tame TIMES
JHB South
2012/2013 WINNER OF THE EKURHULENI AWARDS: BEST PRINT MEDIA
A FRESH APPROACH TO LOCAL NEWS Volume 06, 03 March 2015, Week 10
Delivered every Tuesday
Tel: 011 862 8500 Fax: 011 869 7335 CAR PANEL BEATING SHOP - SPRAY PAINTING
send us a photo of the damage & we’ll reply with an estimate quote
DRIVE IN FOR A FREE QUOTE
NO
MECHANICAL SERVICE/REPAIR
- Major service From R499 including a full mechanical safety check & report * No work undertaken without customer consent
REPAIR & SPRAY - Fenders - Bumpers - Bonnets - Tailgates
- Doors - Quick touch ups - Stone chips & dents
CAR INSURANCE?
NO PROBLEM
WE CAN HELP! T: 011 435 9001 011 436 0870
F:086 754 7112 - www.nandiauto.com nandiautobody@gmail.com admin@nandiauto.com
4 AMANDA RD, GLENEAGLES JOHANESBURG SOUTH (NEXT TO THE GLEN SHOPPING CENTRE, BEHIND RAND STADIUM TOYOTA)
SMIRNOFF DOUBLE BLACK 24x250ML
R214.95
CASTLE LIGHT
DUMPIES 24x340ML
R179.99
HUNTERS DRY
DUMPIES 24x340ML
R189.95 OPEN MONDAY TO SUNDAY
010 216 9004
TRADING HOURS:
MON-FRI 08:00 - 18:00 SAT 08:00 - 17:00 SUN/PUB HOL 08:00 - 14:00
EVERY WEDNESDAY IS PENSIONERS DAY 10% DISCOUNT (EXCL. HOT SPECIALS) T’S AND C’S APPLY
VEG COMBO
R25 COMBO
R9.99 each R55.99
Mangoes 4 for
R50 R20 VALID FROM: 03 March 2015 - 08 March 2015
ALBERTON LIFESTYLE CENTRE - TEL: 011 869 9067 FAX:011 869 7867 ST AUSTELL STREET, NEW REDRUTH, ALBERTON
R17.99
ALSO AVAILABLE AT APPLE TREE SPRINGS PAUL KRUGER HIGHWAY, SPRINGS, 011 815 6909 ALSO OPEN: APPLE TREE PTA EAST, WILLOWS AREA - 012 807 4041 AND NOW DAVEYTON : 011 021 4244
Page 2
tame TIMES
Theoard
LETTERS
Pinb
Nothing Lukewarm about it. A unique hybrid of heatset printing quality using coldset technology, brings you a new and innovative solution for commercial printing purposes. Fast, flexible and cost effective. +27 21 550 6254 l +27 11 703 2697 l info@paarlmedia.co.za l www.paarlmedia.com
Delivery on Tuesday to all households and businesses in Alberton, Germiston South, JHB South and Bedfordview. Published by Tame Communications Corner Michelle Avenue and 37 Sangiro Close, Randhart. PO Box 17699, Randhart, 1457. Tel: 011 862 8500, Fax: 011 869 7335 Editor: Candace King candace.king@tametimes.co.za
Like · Reply · 27 · February 5 at 2:00pm
Sub Editor: Linda Yates linda.yates@tametimes.co.za Production Manager: Stephen Davey stephen@tametimes.co.za Advertising Executives: Loreen Fletcher 074 581 9327 loreen@tametimes.co.za Shane Stander 071 671 7264 shane@tametimes.co.za Nicole Russell 079 504 8143 nicole@tametimes.co.za
Classified Manager: Tessa Arthur 011 862 8500 tessa@tametimes.co.za Distribution queries: Happy Khumalo 011 862 8500 Next issue: Tuesday 10 March 2015 Deadline: 08 March 2015 at 17:00 www.tametimes.co.za FInd us on Twitter and Facebook
Although reasonable efforts are made by tame Communications (Pty) Ltd and the owners, directors, publishers, editors and staff thereof (all referred to as “TAME”), no responsibility is taken by TAME for any errors and/or incorrect aspects and/or misstatements in any format published herein, and whoever provides TAME with any information, including any editorial, advertorial and/or advertising material, in any format, indemnifies TAME against any claim of whatsoever nature which may be brought against TAME by whoever.
03 March 2015
03 March 2015
THE COMMUNITY ADVISOR IN THE REALTY INDUSTRY THE COMMUNITY ADVISOR IN THE REALTY INDUSTRY
WEB ADDRESS: www.allegianceproperties.org TELEPHONE NO: 011 432 3390 WEB ADDRESS: www.allegianceproperties.org TELEPHONE NO: 011 432 3390
tame TIMES
Page 3
tame TIMES
Page 4
03 March 2015 RELIGIOUS NOTICE
HAVE FUN WITH HEIDI
Jehovah’s Witnesses are inviting all people to attend the Sesotho one-day Circuit Assembly which will be held at Eikenhof on 28 and 29 March. Opening and closing Bible talks will be held, as well as several baptisms. Details: The program morning session will start at 9:30 and end at 12:00 while the afternoon session will run from 13:00 to 16:10. Entrance is free.
KING TUT EXTENDS The popularity of the Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures exhibition at Silverstar’s new entertainment venue, The Globe, continues to grow. Since the exhibition opened in early December 2014, over 50 000 visitors have experienced the wonders of Tutankhamun’s tomb in this captivating exhibition that offers visitors of all ages the unique opportunity to experience the treasures of the tomb at their moment of discovery. To cater for the demand for tickets, the closing date for the exhibition has been extended to 12 April. Featuring over 1000 perfectly replicated artifacts, the exhibition offers families a truly exceptional experience as they are guided through the exploration “journey” with the help of an audio guide. The audio guide is available in an adult and a child version, which makes the experience informative, enjoyable and fulfilling for the whole family. As with all facilities at Silverstar, the exhibition is open seven days a week, even during load shedding. It takes about two hours to walk through the exhibition, although many visitors stay for longer. There is a shop carrying official programmes, mementos made in Egypt and other quality merchandise. The fascinating exhibition at Silverstar is a not-to-bemissed educational and entertaining outing. Remember, the April school holidays are just weeks away, so book now, before the exhibition closes. Details: Silverstar Casino, Muldersdrift, Mogale City, 011 662 7433, www.tutexhibition.co.za
ST CATHERINE'S SCHOOL OPEN DAY An atmosphere of great excitement will soon be gripping the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) as the story of Heidi will delight and entertain children and their parents during the Easter holidays. Audiences will follow the little Swiss orphan girl’s adventures from the time she arrives in the Swiss Alps to live with her grandfather. Written by Johanna Spyri in 1881 and adapted and directed by Francois Theron, Heidi will run from 09 March –12 April. “No child should grow up without having seen Heidi come to life,” says Moira Katz, CEO of NCT. “Its message resonates with all South African children. It’s about the power of love, about conquering hardships, and about caring and sharing. It’s about having a positive attitude in spite of adversity. Even though it’s a story about a little Swiss girl who grew up in the Alps a hundred years ago, it’s both timeless and topical.” Theron injects a touch of magic and large doses of passion in just over an hour’s worth of close-up entertainment. Perfect for children of all ages, Heidi promises to be a fun-filled adventure with thrills and spills, laughter and a few tears, combining beautiful music and the kind of audience participation that is a hallmark of NCT productions. Tickets range from R70 to R110. Details: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, 011 484 1584/5, www.nationalchildrenstheatre. org.za
St Catherine’s School will be hosting its Open Day on 07 March from 09:00 to 12:00. On the day a Mini Cricket Festival will take place as well as the school’s a m a z i n g marimba band that will keep visitors entertained. St Catherine’s School extends a special invitation to all Grades 000 – 12. Applications for 2016 now open. St Catherine’s School is looking forward to hosting all new pupils. Details: St Catherine’s School, 31 Piercy Ave, Parkhill Gardens, Germiston, 011 827 4102/4886, www.stcatherines.org.za
BRIGHT AT NIGHT
Looking for something fun and unique to do with the whole family? Get on down to Rietvlei Zoo Farm for the Seeff Lumo 5km Night Walk/Jog/Run. Taking place every second and last Friday of every month, the Seeff Lumo 5km Night Walk/Jog/Run series allows families to dress up in bright or neon colours and enjoy a free fun walk or run.
Starting at 18:00, you can register at Calco Café & Pizzeria. Pizzas, drinks and glow sticks will be on sale. Pizza specials will also be running so don’t miss out on this exciting night adventure. Details: Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Swartkoppies, Road, Alberton, 076 425 1346, www.rietvleifarm.co.za
OUT AND ABOUT THAT’S HOW WE ROLL
The tame TIMES Green Mambas team at the Alberton Bowling Club Business League final on 25 February
03 March 2015
New library and resource centre in Orange Farm
tame TIMES
Page 5
Page 6
03 March 2015
tame TIMES PUBLIC INVITED TO IAW DOCCIE SCREENING
WE SHOULD PAY ESKOM VIA EFT OR DEBIT ORDER
Fr
He
d
e
nn He
ie
ym
a ns
Eskom could avoid going broke and plunging the country further into darkness if it radically improved its collections system for both its direct consumers and local authorities. Independent economist Dawie Roodt said one of the solutions would be to compel all its consumers to pay electronically either by debit order or by electronic funds transfer. “Eskom as well as local authorities who act as resellers for Eskom lose hundreds of millions of rand as a result of bad debt. The obvious solution is to compel users to pay their bills electronically, and, if they don’t, to disconnect them immediately when they fail to pay. The culture of non-payment remains a problem and this too will have to be addressed,” said Roodt. In addition to improving its collections system, government should also consider the possibility of selling electricity in bulk to private companies which would replace local authorities as suppliers of power. “In this way, there would be competition in the market and consumers would be free to purchase their electricity from the supplier who offers the best value for money,” said Roodt. He added that it was also imperative to put an immediate stop to the large-scale theft of electricity through better policing and stronger sanctions against thieves. Fred Steffers, Managing Director of payment systems company PS&S, said he welcomed the call by Roodt and other experts to improve billing systems by both Eskom and municipalities. “Debit orders are the ideal vehicle for this purpose. It is completely secure and it can be structured so that deductions are made from clients’ accounts immediately after their pay cheques are deposited,” said Steffers. He said while prepaid meters were intrinsically a good idea it was far too easy to bypass them in order to steal electricity. Steffers added, “We accept the fact that it will be a mammoth task to get every consumer registered for debit orders
St
eff e rs
but the alternative is the total collapse of the electricity grid.” Hennie Heymans, CEO of The public is invited to the screening of payment systems company StratCol, said it a documentary, The Village Under the was imperative that all parties in the electricity Forest, on 07 March at 15:00 at Mondeor sector worked closely together in order to improve the system. “It is clearly evident that Eskom’s ability to increase its output is severely constrained. It is going to take them years to catch up on the backlog that has been created through lack of investment in the sector and through the neglect of the existing infrastructure,” said Heymans. McDonald’s South Africa considers “Improving collections would immediately its best asset to be its hardworking improve Eskom’s cash flow as well as the employees and without them the financial situation of local authorities which business cannot be as successful as it are struggling to collect electricity bills that is known to be. Employee development are sometimes years in arrears. The one and sustainability is the cornerstone of problem that will have to be overcome is the businesses successes and this is that many consumers do not have bank highlighted in the 2014 McDonald’s South accounts. In South Africa, as in many third Africa iStories, which depict an array of world countries, we don’t have the discipline journeys experienced by their employees. or sufficient means to make payments as For the second consecutive year, and when they fall due and therefore the McDonald’s South Africa is shining the pull method of payment, where the creditor spotlight internally and proudly telling their extracts payment e.g. with a debit order, employees’ stories and sharing them with works better,” he added. “However, strategic the public through social platforms like power generation may be in this country, the Facebook and Twitter with the most recent expertise that resides in the private sector stories launching on 02 December 2014. both in the electricity generation field and Corporate Affairs Director of McDonald’s in the credit control and collections sector South Africa Sechaba Motsieloa says should be fully utilised by government that everything McDonald’s does as an to alleviate the crisis that is crippling the organisation is tied to the McDonald’s economy. Using debit orders as a means of brand ambition of “together for good,” collecting outstanding accounts would be which focuses on the principles of good food, good people and good neighbour. one of the ways in which the power utility as “These iStories showcase our core priority well as local authorities could immediately as a business – our people. They are one improve their financial situation. Debit orders of our most important stakeholders and are safe and secure and offer an ideal means brand custodians as they live our brand of payment which is both safe and effective,” each and every day. It is therefore of Heymans said. utmost importance to connect with internal Details: Fred Steffers, 083 268 6779, www. smartcollect.co.za; Hennie Heymans, 082 732 8654, www.stratcol.co.za
LEEUWENHOF TAKES ATHLETICS TO NEW HEIGHTS Leeuwenhof Academy High School brought home three cups and broke eight records at a recent athletics interhigh event. 25 athletes qualified for the Greater Kempton Park event. Ulrich Roelofse won the Best Junior Boys field athlete while Jomari Rothman was named Best Senior Girls field athlete. Leeuwenhof won the Cup Performance and their athletes gained 28 gold medals, 22 silver medals and 23 bronze medals. Leeuwenhof would like to congratulate each athlete, coach, teacher, parent and student for their time and efforts. Details: 011 622 1806, www.leeuwenhof.co.za
Primary School. The Village Under the Forest explores the hidden remains of the destroyed Palestinian village of Lubya, which lies under a purposefully cultivated forest plantation called the South Africa Forest. The documentary screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the film, as well as the broader topic of Israeli apartheid. The event forms part of activities for Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW), which is an international series of events that seeks to raise awareness about Israel’s apartheid policies towards Palestinians. The event is being hosted by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Palestine Solidarity Alliance. Details: Mondeor Primary School, Corner Cadogan and Ormonde Drive, Mondeor, 011 854 0082, www.kathradafoundation.org
employees before engaging customers and other external stakeholders,” says Motsieloa. Seven stories detailing ordinary employees who are willing to share their McDonald’s stories will be uploaded to the McDonald’s Facebook page and Twitter handle. Their stories highlight McDonald’s consideration for entrepreneurship, its willingness to afford opportunities and its acknowledgment of hard work and dedication within the business. “Entrenching the values of McDonald’s at every level of the organisation is of great significance to our growth. Our employees are a reflection of our values and without them it would be impossible for McDonald’s to enjoy the positive brand image it now has,” concludes Motsieloa. The seven employees placed under the spotlight include McDonald’s SA Owner Operator Geoff Wood; McDonald’s SA Restaurant Manager Nhlanhla Xaba; McDonald’s SA Brand Manager Monica Sithole; McDonald’s SA Hostess Phumeza Qhwesha; McDonald’s SA Brand Manager Mbali Ndandani and McDonald’s SA Hostess Precious Mahlangu. Details: www.mcdonalds.co.za
03 March 2015
tame TIMES
Page 7
The only place in Johannesburg where a large number and variety of wild animals can be found in their natural habitat is in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, between Mondeor and Kibler Park. Visitors, who are only permitted on foot, can experience being in the presence of
THE RESERVE IS WELL WORTH A VISIT FOR ANY ANIMAL LOVER Black wildebees, blesbok, Red hartebeest, springbok, Burchell’s zebra and, if they are lucky, some of the shyer species such as Mountain reedbuck and Grey duiker. Dassies are also abound; and, particularly near the Mondeor entrance, the Yellow and Slender mongoose are often seen. Birders would be interested to know that the last count of confirmed species was close to 230. In short, the reserve is well worth a visit for any animal lover.
Page 8
tame TIMES
03 March 2015
03 March 2015
tame TIMES
Page 9
Page 10
03 March 2015
tame TIMES
tame TIMES
HAS BEGUN A WAR ON
drugs it would be wise not to assume that your child has learning or behavioural problems. “The first step to helping your child is to rule out hearing loss by taking your child to an audiologist who will look at any history of hearing loss or ear infections, and perform a hearing test to establish what your child’s hearing ability is,” explains Sherban. “If your child has hearing loss, it is vital to inform your child’s teacher(s) of the situation as they have a tremendous impact on their pupils’ learning, self-image and social adjustment,” Tally explains. “Working with pupils
who have hearing loss requires a team approach from the parents, classroom teacher, speech and language therapist and audiologist to determine the individual needs of each pupil and to develop an appropriate educational plan,” she adds. Confirm your child’s hearing ability before making any decisions relating to your child’s education. “Be cognisant of the fact that many children with hearing loss are often incorrectly labelled as children with learning difficulties. Make an informed decision that will allow your child to claim the best possible future for themselves,” concludes Sherban. Details: 011 675 6104, www.oticon. co.za
03 March 2015
GO GREEN
Get off the grid with PV Why PV? Many clients like the appeal of a grid-tie PV system Load shedding, blackouts and power shortages are which allows them to use PV during the daylight hours going to be part and parcel of our home and business to power their homes and businesses – and then to lives for years to come. In the past few months, we switch over to grid electricity at night. If you consider have been bluntly reminded of the days of blackouts in that most businesses have their peak demand during 2008 that shut down mines and other major producers. the day when they operate, and many homes have Recent outages and the return of load shedding have processes like washing, ironing, mowing, pool pumps served as a sharp reminder that we are still operating and so on taking place during the day, then using the off an inadequate and unstable electricity infrastructure, energy from the sun during the day makes great financial and that our capacity reserves have dropped from 40% sense. A grid-tie system allows you to perform all your to about 6% this year, way below the international norm daytime activities for free, powered by the sun, and save on the more costly battery back-up needed to of 15% that allows for routine maintenance and store PV electricity to use at night. Many closures. We have become complacent businesses also use PV in conjunction about a steadily deteriorating situation. Recent with other power sources like diesel At the same time, rapidly escalating generators to provide a continuous outages and electricity prices at the current rate source of power. Depending on are simply unsustainable and the return of load your electricity usage and the unaffordable for many. There is size of your PV system, most also growing pressure for us shedding have served as a will amortise their costs within to adopt renewable energy five to seven years. This is as a means to lessen our sharp reminder that we are still the very best investment impact on the environment you can make right now and our reliance on fossil operating off an inadequate and to safeguard your supply, fuels. One of the key your productivity, your ways in which residential, unstable electricity infrastructure, safety and most of all commercial and industrial take control of rapidly energy users are looking and that our capacity reserves have escalating electricity costs to ease their electricity for years to come. costs as well as better dropped from 40% to about 6% this secure their energy supply is through photovoltaic (PV) Analysing your electricity year, way below the international electricity generation. needs Calculating your electricity norm of 15% that allows for What is rooftop PV? needs is the first step towards A rooftop PV power station getting PV ready. A thorough routine maintenance is a PV system that has its examination of your electricity electricity-generating solar needs helps you determine the and closures panels mounted on the rooftop of following: a residential or commercial building • The size and cost of the system you or structure. Solar panels, which consist will need. of solar cells, are exposed to sunlight or solar • Fluctuations in your energy usage during the radiation and generate electricity which is called a PV day and over the year to manage peak demands. effect. This solar power flows via cable to a device called • Energy-saving measures you can implement to an inverter which converts the direct current (produced reduce your electricity use and thus save on costs for from the panels) to alternating current and that power the PV system by being more efficient. gets synchronised with the Eskom grid and allows it to be fed into the network and supplies you with electricity. By conducting a load analysis, One Energy will record With the inverters synchronising the solar power and the wattage and average daily use of all of the electrical the Eskom grid, that power can be fed directly into devices that are plugged into your central power source your internal electrical network and save electricity. So such as refrigerators, lights, televisions, PCs, power every KWh generated by the solar system is a kWh less tools and machinery. Some loads, like your refrigerator required from Eskom or from local utility. Planning for or electric fencing, use electricity all the time; while a PV system will require you to analyse your electricity others, like power tools or large format printers, use use, implement energy efficiency measures, study local electricity intermittently, known as selectable loads. council codes and feed-in requirements (if any), decide There is no more crucial time to take control of your if you want to operate your system entirely off grid or energy needs and supply. Renewable is the only way to use a hybrid or grid-connected solution, and then finally go – for your finances, your security, your productivity, select the technologies and supplier to help you meet the environment and your peace of mind. your objectives. Details: 011 894 2209/2767, www.oneenergy.co.za By Christo Kok, Director at One Energy
Page 11
tame TIMES
PROPERTY AND DEVELOPMENT
Budgets for first time home buyers Now that the petrol price has dropped, the cost of living may also have fallen, giving you the opportunity to save a little more every month. If you are a first time homebuyer, you may have the long-term goal of buying a house, so putting these savings towards making your dream come true is a good move. According to home finance experts, ooba, planning ahead is essential to avoid unexpected costs during the home-buying process. Eleanor van der Merwe, ooba’s Regional Sales Manager explains, “For discerning homebuyers who plan effectively and have saved for a deposit and household costs, 2015 is a good year to enter the property market.” Other than saving for a deposit, van der Merwe advises home-buyers to save for household costs from the start of the home-buying process. In addition to the home loan repayment, household costs form part of monthly repayments. Planning for household costs ahead of time will make your new home feel like the reward it is supposed to be, but this is often easier said than done; so what is the best way to build this into your budget? “The most effective way to budget for household costs is by taking out a home loan of slightly less value than for what you qualify. This way, you leave room to pay for unexpected household costs,” advises van der Merwe. “By allowing ooba to assist you with a pre-qualification service before searching for a new home, you will have an indication of the home loan repayment you can afford.” Below van der Merwe lists the top five most common household costs that you need to budget for from the beginning of your home-buying process: 1. Security Should you not be satisfied with the security in your new home, then you may have to budget for security fitments and the monthly
costs of a security company.
2. Household cleaning services Unless you prefer cleaning your house yourself, you will need to budget for the cost of getting your new home cleaned before you move in as well as to budget for the monthly costs of domestic help. You may wish to contact a registered agency that helps you find the right person for your family or you may use references from family, friends or colleagues. South African labour laws have a set minimum wage for domestic help but you may increase this amount should your budget allow. 3. Pool maintenance If your new home has a swimming pool, then you will need to pay for pool cleaning products and equipment. Perhaps you would like to use the service of an expert who understands how to keep your pool sparkling, in which case this needs to be factored into your budget. 4. Satellite TV You may want to install a satellite TV in your new home. Luckily for you, there are service providers that offer a decoder, a dish and installation at a very good price. Shop around and compare prices to get the best deal. In addition to the once-off installation costs, you will also need to budget for the monthly satellite and TV licence costs. 5. Mailbox You may be renting a post office mailbox near your current place of residence; however, if you are moving quite a distance from where you are currently then you may also want to close your current mailbox and apply for a new mailbox closer to your new home. This will include a deposit of +/-R30 for the key and an annual fee of +/-R350 for a normal mailbox or +/-R1069 for a private mailbox.
Page 12
03 March 2015
tame TIMES
On Instagram?
Follow and send us your Instagram photos from around the south
7 6 6 8 3 8 9 7 3 6 7
2 3 8 9 4 5 1 2 4 3 5 8
2 5 3
6 7 3 9 4 1 2
Afrikaanse Christelike PRIVAATSKOOL
OPEDAG EN BEURSEKSAMEN 13 MAART 2015, 15:00 Are you looking for a school as outstanding as your child? It is time to discover a school with a difference...
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
20 jaar in 2016
VERSKEIE BUSROETES VANUIT DIE OOS-RAND SOWEL AS BRYANSTON, VEREENIGING EN HEIDELBERG
Leeuwenhof Akademie Afrikaanse Privaatskool Gr. 000 - Gr. 12
• Small enough to care about individual needs, large enough to excel in academic, sporting and cultural fields; • Exploring innovative ways to educate; • Creating a positive and nurturing environment; • Encouraging confident and enthusiastic learners
Secure your child’s future, join us for our Open Day: 14 March 2015 from 09h00 For more information email pro@bishopbavin.co.za
bishop bavin school Tel: +27 11 026 9641/46 • Fax: 011 622 3092 www.bishopbavin.co.za • 19 St. George’s Road, Bedfordview
H.v. Geldenhuis- en Antonstraat, Bedfordview www.leeuwenhof.co.za marketing@leeuwenhof.co.za Tel: (011) 622 1806 Faks: (011) 622 1679
bishop bavin school
03 March 2015
Page 13
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.
2 PCE FIRST BITE CARP RODS 10FT/12FT 2 FOR R19900
YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR FISHING GEAR
BENONI: TEL: 011 422 2995 43 HOWARD AVE
e-mail: miasbenoni1@gmail.com
Gold
Silver
Sydney Coetzee
4
1
Alison Marx
1
3
Thomas Woodhead
7
Trent Graham
1
Stephanie Baigrie
7
1
Kasia Szejwallo-Graney
5
Tatum White
3
Joshua Cooke
6
Matthew de Gouveia
2
1
2
Keanu Santo
1
1
1
Cameron Michau
2
4
Torgen White
1
4
1
Ethan Mail
1
4
Noah Hill
1
2
Mitchell Moody
2
1
27
11
Total Medals
Elite Gate Automation
082 923 4597 Hansa and Centurion Specialists
Gate motor installations, services, repairs and exchanges. Garage door motor service and repairs. Remote transmitters and receivers. Electric fencing and gate beams.
Bronze
3
35
BATTERY FACTORY SHOP Cnr Hennie Alberts & Bosworth Street Alrode South - 011 868 5015
FOR ALL YOUR BATTERY NEEDS Cars, Trucks, Forklifts, Motor Bikes, Solar Systems, Generators, Gate Motors, Lawn 25 Month Guarantee Mowers and Garage Doors. Battery Orbit Battery Orbit Battery Orbit Battery Orbit Strubensvalley Midrand Alrode Elandsfontein (Willard Staff Shop) (Battery Factory Shop) 011 466 9411 Fredenharry Road Shop 11 011 868 5015 011 872 8733
Wholesale Builing Supplies
Instore Cutting & Edging CHIPBOARD
STOCK BRICKS from R999-00
ALL COLOURS MELAMINE CHIP 2.7X1.8
2.7X1.8
per 1000 incl. delivery
Sliding Door
SPECIAL
while stocks last
1.5 R1649-00 1.8 R1649 -00
Bronze Only
ITE Cement 50kg
SABS
From
R589-99
R289-99 POT HINGE
WHITE MELAMINE CHIP
From
R4-95
2.7X1.8
DRAWER RUNNERS
Collected
R77-50
20Lt White & Cream
Paint Roller Set
R169-99
R14-99
From
From R14-95
R389-99
GEYSER GAP - 150Lt 5yr guarantee Free TP Master and drain cork
R2069-00
79 Bosworth Str, Alrode, Alberton Tel: 011 864-3484/5 Cell:072 092 -1355 Fax: 011 864-3486 Email:buildbetter1@gmail.com. We give accounts, No Deposit needed, 48 months to pay.