tame TIMES
TWO TIME WINNER OF THE ANNUAL EKURHULENI AWARDS: BEST PRINT MEDIA
BOKSBURG - BENONI
FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS
Volume 03, 02, 3 11March November 2015,2014, WeekWeek 10 46
BEFORE
Delivered every Tuesday Delivered every Tel: Tuesday 011 862 8500 Fax: 011 869 7335
In 2004 the Gauteng MEC for Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, gave the go ahead to build a new Oosrand Secondary School.
Tel: 011 862 8500 Fax: 011 869 7335
THE MOVE
AFTER
RELOCATING: On 23 February 2015 excited learners and teachers from Oosrand Secondary School moved over to their new school building, exactly 40 years since the move from Drommedaris School in 1975.
A brand new Oosrand Secondary School
It was forty years ago, in February 1975, that secondary school learners and their teachers walked from what is now known as Drommedaris Primary School – then the High School – to Oosrand Secondary School in Goedehoop Street. The Principal was Mr Wathen. When Mr Filander became principal at Oosrand in 1978, he began petitioning the ‘Department of Coloured Affairs’ - responsible for the oversight of schools in ‘Coloured’ communities at the time - to upgrade the school from the temporary asbestos structure to a proper solid brick building. Mr Filander’s dream of a permanent structure would not be realised during his time as principal of the school and, sadly, not even during his lifetime. Only three principals and thousands of learners later, the dream that Mr Filander started expressing in those letters to the Department of Coloured Affairs was realised. In 2003 the school governing body of representative parents boarded a taxi from Reiger Park to the Gauteng MEC for Education’s office, to draw her attention to the urgent need for a new school building. Ms Motshekga visited the school in 2004 to assess the condition of the building and
BEFORE
found that the concerns of the parents were to the MEC for infrastructure, Ms Nandi not without merit. She agreed that the school Mayathula-Khoza. She was very impressed was indeed in a very bad state and in need of and commented that it was not only a beautiful school but also the largest of all the new urgent repairs. The cost to revamp the school in 2004 schools built in recent years. was estimated at R16million. The MEC felt The principal, Mr van Ross, could not contain his excitement as he expressed what a proud that revamping an asbestos structure for R16million when the cost of a new school moment it was to be able to walk into the brand was R23million was not viable. So in 2004 new school building. He was indeed proud to have the honour the Gauteng MEC of being principal of for Education, Ms After 40 years of occupying the the new Oosrand Angie Motshekga, asbestos structure that was Secondary School. gave the go ahead to The MEC, the principal build a new Oosrand meant to be the temporary and the deputy Secondary School. It Coloured High School in Reiger principal, Mr Arendse, would, however, be Park, Oosrand has finally been thanked those from another eight rebuilt with bricks and mortar. the community who years (2012) before were present to share the new MEC for this monumental Education, Ms Barbara Creecy, officially notified the Gauteng moment, but asked the community to ensure Legislature of the decision to rebuild the school; that this school remained the pride and joy of and, in November 2013, more than thirty years this community. This school, the MEC said, after Mr Filander’s first impassioned pleas is not government property - it belongs to the to the authorities, construction on the new community. So the community should take care of their school and ensure that nothing building started. Upon inspection of the 97%-completed bad happens to it. structure on 19 February 2015, Yikusasa On 23 February 2015 the learners moved over Building Construction handed over the keys from the old school to the new school, some
AFTER
with their chairs and desks. Unfortunately the new school is not furnished with new furniture. The MEC reiterated the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to implementing the paperless teaching and learning system, with the introduction of tablets and white boards in the classroom. However, she could not confirm when these would be installed at the new school. The remaining construction work is scheduled to be completed by April. We invite past learners, parents, current and past teachers and anyone who has ever been associated with the school, to share your feelgood story about your experience at Oosrand Secondary. Past learners are also invited to share their old photographs that might not be in the school archives by sending them to the email address below. We are especially eager to locate pictures of the February 1975 walk-over of learners and teachers to the old asbestos Oosrand Secondary School building. Some interesting facts about the School: • Originally opened in 1975. • Visit from former President Nelson Mandela in 1995. • The new school opens in 2015. Email: justus.abrams@tametimes.co.za
3 March 2015
tame TIMES
Page 2
MORE Don’t miss Pride Weekend
parties,
FEWER
Opinion piece by Palesa Yates How many of the politicians who profess their undying love and allegiance to our constitution can quote the fourth founding provision found in the first chapter of our country’s supreme law? Do those who recommend a constituencybased system for our national parliament know that the principle of “a multi-party system of democratic government” comes straight after “universal adult suffrage, a national common voter’s roll” and “regular elections?” How many remember that the basic principles underlying our constitution were chosen during a multi-party negotiation process? South Africa is a diverse country. We have nine provinces and eleven official languages. Having a multi-party democracy makes sense, because we need to build a unified future to repair our divided past. Political analysts have a theory to describe this. They divide societies into two categories: those with cross-cutting cleavages and those with coinciding cleavages. South Africa, unfortunately, is a country with coinciding cleavages. It is still the case that being born black is more likely to make you poor and uneducated, while being born white is more likely to guarantee you a future that is financially comfortable. This creates polarisation which, in the worstcase scenario, leads to civil war.
wars
In such a country as ours, a two-party system in which one party is very vocal about representing black have-nots and another party, which represents white haves, attack each other’s policies and performance frequently and aggressively does not make for progress. A system with many parties is much better for South Africa, because it encourages a multiplicity of voices and the strengthening of cross-cutting cleavages; for example, the bond between black and white Christians or the common values held by middle-class South Africans of all ethnicities. With the rise of the Economic Freedom Fighters, black votes are now significantly divided and the ruling party is being scrutinized from both the right and the left. Our new democracy and our developing economy need many ideas, many voices and many solutions. One of the dangers of a two-party system for South Africa is that we have an increasing number of voters who are disillusioned with the ruling party, but have also not found a suitable political alternative. These citizens may either sink into apathy or resort to service delivery protests to express their political opinions. References: https://www.academia.edu/4061722/US_Two-Party_ Political_System_VS_Indias_Multi-party_Political_ System_Should_India_Adopt_a_Two-Party_Political_ System_like_in_The_United_States www.classicalliberal.org/CROSS_CUTTING_AND_ COINCIDING_POLI...
Home for the elderly
KASI SOUL: Popular a cappella singing trio, The Soil, features in the Pride Musical Fest at Carnival City this weekend. Delivering on its promise to bring superlative entertainers and bands to its stage in 2015, Carnival City is proud to host popular a cappella, kasi soul ensemble, The Soil, during the Pride Weekend – a comedy, music and gospel festival taking place this weekend. The Soil performs an eclectic mix of musical genres such as jazz, hiphop, Afro-pop and Afro-soul. Fusing their harmonious voices and soothing melodies with deep and meaningful messages, they have become renowned for their uplifting sound. Having paid their dues as a performing group in and around the country, the awe-inspiring talent of this trio of a cappella voices was formally acknowledged when they won the Standard Bank Standing Ovation Award in the Fringe Section and the Standard Bank Encore Gold Award
at the 2010 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. During their career, The Soil has graced stages of South Africa’s biggest music events such as the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Grahamstown Arts Festival, Jazz by the River, as well as theatre stages of the Nelson Mandela Theatre and as Catalyst Theatre in Cape Town. The Pride Music Fest is on Friday at 6pm and will also feature Black Motion, Moneoa, RamZ the DJ, and DJ Levis. The festivities continue on Saturday with the Pride Comedy event, Rock the Mother Tongue, at 7pm, featuring comedians Mashabela Galane, Skhumba, Celeste Ntuli, Sfiso Nene, Isaac Gampu and many more. Tickets are available at Computicket and range in price from R100 to R225. For more information contact 011 056 5821 or pr@thikhoevents.co.za, or visit www.thikhoevents.com
Time to say goodbye
CATERING FOR OLDIES: Cedar Manor Retirement Lodge is a quaint plantation-style property, which cares for 10 residents in a luxurious setting. “Meals are catered, though all rooms have a kitchenette. We have a generous activity programme for our residents and we take great pride in offering the best care for our elderly,” says Lance Kibel, owner and manager. Pictured are Cedar Manor matron Elsabe Theron, resident Rennie Ingle and Aileen Calvert from Paws for People, as well as one of their pups that came to visit the residents and bring them joy. Delivery on Tuesday 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
Sub-Editor: Linda Yates linda.yates@tametimes.co.za Production Manager: Stephen Davey: stephen@tametimes.co.za
I’ve only been at tame TIMES a short time, but it is time for me to say goodbye. I started at the paper at the end of October with stars in my eyes and the hope that I would enjoy a long career here. But when my husband died less than a month later and the life I knew was shattered, I realised that I would not be able to continue my journalistic career. Becoming a single mother had changed everything. I can no longer, nor do I want to, give up my evenings or weekends to chase news and build up a contact base. Instead I want to give my evenings and weekends to my daughter, as she deserves
to have as much of her working mother as she can, especially now that she only has one parent. So it is with a sad heart I say goodbye, not only to the paper and its readers, as well as my wonderful colleagues, but also to journalism as I embark on a new adventure. But I am leaving you and the tame TIMES Boksburg Benoni paper in the good and capable hands of Justus Abrams, the editor for the Reiger Park paper. If you have any news or letters to share, email him at Justus.abrams@tametimes. co.za. ~ Natasha ~
Classified Manager: Tessa Arthur 011 862 8500 tessa@tametimes.co.za Distribution queries: Happy 011 862 8500
Advertising Executives: Loreen Fletcher 074 581 9327 loreen@tametimes.co.za Shane Stander 071 671 7264 shane@tametimes.co.za
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.
3 March 2015
Page 3
www.tame TIMES.co.za
SUPPORT FOR BRAIN INJURY VICTIMS Brainstorm Support Group is a non-profit organisation that was started in 2006 by a group of healthcare professionals in Ekurhuleni to provide education, support and services to members of the community that have suffered from strokes, traumatic brain injuries or any brain-related conditions. It was founded by occupational therapist Sheldene Reynolds, speech therapist Ruthann Sedgwick and social worker Bianca Burger as they saw the need for just such a group for the East Rand. The group provides support services to survivors and family of traumatic brain injury victims, strokes, aneurysms or related neurological conditions. It aims, as well, to educate and empower survivors and family by providing information on the conditions and future management of these conditions. “We also promote social interaction and reintegration for survivors and their families. And we hope to enhance their quality of life,” says Reynolds.
They have a monthly meeting for patients and their families and on average have 30 to 50 people attending. In 2008 they started running two morning therapy or social interaction sessions, on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to noon, which has grown from four or five participants to approximately 25 to 30 participants. “Our members are drawn from the whole Ekurhuleni region including Benoni, Boksburg, Edenvale, Nigel, Wattville, Springs, Kempton Park and even Heidelberg,” says Reynolds. In the last couple of years they have organised outings and social events and they participate in an annual sports day hosted at the Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital. The group relies on a marginal membership fee and donations from members, fundraising and, recently, corporates fundraising on their behalf, Reynolds explains. For more information about the group, or if you are interested in supporting them, please contact Nicky Scott on 081 702 3041.
OR Tambo’s cargo hub status reaffirmed OR Tambo International Airport is well positioned as a logistics and distribution hub for air cargo, says airport General Manager Bongiwe Pityi. “A combination of sufficient cargo capacity, strategic location, high levels of connectivity, accessibility to major routes and worldclass infrastructure position OR Tambo International as a cargo and logistics super site,” she said. Pityi was speaking as the country prepared to host the three-day Air Cargo Africa 2015 event, which started on Wednesday at Emperors Palace. Air Cargo Africa 2015 is a platform for air cargo players from all over the world to assess the trade and investment opportunities that Africa has to offer. This is the third Biennial International Air Cargo event organised to showcase Africa’s air cargo potential on a global scale. In its past two editions held in Nairobi and Johannesburg, the exhibition has seen participation from major airlines and airports, especially from Africa. The second edition of Air Cargo Africa, held for the first time in South Africa in 2013, gathered a record 413 global industry decision-makers as registered delegates. The event lured an impressive 2,865 visitors from 27 countries across Africa and 24 countries from other continents to explore
business prospects. She said OR Tambo International Cargo Division’s vision is to attract more air cargo traffic to maintain and grow its status as the logistics and distribution hub for subequatorial Africa. The airport is also the biggest cargo airport in Africa, with freight estimated at over 400,000 tons per annum. Major expansion projects have increased the annual passenger handling capacity at OR Tambo International from 6.5 million in 1993 to a current 28 million. The award-winning airport currently processes over 18 million passengers annually. A recent Airbus forecast predicts that by 2032, OR Tambo International Airport will be Africa’s only mega city airport handling more than 50,000 daily long-haul passenger flights – all carrying cargo in their holds. OR Tambo is Africa’s busiest airport and is a vital gateway for regional and international air cargo. In 2014, it handled approximately 390,000 tons of air cargo, while 18 million passengers passed through the airport. Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) is positioning its various airports as international cargo carriers’ preferred partners on the African continent based on its reputation for safety and efficiency in the provision of world-class cargo management services.
tame TIMES
HAS BEGUN A WAR ON
drugs March, the third month of the year, is named after Mars, the Roman god of War. In this spirit, tame TIMES has decided to launch a war against drugs within the community. Recent articles and news relating to drug use, especially among schoolchildren, sometimes even without their knowledge, have left many people wondering what can be done. We believe that education is key to understanding what drug abuse is all about, how to identify certain drugs, what symptoms to look out for, and of course, where to find help. For the month of March, we will be discussing a different type of drug every week. This week, we have information about one of the biggest problems in communities: nyaope. The last few years, drug use in South Africa has been on a continual rise. We urge the community to inform the police, local CPF or security
companies when they suspect any drug abuse. According to Harmony Addictions Clinic, figures published by the South African Police Service show that drug abuse is involved in 60% of all crimes. ‘’To make matters worse, the Central Drug Authority’s (CDA) Dr David Bayever reckons that up to 15% of South Africans abuse drugs,’’ the report stated. In 2014, the total number of drug-related crimes reported in Alberton was 186, according to www.crimestatssa.com. That includes only the cases that were reported to the police. It shows a drastic increase of 141 cases since 2004, where the figure was 45. Let us as a community take hands in fighting the war against drugs. Share your stories and experiences with us on our Facebook page.
: PE AO NY DANGEROUS DRUG, DANGEROUS MISCONCEPTIONS Street names:
WHOONGA, KATAZA, PINCH AND UNGU.
DESCRIPTION:
It is a fine white powder that is usually combined with marijuana (dagga). It is smoked. It is not always clear what all of the ingredients of nyaope are, and the ingredients may vary from place to place. But one thing is clear: nyaope is made of a lethal combination of substances, which can include heroin, detergent powder, rat poison, and crushed anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs).
EFFECTS: THE UPSIDE
* The high lasts for between 4-8 hours. * Smaller doses: euphoria, rush, sense of warmth and wellbeing. * Larger doses: drowsy, content, safe and relaxed. * The physical effects of heroin last for 4-8 hours
EFFECTS: THE DOWNSIDE & LONG TERM
Many who are addicted tend to lead chaotic lives that revolve around getting hold of the drug and various ways of getting money to buy it - prostitution and stealing. Other effects include: severe addiction, bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves, abscesses, liver or kidney damage, lung complications, infectious disease, arthritis and other rheumatory problems; pulmonary complications, including various types of pneumonia - and, finally, fatal overdose. Withdrawal effects: It has some of the worst withdrawal symptoms a drug can have: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhoea, vomiting, cold flashes, leg movements, extreme weight loss, and sometimes death.
The Ugly Truth Behind
NYAOPE:
If you know someone who needs help, or you need help yourself, contact the following people.
SANCA HEAL MINISTRIES Toll free: 0861 472 622 www.sancanational.org.za
www.healministries.com
NEXT WEEK:
Crystal meth: Separating myth from fact (WARNING:
THERE WILL BE GRAPHIC IMAGES DEPICTED IN THIS ARTICLE)
DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE OR
HAVE QUESTIONS TO ASK?
Contact the editor on 011 862 8500
Page 4
3 March 2015
tame TIMES
Storytelling brings history to life
March is the month of storytelling with World Read Aloud Day on 4 March and World Storytelling Day on 21 March. The Sibikwa Arts Centre will be celebrating this month with the Sibikwa Storytelling Festival, which takes place from 10 March. The festival will celebrate 20 years of democracy, work towards social cohesion, promote indigenous languages, give a platform to sign language and build our national identity. Festival-goers will experience histories, languages, cultures and music in performances and workshops hosted by seasoned storytellers, musicians and clowns. Performances and workshops feature world-renowned storyteller Gcina Mhlophe; the legendary Pops Mohamed with Musical San Stories; Clowns Without Borders; Mime le Mot aka Sibo Masondo an upcoming deaf mime artist from KwaZuluNatal; co-founder of Imisembe Yelanga Storytellers Nonhlanhla Hadebe; multitalented Mosoeu Ketlele of the Zanendaba Storytellers; Hlohonolo Dube from the Sibikwa Arts Centre; and veteran storyteller Mpho Molikeng from Lesotho. The Open Mic Sessions at Sibikwa, which will allow you to come and tell your own story, will be MCd by the Streetqueen, aka Ntsiki Mazwai. The Storytelling Competition on World Storytelling Day Saturday 21 March 2015 is open to anyone above the
REHABILITATED ADDICT SPEAKS
OUT!!! By Bianca Mare’
STORYTELLER: Gcina Mhlophe age of 15 who can tell a good story; prebooking is essential and stories, which can be told in any of the official languages, should not be longer than 10 minutes. First prize is R3,000; second prize is R1,500 and third, R750 - while a prize of R500 will be awarded to the most promising storyteller. The 2015 Sibikwa Storytelling Festival takes place from 10 to 12 March at the Soweto Theatre and from 18 to 21 March at the Sibikwa Arts Centre. Entry fees are R25 for the whole morning, R25 per workshop and R10 to enter the competition. For more info go to www. sibikwa.co.za, and for bookings contact Michael Mabena on 011 422 43 59 or e-mail michael@sibikwa.co.za.
Afrikaanse Christelike PRIVAATSKOOL
OPEDAG EN BEURSEKSAMEN 13 MAART 2015, 15:00
KOM DEEL IN DIE OPWINDING VAN UITNEMENDE ONDERRIG! PROGRAM VIR DIE DAG: 15:00
Registrasie
15:30
Opening en aanbieding in skoolsaal
16:30
Toer deur die klaskamers en skool
17:30
Beurseksamen
Former alcoholic and drug addict Lesley Steenkamp, locally known as ‘Die Nommor,’ speaks out against the daunting issue of drug and alcohol abuse. As a former addict, parent and community member of Reiger Park, he openly shared some of his personal experiences, gave us some insight into the troubled life of an addict and shared his current personal battles and also his wish to restore hope among the parents, wives, husbands and children of addicts. It all started with just one ‘pull.’ The exhilarating feeling that ran through his body left him wanting more, says Lesley. Unlike others, he only became enslaved to drugs in his mid-thirties, but already had a concurrent alcohol problem that also started as just an ‘af-cool drankie’ every now and then when he was a youngster. He was a very particular well-liked man who lacked nothing, a husband and father of three; he had his own transport business but lost everything due to his addiction. He says he not only destroyed his own life but also jeopardised his relationship with his children and family by verbally abusing them and also became a physical danger to his immediate family when he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Lesley goes further to explain how he started selling his own clothes and stealing from his loved ones, doing irrational things just to get a fix. He was convicted and incarcerated twice for various reasons connected to his drug dependency, but the third time was his turning point says Mr Steenkamp. It was only when he violently attacked his older brother with a knife and lost his son that he came to his senses and decided to go for rehabilitation. It was there, at the Magaliesoord Treatment Centre in that lonely dorm room, after many counselling sessions and detox sessions that he found God and himself again. Not only did he leave the institute drug-free, alcohol-free and cigarette-free, but also with a second chance at life. “It was not by power nor by might but by the Spirit of God that I
have overcome,” says Lesley. It has been twelve years since he has touched any addictive substances and he is still persevering and running the good race of faith even though it has been difficult to find employment due to his criminal record. Despite setbacks, he hasn’t given up hope yet and still believes. He would like to counsel young people with addictions and help them overcome as a form of giving back to the community, but most of all he would like to rebuild and restore his relationship with his two remaining children. It is imperative for us as a community to stand together in unity to fight this problem, for there is power in numbers. We need to empower ourselves to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and usage in our homes before it is too late. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG USAGE AND ABUSE: • Neglecting responsibilities (bunking school, skipping work…) • Constant need for money. • Sudden change in friends and hobbies. • Frequently getting into trouble. • Unexplained personality change. • Mood swings, irritability and anger outbursts. • Hyperactivity and restlessness. • Sleepiness and changes in sleep patterns. • Physical deterioration and skin rashes and infections. • Stealing, lying and violent behavior. • Wanting privacy all the time. In conclusion I would like to say that it’s never too late to turn over a new page. So don’t give up hope and keep the faith, for faith is believing what you cannot see yet in the physical but believing that it will someday manifest itself in the natural.
Hijacked motor 20 jaar vehicle recovered in 2016
VERSKEIE BUSROETES VANUIT DIE OOS-RAND SOWEL AS BRYANSTON, VEREENIGING EN HEIDELBERG
Leeuwenhof Akademie Afrikaanse Privaatskool Gr. 000 - Gr. 12 H.v. Geldenhuis- en Antonstraat, Bedfordview www.leeuwenhof.co.za marketing@leeuwenhof.co.za Tel: (011) 622 1806 Faks: (011) 622 1679
FOUND: The recovered car that was stolen on 18 February in Bardene On 18 February a man was hijacked while waiting for his wife to open the gate to their home in Bardene. “The man was ordered out of his car by an armed hijacker whose accomplice was
waiting in a grey VW Golf,” said Lieutenant Juanita Coetzer, communication officer for Boksburg North SAPS. The hijacker jumped into the victim’s vehicle and drove off, with the accomplice following him in the Golf. Two days later a community member told Detective Warrant Officer Robert Ngomane where the hijacked vehicle was. “He went to the address in Leondale to investigate, and found the stolen vehicle there - good work from a community member in assisting the police in recovering the motor vehicle and to help curb crime,” said Lt Coetzer.
3 March 2015
Page 5
www.tame TIMES.co.za
WORLD WILD
LIFE DAY 3 March
WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION
STATISTICS :
•
EVERY 20 MINUTES, the world adds another 3 500 human lives but loses one or more entire species of animal or plant life. (Source: PBS)
•
At the present rates of extinction, as many as 20% OF THE WORLD’S 7 -15 MILLION SPECIES could be gone in the next 30 years. (Source: WWF)
•
The hourly destruction of an estimated 240 acres of natural habitat is directly attributed to the growth in human populations. (Source: Animal Alliance)
•
Of the DOZENS OF SPECIES of rhino that once roamed the earth, only 5 now exist. (Source: International Rhino Foundation)
•
5 – 10 MILLION AFRICAN ELEPHANTS existed in 1930. By 1989 only 600 00 were left. (Source: CITES)
•
The African lion’s numbers diminished rapidly from 50 000 TO 10 00. (Source: Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary)
•
The cheetah number diminished from 100 000 TO LESS THAN 15 000. (Source: The Cheetah Spot)
Of the DOZENS OF SPECIES of rhino that once roamed the earth, ONLY 5 NOW exist.
Lizeth Kotze Lizeth.kotze@tametimes.co.za
* Photo taken from http://www.brentstirton.com/
Together, let's get
#seriousaboutwildlifecrime
The 2015 theme is “Wildlife Crime is serious, let’s get serious about wildlife crime.” This is an opportunity to celebrate the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people.
A dream
COME TRUE
Persistence, optimism and a whole lot of talent have made Daniel Barker a formidable force in the world of big screen animation. His team at World Disney Animation Studios recently won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature for their work on Big Hero 6. For Barker, a former Sandringham High School learner, this award was the realisation of a lifelong dream. “Animation was always something I wanted to do,” Barker told the tame TIMES. “In art classes as a young kid I would draw
characters from the shows we used to watch - Bionic 6, Ghostbusters, Thundercats!” He was just ten years old when he produced his first animation. “It was a Bart Simpson animation,” he explained. “My dad had access to the marketing and video department resources at his work and borrowed a camera from there to help me out. The only problem was the camera could only film one frame at a time, so you would have to hold down the record button for two seconds and then press ‘stop,’ change the picture and record again. You had to watch
“While the threats to wildlife are great, we can reduce them through our collective efforts.” Ban Ki-moon
Heather Djunga heather.djunga@tametimes.co.za
the animation on fast forward!” He said his dad then took the tape into the editing studio and himself and his good friend Ricardo Gualtieri added voices to the feature. “I knew even then I wanted to work for Walt Disney,” he said. Barker was in New York when he heard of his team’s Oscar win. “I celebrated with beer and biltong!” he said. “This is the second consecutive year Walt Disney Animation Studios has won. Last year we won for Frozen. So it’s been great to be a part of this new resurgence in animation at Disney.” Barker’s story of rising to the top is one of courage and determination. After school, he worked in animation in South Africa but said he dreamed of cracking it in the States. “It was rather difficult. From 2001 to 2006 I was constantly rejected when I applied,” he said. “My attitude was, ‘If I’m not good enough now then I will be good enough in six months’ time’.” He said he found an online course through Animation Mentor, which gave him access to people working in the industry. “They gave me pointers on what I was doing wrong, and one of my mentors actually got me a job at Blue Sky Studios.” Barker’s first break was on Horton Hears a Who in 2007. He has also worked on Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Rio, Ice Age: Continental Drift, Epic, Rio2, Big Hero 6, and is currently working on the Peanuts Movie scheduled for release later this year. Last year, he was on holiday when a
recruiter from Walt Disney Animation contacted him and he landed a job as an animator for the company. Barker, who now does mostly freelance work as an animator, said he considers himself privileged: “I have had the privilege of meeting all the artists I admired as kid, and many of them have become my colleagues! Animation is a painstakingly long process, so it is always a challenge to give the directors what they want. The other challenge is keeping your work at a feature level. On Big Hero I spent three weeks getting the corners of a mouth just right when a character said ‘Oh No’.” “I can only hope I have represented South Africa well overseas,” he continued. “Every now and then I teach the Americans some kiff slang words. Everybody at Blue Sky says ‘howzit’ when they see me.” He said above everything, his journey had taught him determination. “Getting rejected all the time can be very discouraging! But I used it as a motivator to prove to myself that I was good enough.” A selection of his shots can be viewed on his website http://www.barkingdan.com/ Reel.html
CHAMPIONS: The World Disney Animation team behind Oscar-winning Big Hero 6. Former Edenvale resident Daniel Barker was part of this team.
Page 6
3 March 2015
tame TIMES
HOW WILL TAX INCREASES BE SPENT? OPINION PIECE BY PALESA YATES Those earning under R181 900 a year – or under R15 158.33 a month – will find little comfort in being spared a tax increase because the fuel levy increase of 80.5 cents per litre from 1 April will be anything but an April Fool’s Day joke. Lower earners still need to travel to work, eat, buy new clothes and pay school-fees and have a lower percentage of discretionary income than the higher income earners who will feel their monthly R1,105 tax increase proportionately less. To add insult to injury, commuters are unlikely to see their increased fuel payments filling potholes, fixing traffic lights or being used to pull down gantries. Also, despite a R23-billion allocation to Eskom - with the first of three instalments due to be paid in June - load shedding is bound to continue, with job shedding, no doubt, to follow. An additional two cents per kWh will be required from paying consumers until, according to Minister Nene, the “electricity shortage is over;” but nothing was said in the budget speech about tackling illegal connections and no detailed plan or guarantees were given regarding keeping the lights on. The usual sin taxes on liquor and cigarettes were to be expected and so was the promised spending on infrastructure. The Finance Minister has budgeted R813 billion over the next three years for public infrastructure investment. This should be good news in the light of ageing water infrastructure, crumbling roads in many places and dysfunctional sanitation systems. So should Minister Gordhan’s “Back to Basics” strategy to fix local government and the R4.3 billion allocated to help him. These plans, however, are suspiciously close to the 2016 Local Government Elections. The promise to reduce budget allocations to “noncritical activities” is also hollow. Government-funded bashes at hotels should stop altogether - taxpayers cannot afford to pay for workshops and conferences that end an hour or two after a three-course lunch or that require delegates to stay overnight even when they live nearby. Sadly, not much attention was paid to protecting the new tax increases from being mis-used by govt officials. Only two vague little sentences were allocated to our country’s multibillion-rand-a-year corruption habit. “The fight against corruption remains a central priority. Additional allocations have been made to the Public Protector and the Financial Intelligence Centre for increasing their human resource capacity,” said the Minister. Yet, according to an Eyewitness News report, opposition parties attacked the decision to raise personal income tax, with the ACDP’s Steve Swart saying, “Rather look at corrupt and wasteful expenditure of R30 billion a year.” More money should have been spent on fighting corruption. It’s the one crutch that hasn’t been properly beaten by post apartheid, majority led governance. Kymon Giannakopoulos
THE BUDGET IN BRIEF 2015
EXTRACTED FROM FIN24 / STANDARD BANK BUDGET 2015 INFORGRAPHIC
MINISTE FINANCE LA NENE NHLANH
… our projected economic growth for 2015 is just 2%, down from 2.5% indicated in October last year. We expect growth to rise to 3% by 2017.
SOUTH AFRICA
R
Consumer price inflation peaked at 6.6% in June last year. It has subsequently declined to just 4.4% last month, and is expected to average 4.3% in 2015, laying a foundation for economic growth.
6.4%
GROWTH IN BUDGET DEFICIT:
DEBT & LOAN
GROWTH & INFLATION
GDP GROWTH – Expected to accelerate to 3.0% in 2017
REVENUE
Revenue up by Total projected revenue: R1 188.9 billion
42.5%
EXPENDITURE Expenditure up by Total projected expenditure: R1 351 billion
9.1%
PERSONAL TAX
7.9%
Health and Social – 11.6% Education – 19.6% Defence, Public Order & Safety – 12.6% Economic Affairs – 15.2% Community Amenities & Housing – 14.7% Employment & Social Security – 11.4% Other – 4.7%
Personal tax – 36.4% VAT – 26.2% Corporate Income Tax – 18.7% Fuel Levies – 5.1% Customs and Excise Duties – 7.0% Revenue from other – 6.5%
PROJECTED DEFICIT: -R162.2 BILLION
Defense, Public Order & Safety
Education, Sport & Culture
9.9%
8.8%
5.0%
8.0%
TAX PAYABLE IN RANDS
R0 - R181 900 R181 901 - R284 100 18% of each R1 taxable income
R32 742 + 26% of taxable income above R181 900
R284 101 - R393 200 R393 201 - R550 100
SPENDING PLAN Health & Social Protection
TAXABLE INCOME (OF INDIVIDUALS) :
R59 314 + 31% of taxable income above R 284 100
(3.9% of GDP to come down to 2.5% in 2017/18)
Debt Service Costs
R93 135 + 36% of taxable income above R393 200
Housing & Local Goverment
R550 101 - R701 300 R149 619 + 39% of taxable income above R550 100
13.0% R701 301 AND ABOVE R208 587 + 41% of taxable income above R701 300
INCOME TAX
SIN TAX
IF YOU EARN: R181 900 or less per year you will pay less tax. R200 000 per year – you will pay R21 more per month. R500 000 per year – you will pay R271 more per month. R1.5 Million per year – your tax will increase with R1 105 per month.
Bottle of 750ml wine Bottle of 750ml spirits 340ml can of beer Ciders & alcoholic fruit drinks 330ml
SOCIAL MEDICAL GRANTS SCHEMES OLD AGE R1 410 P/M
FOSTER CARE R860 P/M
Monthly medical scheme contributions tax credits will from 01 March 2015 be DISABILITY increased from R257 R1 410 P/M to R270 per month for the first two beneficiaries and from R172 to R181 per month for each additional beneficiary. Medical tax credits related to medical scheme contributions will be taken into account for CHILD both PAYE and proviSUPPORT sional tax purposes. R330 P/M
NET LOAN DEBT - 42.5% of GDP to stabilise at 43.7% of GDP in 2017/18
DEBT SERVICE COSTS – Rising to R153.4 Billion in 2017/18
INFLATION – Expected to accelerate to 5.7% in 2017
Box of 20 cigarettes
If the 50c on the fuel levy goes to RAF, I will be satisfied that it is going to a good cause. Government should educate people in terms of how the Budget is spent – this will help prevent service delivery protests. Busisiwe Memela
R162.2 BILLION
2% 4.3%
If there is a revenue shortfall, the credit amount allowed to the various sectors should be tightened. A small thing like stores notifying the public that they qualify for an increase in their credit should stop. Juanita Wallace-Swart
Higher tax is a big issue. A few hundred less rand per month. Plus a higher fuel levy means that the fuel price will go up. Ajay Gangadharan
BUDGET DEFICIT:
FUEL & ENVIRONMENT
FUEL LEVY
30.5 CENTS per litre
ROAD ACCIDENT 50 CENTS per litre
PENSION FUND
To eliminate the potential to avoid estate duty, government proposes that an amount equal to the non deductable contributions to retirement funds will be included in the dutiable estate when a retirement fund member passes away.
3 March 2015
Page 7
www.tame TIMES.co.za
WIN 1 OF 3 PRIZES FROM BEANS ABOUT COFFEE!
1. Syphon Machine and the choice of 500gr Coffee Beans 2. V60 Coffee Dripper with a 500gr Coffee of your choice 3. 1kg Coffee Beans of your choice. SMS: TAME space BEANS space NAME + SURNAME space SUBURB to 35075
W� ������ ��� �e�n� �n� ���nd� t� ��� ����i� a� ���� a� loc�� �of��� �h�p�, �est��r�nt�, lod�e� �n� ���l�.
YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR FISHING GEAR
WIN
1 of 10 Mimmos vouchers valued at R100 each at Mimmos Bassonia SMS: TAME space MIMMOS space NAME & SURNAME space SUBURB to 35075 E.g.: TAME MIMMOS JOHN SMITH ALBERTON SMS’s charged at R3
SMS’s charged at R3
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
SMS: TAME SPACE BRIDE SPACE NAME + SURNAME SPACE SUBURB TO 35075 EG: TAME BRIDE ALISON BOTHA ALBERTON to 35075 SMS’s CHARGED AT R3
Thursdays at 4PM
tame TIMES also in: Alberton, Germiston, JHB South, Bedfordview, Reiger Park, Katlehong, Thokoza, Vosloorus
Free delivery every Tuesday - Boksburg / Benoni - 32 000 copies
tessa@tametimes.co.za
SERVICES 1006 GARDENING/RUBBLE REMOVAL
1004 PLUMBING Always Available 24 HOUR PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL UNBLOCK DRAINS from
R250 Latest Technology
0800-100-225 082-957-8555 072-596-7220
PROPERTY TO LET
UNBLOCKADRAIN GEYSERS LEAKS •Affordable - Qualified •Fast & Friendly •Geysers •Unblock drains •Renovations
BLOCKED DRAIN? FROM R250 Know before we go Free phone quote on blocked drains
Rob 083 375 8174 or 011 907- 4910 Rainer 083 259 5995
LATEST TECHNOLOGY
A BEST B.W.TREE Felling Tree Felling Stump Removal Fire wood Chipping Site Clearing 24 Hrs
079 992 5830 CONTACT BRIAN 083 468 0590
www.unblockadrain.co.za
A & B PROFESSIONAL TREE FELLERS We cut & remove any size of trees, trimming, stump removal and clean ups. Professional and reliable. FREE QUOTE Contact Alex: 073 073 2738 | 071 910 5421
time to advertise
1010 REPAIRS
At WDT Appliances get FREE Quotations, FREE pick up & FREE delivery. Contact us for all your appliance repair needs.
3011 RETIREMENT
CEDAR MANOR
RETIREMENT LODGE Short or long Term Assisted living. 061 2736 467
www.cedarmanor.co.za
c/o 5th Ave and Great North, Northmead, Benoni.
Call 072 610 1859
Call 011 862 8500
BANK DETAILS
ABSA BANK - IZAZI RETAILERS 141 ACCOUNT: 408 1663 241 BRANCH: 632 005 Fax through proof of payment before deadline Fax: 086 611 2154
3 March 2015
www.tame TIMES.co.za tame TIMES
Page 8 2013 14 May
YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR FISHING GEAR
BENONI: TEL: 011 422 2995 43 HOWARD AVE
2 PCE FIRST BITE CARP RODS 10FT/12FT 2 FOR R19900
e-mail: miasbenoni1@gmail.com
Carnival City Macsteel National Classic Cycle race
Donation to Guide Dog Association Top 10 elite women The 2015 Carnival City Macsteel National Classic Cycle race took place on Sunday 22 February at Carnival City. The race is an annual cycling event. This year the distance for the men’s elite category increased from the 160km course distance in 2014 to 164 km. Crosswinds made the route difficult
Top 3 elite men for the cyclists and a large group of Elite men formed at the front. This continued, until a group including JC Nel broke away from the pack. Nel remained with the break-away group and crossed the finish line first, winning the main event of the race. The top three in the 164km Elite and u/23 race were: 1. JC Nel
2. Oliver Strapleton-Cotton 3. Gustav Basson In the 103km Elite Ladies c at e g o r y, t h e y f i n i s h e d a s fo l l ow s : 1. Kimberley Lecourt 2. Lynetter Burger 3. An-Li Kachelhoffer Cyclists competed in numerous other categories.
Cheque for Rotary Club
The 2015 Inter-High School athletics The day started slowly and the first starting gun only went off at around 10:00am on the morning of 20 February, but the athletes were hyped and ready to give their best on the track. The following schools competed in this year’s Boksburg cluster’s B section Inter-High School athletics event: 1. Oosrand Secondary School
2. Reiger Park Secondary School 3. Graceland Secondary School 4. Rondebult Secondary School The above order is also how the schools placed on the final score-card. Oosrand Secondary School, by winning this year’s event, are promoted to the A section in 2016. A few cluster records were also broken on the day.
Lakeside Primary School, proud of our athletes By J Moosa After ending our 2014 athletic season as League C winners, 2015 has been good for Lakeside thus far. We competed in the B-League against primary schools such as Summerfields, Freeway Park, Parkrand and Parkdene Primary and finished second in the inter-primaries. Twenty four (24) of our athletes went through to take part in the Boksburg cluster’s primary schools’ championships. These athletes performed very well and received
numerous medals. Seven of our school team’s athletes, Angell-Lee Johnson, Emmannuel Mofokeng, Kayleigh May, Montess Ross, Anathi Nyangitsimbi, Sanele Zwane and Lerato Masopha participated in the Greater Towns Championships, which included athletes from all Boksburg, Germiston, Alberton and Kempton Park schools, on Wednesday 25 February 2015.