helps users not to miss payments. “The municipality sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused to customers who could not view their December statements. “Ratepayers are encouraged to continue utilising the online platform that has been introduced for their convenience,” said Ekurhuleni spokesman Themba Gadebe.
Post Office takes action against illegal strikers Six SA Post Office employees who took part in the illegal strike which crippled postal operations in 2014 have been convicted of contempt of court following their failure to adhere to an interdict prohibiting them from embarking on activities which impeded the company’s services to its customers. This is while the SA Post Office, under the leadership of the Administrator, Dr Simo Lushaba, is in pursuit of sustainable ways to clamp down on strikes that have plagued its operations for some time. “These employees have since been convicted to 12 months imprisonment each, or a fine of R6000.00, by the Pretoria Criminal Court. Their internal disciplinary hearings are still pending.” The SA Post Office said that various other cases involving their employees’ illegal actions that affected its operations during last year’s long strike, have been lodged with the police and investigations are currently underway. They envisage that some of these cases will inevitably result in more arrests and corresponding internal processes. Additionally, about 100 employees are to be charged internally for the disruption of operations on 15 January 2015 at Cape Mail. They will be charged according to the disciplinary code as well as the Postal Services Act. The SA Police Services has also arrested twelve SA Post Office employees for wildcat disruptions which occurred on 19 January – some of these employees had participated in the incidents of 15 of January at Cape Mail. They have appeared in court and are currently on bail pending a hearing which has been set for February 2015. Eight employees in Bloemfontein are currently suspended on criminal charges which include assault, indecent assault
and intimidation. Their internal disciplinary hearings are pending and will be concluded within the next 14 days. “As a responsible service provider, we have an obligation to ensure consequence management for conduct which is inconsistent with our code of conduct and the laws of the country. The strike in question resulted in the near implosion of the state asset – the SA Post Office,” explained Dr Lushaba. He added that they have an obligation to play their role in ensuring that the SA Post Office remains a sustainable business and that their customers receive reliable services. “I believe that our internal channels are open enough to cater for the resolution of all grievances in order to obviate the need to embark on any action which will compromise our services to our customers.” “We will continue to take action against any employees whose actions unduly disrupt our services, or overstep the laws of the country or the rights of anyone associated with our business. In particular, we will not have any leniency whatsoever to acts of intimidation or damage to the SA Post Office property that we witnessed during the previous strike,” concluded Dr Lushaba. Disruption of postal services and operations stand in direct contravention of various applicable sections of Chapter 8 of the Postal Services Act. Employees who take part in the disruption of postal operations will face criminal charges in terms of the Act. The company also said that it remains committed to the current ongoing dialogue with the unions to achieve a meeting of minds on any outstanding issues emanating from the past strikes, including any other discussion points that may arise as a result of the initiatives currently underway implemented at the behest of the administration process.
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Police successes Boksburg North SAPS made a total of 65 arrests during the week of 26 to 30 January. Some of these arrests were for possession of an illegal substance (17), theft (9), and assault with intent to do grievous bodily
harm (5). “Hard work and dedication by the members made these successes possible,” says Lieutenant Juanita Coetzer, communication officer for Boksburg North SAPS.
Lizeth Kotze
your children. • If your children are old enough, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur. Parking your vehicle: • Check rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed. • Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. When entering your vehicle and while driving: • Have your key ready, but not visible. • Inspect the inside and outside of the vehicle before unlocking it. Check underneath your vehicle for items placed under the wheels. • Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked. • When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle's length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary. • Avoid driving through unfamiliar areas. • Avoid driving late at night or early in the morning when the roads are quiet. • Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible. • If possible, never drive alone. • NEVER, EVER pick up strangers. • Never follow routine routes when driving; change them on a regular basis. Information you should know: If your vehicle is hijacked or stolen, report it promptly to the SAPS. Make sure you have the vehicle details: model, colour, vehicle identification and registration numbers available to assist with the recovery of the vehicle. When forced to drive with a hijacker, be observant without making direct eye contact and try to memorize as many details as possible. If confronted by a hijacker: • Do not lose your temper, or threaten or challenge the hijacker. • Do exactly as told by the hijacker(s). • Do not resist, especially if the hijacker has a weapon. Surrender your vehicle and move away. Try to put as much distance between yourself and the hijacker(s) as speedily as possible. • Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything in the vehicle. • Do not make eye contact with the hijacker. He may perceive this behavior as a threat. • Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker, so as to reassure him you will not resist. • Do not speak too fast (if you are able to talk) and do not make sudden movements. • Gather as much information as possible without posing a threat.
lizeth.kotze@tametimes.co.za On average 31 motor vehicles are hijacked every day. Modi Operandi used by hijackers You can be hijacked: • in the driveways of residential areas • while stationed at any traffic sign or intersection • while stationary next to the road, for example, while answering your cellphone • at post offices and parking areas, or you may be followed after leaving the filling station and then be hijacked later in a quiet area • at schools when dropping off or picking up children • while the vehicle is idling when loading or offloading passengers • when advertising your vehicle for sale (test drive method) • by bogus police or traffic officers (blue light scenario) HOW TO AVOID A HIJACK SITUATION: Approaching and entering your driveway: • Be extra alert about two kilometres from your house. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings. • Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse gear while waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you. • Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises. • Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide. • If you see unknown pedestrians close to your residential address, do not turn into your driveway, but pass it and go back later. • Get to know your neighbours. • Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside them. • Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. • Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you. • When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. • If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, make sure nobody suspicious is around and the road is clear. Stop right in front of your gate. Do not switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition, get out and close the door (to avoid creating temptation). Then open the gate. Drive in and close the gate immediately behind you. • If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a ‘negotiating tool.’ The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want
10 February 2015
tame TIMES
Your life is worth more than your vehicle! National Hijack Prevention Academy 073 161 2344 / 012 661 1388 www.hijack.co.za
Pedestrians on freeways - A danger to themselves and others -
By Palesa Yates The death rate on South Africa’s roads is twice the world average, and, according to the Medical Research Council, 44% of road deaths are caused by pedestrian injury. Without the protection of airbags, the visibility of a car or the speed of an accelerator, a person on foot is extremely vulnerable in traffic – yet people still insist on running across highways. According to SANRAL, a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a vehicle going 60km/h or faster is almost certain to die and impact at any speed over 30km/h could cause “life-threatening injuries.” Are pedestrians allowed on freeways? NO, pedestrians are not allowed on freeways and will be arrested if spotted by law enforcers. They will also be fined R300. How prevalent are pedestrian deaths on our freeways? Of the 18 000 people who die on South Africa’s roads every year, 7 920 are pedestrians. In other words, 49 people die every day on South African roads, of whom 21 are pedestrians. In recent issues of tame TIMES we published the following stories about pedestrian highway deaths: “A man in his thirties was killed on the night of 1 September after he was hit by a car on the N12 near Southgate in Mondeor.” “Two women, believed to be in their late twenties, were killed on the evening of Friday 11 June on the N12 East near the Atlas Road off-ramp.” “A man in his thirties was killed on Tuesday 12 August when he was hit by a car on the N12 in Benoni, Johannesburg.” “On Tuesday 24 June, tame TIMES received a call from an Alberante resident reporting a body found lying next to the R59. … It is believed that the victim was a homeless man who was walking along the R59 when a motorist hit him and drove off, but this could not be confirmed.” Just two weeks ago, another pedestrian was killed on the N12 near Boksburg. What must a motorist do if he/she cannot swerve to avoid a pedestrian? In order to obtain answers to this difficult question, tame TIMES visited Mr B.A. Gama, a prosecutor at the Boksburg Traffic Court. When a pedestrian is in front of your car and there are cars all around you, he said, “you have no escape route. It’s not your choice. Apply your brakes.” Gama also explained what motorists should do in the extremely unfortunate event of hitting a pedestrian. After an accident, he said, you must “protect the victim, who may still be alive. Put hazards on to warn other motorists to slow down. Take out your reflective red chevron and place it 5 to 15 metres from your car. Ascertain the extent of the injuries. Call 10111 and ask them to send paramedics. Tell them you have been involved in an accident and give your location. You can also load the victim in your car and go to the nearest hospital.” Will the motorist be charged? According to Boksburg prosecutor Gama, “Culpable homicide is the main charge because you hit a pedestrian with your vehicle. The court will, however, take all the relevant factors into account: the fact that no pedestrians are allowed on the freeway, that it was dark, that the pedestrian misjudged distances.” He explained that the court would ask various questions of the accused, like, “Did you apply brakes?” and consider “extenuating circumstances like whether the victim was wearing dark clothes.” The verdict would depend
on consideration of what a reasonable person would do in the shoes of the accused, he said. Why do pedestrians run across highways? One of the reasons given on the SANRAL website for the high prevalence of pedestrian deaths in South Africa is: “We are one of the few countries in the world where first class roads run across ‘third world’ settlements.” This is probably the crux of the matter. Only one-fifth of South Africans over 18 have a driver’s license and only about a quarter of our households have access to a car, according to Arrive Alive. At least three-quarters of us rely on either public transport or our feet to get to work, school or the shops and, because of apartheid spatial planning, the poorest often have the furthest to travel. It is not surprising, then, that pedestrians take short cuts across freeways. According to Boksburg traffic prosecutor Gama, overhead pedestrian bridges are not always available and alcohol is also a factor. Drunk pedestrians, obviously, look for the quickest route home and are unable to judge the speed of oncoming traffic. EMPD spokesperson Wilfred Kgasago told tame TIMES, “The informal settlements that have been mushrooming alongside and near our freeways have exacerbated the problem of pedestrians on our freeways. Furthermore, we have taxis and private vehicles that pick up and drop off people on the freeways. People, mostly from the informal settlements (which includes learners) pose a big problem - not forgetting the hitch-hikers and those who are on the freeway to do smash-and-grabs, as well as hijackings.” What should pedestrians do? Boksburg prosecutor Gama’s advice to pedestrians is: “Stay off the highway. When walking in the street before or after dark, wear light clothes and something reflective.” What are our Metro Cops doing? On the subject of pedestrians on highways, EMPD spokesperson Wilfred Kgasago told tame TIMES: “The interventions that we have and are still employing are as follows: We have education campaigns targeting those we have identified as the most vulnerable: • Not to drink and walk • Not to be on the freeways at all • Enforcement at places frequented by the pedestrians on our freeways – those avoiding to take roundabout way but forgetting that the short cuts could prove fatal to them. We have to understand that law enforcement on our freeways alone will not resolve the problem – it is a short-term and a partially effective way of trying to solve the problem. An integrated approach is what is needed in order to make any headway in reducing pedestrian fatalities on our freeways – all affected parties have to come on board: • the community • law enforcement • Roads Agencies • justice system Effective education, engineering, increased capacity for law enforcement to prevent this dangerous practice and more stringent fines and sentences would probably go a long way in contributing towards a long-term solution. We once more would wish to urge: pedestrians not to be on the freeways and • to use pedestrian bridges where available, • community leaders to help us by reminding their constituencies to do the right thing • private vehicles to stop arranging to pick up their employees on freeways; • and taxis not to drop off passengers on our freeways.”
10 February 2015
Mrs South Africa 2014, Sarah-Kate Scott
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www.tame TIMES.co.za
Mrs SA: The search is on! Mrs South Africa (Pty) Ltd is looking for the next Mrs South Africa and will be coming to Emperors Palace on 28 February. Become the best version of yourself and enter now. The Mrs South Africa journey is known as a woman-empowering journey of self-discovery. As a Mrs South Africa finalist or winner, you are also given incredible opportunities, such as the chance to represent our country on an international level (Mrs World, Mrs Universe and Mrs Globe) and feature in many television programmes, magazines and other media channels. Mrs South Africa is a married, sophisticated, beautiful, real woman. “Mrs South Africa entrants, finalists and winners are real women - women who are
selected shopping centres all over South Africa, where you get to meet the reigning Mrs South Africa along with other celebrities. The Mrs South Africa Roadshow will kick off in KwaZulu-Natal and end off at Emperors Palace on 28 February. Mrs South Africa workshops are inspirational ladies mornings with the Mrs South Africa team, the reigning Mrs SA, and other celebrities, where you will learn more about the Mrs South Africa journey. These workshops cost only R220, which also includes tea/coffee and eats. For more information, contact Candice on info@mrssouthafrica.co.za. You can also visit their website www.mrssouthafrica.co.za or go to their Facebook page for regular updates.
successful careerwomen, in some cases mothers and wives, who strive to be the best versions of themselves,” says CEO Joani Johnson, who is also a former Mrs South Africa. “We are doing the school run, cooking for our families, but at the same time owning the boardroom and looking our best.” The reigning Mrs SA is Sarah-Kate Scott (30) from Hartbeespoort. Sarah-Kate is the mother of two boys, owner of a gifting company and married to media personality Darren Scott. Sarah-Kate also recently competed in the Mrs World Pageant in the USA, where she was crowned as first runner-up, while Riana Mooi (Mrs South Africa first princess) was crowned as Mrs Globe 2015 in China during November. The Mrs South Africa ‘roadshow’ includes inspirational workshops and activations in
DIY ideas for
Y A D Y A ’S D E IN ’S E T N IN E T L N A E V L VA Pre-Planned Date Ideas
Lizeth Kotze Lizeth.kotze@tametimes.co.za
Popcorn Date Invite Sometimes the typical “date night” for couples can be a little overdone (and expensive). Instead, why not spent a cozy night in? Get creative and assemble a date night package with everything you and your sweetie will need to enjoy a night on your own sofa, in front of your own TV. dodoburd.com
Make it a date this Valentine’s Day and beyond. A basket full of 12 pre-planned dates (or however many you see fit) gives you and your sweetie something special to look forward to each month. dodoburd.com
Message in a Bottle A message in a bottle is a romantic gift for any special occasion. He will appreciate the sweet sentiment, and he will also love that his special message is part of a keychain something he will be glad to use for years to come. dodoburd.com
Valentine 5km Fun walk or run The Valentine-themed Rietvlei Parkrun will take place on Saturday 14 February, 08:00 at Rietvlei Zoo Farm. The Rietvlei parkrun is a free 5km timed walk or run. All ages are welcome. Dogs on leads are welcome. Rietvlei Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 08:00. For Valentine’s Day, everyone in the community is encouraged to come along and to dress in red. Families are invited to stay after the parkrun and enjoy a meal at one of the three restaurants or bring picnic baskets, blankets and chairs and come and celebrate Valentine’s Day in the great outdoors. For more information, visit www.parkrun.co.za and register and download your barcode under Rietvlei Parkrun.
Love Coupons Personalized coupon gifts are always a big hit, and they are almost as much fun for you to make as they are for your special someone to redeem. These romantic coupons can be redeemable for activities as tame or as spicy as you would like. dodoburd.com
Love Potion No. 9 A print-at-home love potion label turns your favourite beverage into a romantic gift that will also be a big hit at your Valentine’s Day party. dodoburd.com
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tame TIMES
GENERAL FACTS CELEBRITY NEWS
NATIONAL NEWS
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS IN A FLASH
10 February 2015
A man who couldn’t find a black doll in the shops as a gift for his niece decided to take matters into his own hands. In 2007, Taofick Okoya, 43, created his own doll that Nigerian girls could identify with by recreating their skin colour and style - and it is now so successful that it is outselling Barbie. The dolls, which are called Queens of Africa, come with traditional outfits and accessories and cost around £4.50. (dailymail.co.uk)
Czech fugitive and Bedfordview resident Radovan Krejcir and three others appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Friday to be charged with the murder of businessman Sam Issa. The reports identified the other three accused as Siboniso Miya, Siphiwe Memela, and Nkanyiso Mafunda.
CLOSES
after 70 years
Last week, Pope Francis authorized the signing of the proclamation for the beatification of Benedict Daswa, a lay person from Limpopo who opposed witchcraft. The ceremony could take place as early as October. And, in honour of the occasion, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference has invited Pope Francis to come out for a pastoral visit to coincide with the celebration. (iol.co.za)
It was reported on Thursday that Sapa, the 70-year-old South African news agency, is to close. Sapa, which was started as a non-profit entity in 1938, has been facing closure or change since its four funding members, Times Media Group, Caxton, Independent Newspapers and Media24, started pulling out of the arrangement more than a year ago. “The funding model for Sapa has basically come to an end so the board had to take tough decisions,” the former board chairman, Tim du Plessis, told Grubstreet in July 2014 on the decision to look into whether outside parties might be interested in taking it over in some way. Late last year, Agence France-Presse’s (AFP’s) Southern African office pulled out of Sapa. This brought to an end a 20-year-old arrangement between the French-based AFP and Sapa, whereby they supplied copy to each other for a fee. (biznews.com)
Ntuli, spokesman for the ANC in Gauteng died on Sunday in a car accident near his home in Albertsdal, the Dumisa Ntuli Dumisa party said. ‘cut his political teeth’ as one of the founding members of the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) in 1979. DIES Ntuli “His unassuming, courteous and kindly nature touched all those who were fortunate to meet him and for this, amongst in crash his many other noble qualities, he will be sorely missed,” the ANC said. (mg.co.za)
Kris Jenner only found out Bruce Jenner was transitioning into a woman at a recent family meeting. The showbiz matriarch reportedly “flipped out” when her ex-husband - who she split from in 2013 after 22 years of marriage - told her and the rest of their family he wanted to change gender. She was stunned by the revelation, even though she had heard speculation about his plans. Insiders say Kris never asked Bruce about the rumours and he never told her, highlighting the “serious lack of communication in the marriage.” (iol.co.za)
“
cannot stop
it can only it for a little while.
”
Plans are afoot to transform Newlands Cricket Ground into a precinct of blue-chip offices, doctors’ rooms and places of entertainment. Nabeal Dien was appointed chief executive of the Western Province Cricket Association last month, and is helping to steer the ground into a new era. Of the stadium’s 114 corporate suites, only 39 are in use – and only on the 20-odd match days a year. The cricket association plans to transform these suites into office space in a R400 million development that should be completed in 2017. The plan can only go ahead if the land is rezoned by the City of Cape Town. (iol.co.za)
Ryan Reynolds would use Blake Lively as a “human shield” to protect their daughter. The Deadpool star - whose wife gave birth to their first child in December - was amazed by how much he loves his little girl and wanted to protect her as soon as he saw her. He said: “I used to say to [Blake], ‘I would take a bullet for you. I could never love anything as much as I love you.’ I would say that to my wife." “And the second I looked in that baby’s eyes, I knew in that exact moment that if we were ever under attack, I would use my wife as a human shield to protect that baby.” Though his little girl comes first, the 38-yearold actor admits he is more in love with Blake - who he married in September 2012- than ever. (iol.co.za)
• Based on retail statistics, about 3% of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets. • About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. • Girls in medieval times ate bizarre foods on St. Valentine’s Day to make them dream of their future spouses. • In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to determine who their Valentines would be. They wore these names pinned on to their sleeves for a week for everyone to see. This was the origin of the expression “to wear your heart on your sleeve.”
• More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine’s Day. • 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day. • Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day in the U.S. • 189 million stems of roses are sold in the U.S. on Valentine’s Day. • 220 000 is the average number of wedding proposals on Valentine’s Day each year.
PHOBIA OF THE WEEK Gamophobia – The fear of getting married. oxforddictionaries.com
From the movie The Princess Bride.
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10 February 2015
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In the Lion’s Den Suite owners and Lions fans gathered at Emirates Airline Park on 3 February for an evening of speeches and entertainment. The Head Coach, Team Captain and Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) President gathered the people in the Lion’s Den to speak about the team and their game plan for the upcoming season, as well as to thank to their loyal supporters and sponsors. The event kicked off with a bang as the GLRU gave a big thank you to their new sponsors, Emirates Airlines, and showed their appreciation to their loyal supporters and fans, after which they shifted their attention to the Lions team. The Lions chose to keep core stability within the group and decided to stick to their team and keep all their current players. They added that it is easier to build on a foundation that is already steady and stable,
Province have potential and could be tough competition. Johan Ackermann made it clear that he wants the team committed to the game, saying, ” I can accept a loss, but I cannot accept a lack of effort.” After the speeches, fans both young and old were free to meet and mingle with their favourite Lions players. Pictures were taken and autographs were signed as the players chatted to fans. All in all, Emirates Airline Park showed great hospitality. Remember to catch the Lions vs the Hurricanes game on 13 February.
and that keeping all the current players maintains the team structure. Team captain Warren Whiteley also spoke about the challenges that players face as a result of only being contracted for between one and two years and how that made an impact on their decision to re-sign all the players. He said that having the same group of players is fantastic and that the team has grown as a family and a brotherhood. Johan Ackermann also assured fans that the team is busy and hard at work doing 2.5 hour drill sessions in preparation for the season’s games. The team feels positive about the season and they are building towards something - the perfect brand of play and staying together and winning trophies. The team has already identified their competition as the Crusaders and the Brumbies, but added that the Bulls and
EG Jansen vir die vierde keer gekroon Vir die vierde agtereenvolgende jaar is Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen as die Oostelikes kampioen bekroon in die nasionale T20liga. Die span het Hans Moore op Willowmoorepark in Benoni met sewe paaltjies in die eindstryd van die ligakompetisie verslaan toe Hans Moore tot 98/7 ingeperk is. Altus Pretorius (4/15) het die meeste skade aangerig aan die Hans Moore kolwers en Kyle Scheepers (51) het met sy vyftigtal sy span tot 101/3 oor die
ICC World Cup 2015: MEET YOUR TEAM
The following five players are part of the squad selected to represent South Africa at the ICC World Cup 2015. tame TIMES will be profilling five players each edition over the next three weeks.
AB de Villiers
Hashim Amla
(CAPTAIN) Age: 30 years Playing role: Wicketkeeper batsman Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm medium
(VICE-CAPT)
Age: 31 years Playing role: Top-order batsman Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm medium / offbreak
Morne Morkel
Aaron Phangiso
Age: 30 years Playing role: Bowler Batting: Left-hand bat Bowling: Right-arm fast
Age: 30 years Playing role: Bowler Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Slow left-arm orthodox
Imran Tahir Age: 35 years Playing role: Bowler Batting: Right-hand bat Bowling: Legbreak googly
WHO’S PLAYING?
Pool A
Afghanistan Australia Bangladesh England New Zealand Scotland Sri Lanka
Pool B
India Ireland Pakistan South Africa United Arab Emirates West Indies Zimbabwe
wenteiken gehelp. Die skool het ook Saterdag ’n sege van 84 lopies oor Menlopark in die twee spanne se Super18kragmeting behaal. Die Boksburgspan is tot 140 lopies beperk met David Mostert (36) en Michael Enslin (26) wat die meeste lopies aangeteken het. Menlopark is daarna vir net 56 lopies uitgehaal. Dié span sal more (Woensdag) teen die Hoërskool Nelspruit, Mpumalanga se kampioen, kragte meet in die halfeindstryd van die Titans-streek.
Weight training for women By Martin Dewee
In 1985, I ran into some trouble while doing a bench press which ended up embarrassing me when the only woman training alongside the men in the gym easily removed the weight from my chest. This experience left me red-faced, with a bruised ego. Back then, most men, including myself, believed that women belonged strictly in the aerobics section; but this incident changed my thinking about women and weight training. Not much has changed in 2015, with the majority of women still doing cardio exercises. The myth that weight training will make women muscle-bound, is far from the truth. Females produce a hormone called oestrogen, which is the opposite of the testosterone that is found in males. Oestrogen production is the key factor that prevents females from growing big muscle.
Weight training will activate their muscles, increase their strength, help with fat burning and improve the overall look of the body. All the top Miss Figure and Fitness champions owe their fantastic looking bodies to weight training and a balanced diet. It is also very important for ladies to train as heavily as possible, without compromising good form. I have seen many women using light weights with very high reps (repetitions), which is a total waste of time. I have successfully trained many women over the years. I would like to challenge all women reading this article to enter the Tame Times 12 week transformation challenge. I have personally designed the ultimate ladies training DVD, including a healthy grocery list, and training manual to get you going. Go to www.tametimes.co.za for more info.