tame TIMES A fresh approach to local news
Volume 02, 30 January 2015 Week 5 Tel: 011 862 8500 Fax: 011 869 7335
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Reiger Park bulletin
“Dis ek, Anna”...the movie comes to Reiger Park On Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 January 2015, Bluebell Street was the workplace of well-known South African actors. They were working with the Producer, Director and film crew of a movie set to be released around the end of October 2015. “Dis ek, Anna” is the first of two books written by Elbie Lötter. The sequel is entitled “The State versus Anna.” The first book is based on a true story of a girl who, as a child, was molested by her stepfather. The story, however, has a fictional
David Johnson and Marius Weyers on the set of “Dis ek, Anna” in Bluebell Street.
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ending where Anna later returned to kill her abuser - hence the title of the sequel, The State versus Anna, where Anna is on trial. Dis ek, Anna, was reworked for cinema and part of the movie was shot right in our midst in Bluebell Street. According to the Producer, Niel van Deventer, there are scenes in the movie where the community rise up and protest against the wrongs committed against Anna. So when they searched for an area to shoot these scenes in they considered areas where the emotional toll off hurt brought a community together and rising up with one voice against wrong. Reiger Park presented itself as a suitable area. This, he said, referring to the unity and united front displayed by the people of Reiger Park when confronted with the Taegrin Morris and Curburne van Wyk tragedies. Niel says that although this is a movie, he hopes that it will also start to raise debates around the social ills within society and help find solutions on how to address it. But also to create awareness and remind people how powerful we can be when we stand united against social and moral decline in our communities. The movie, directed by Sara Blecher, includes famous names such as Marius Weyers who played too many roles to mention, Ilze Klink from Isidingo, David Johnson who played Dwayne in 7de Laan, and many others. The tame Times Reiger Park Bulletin thanks Tami Shabangu and the rest of the film crew, for welcoming us on their set, right here in Bluebell Street, Reiger Park.
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tame TIMES
EDITOR
30 January 2015
HARD WORK DOES PAY OFF!
How easily can we find ourselves trapped in the rush of our daily existence - angry at the world and constantly complaining? Even when we land our dream job or meat our soul-mate, we live in the honeymoon of the moment for only a while before we turn either the relationship or dream into hard labour. This can also happen when we chase the “shine” of material things. Our hearts turn into the bricks and metal we chase, and the gentle joy of life passes us by. We look up only to examine the huge house we own or want to own, and miss out on the constantly beautiful paintings that are drawn in the clouds, for our enjoyment. We notice the car, then the outfit, then the looks and so often not the heart of the man or women driving. I found myself consumed with what should change, and what should improve, and what is right and what is wrong, to the point that I missed the heart and the need. I came to that realisation recently and decided to work on it. But I decided that I’ll ask you the readers and those who meet me in the street to help. How will you do this? If you see me somewhere, or walk pass me on the street and I do not smile, or do not greet you, look at me and remind me of this Editor’s Note. If you see me and I seem angry and want to start attacking – that will be verbally *haha* because fighting is meant for a cage or a ring – smile and ask me if I remember these words. Yes, this will be a difficult challenge, because too often pride steps in and hi-jack one’s smile, peace and joy. But the challenge is not only for me, let us open our hearts so others can remind us to breath, smile and enjoy the beauty that we are blessed with. Uncorrupted children will play, laugh and be happy regardless of their circumstances. For them it is as simple as seeing the next child play and smile. So let the challenge be for us to appreciate our blessing – life - like a child.
During December 2014, Reiger Park gained a newly paved walkway next to Middle Street. This story was reported on in our issue of 16 January 2015, but this is not where the good news ends. It was also mentioned in the article that a few young men from Reiger Park were appointed on a fixed term contract until the paving was completed. They were appointed after the group who were originally appointed decided that hard labour is not for them and absconded. We subsequently discovered that when the paving contract ended, the dedicated young men were appointed by a local business. The Reiger Park Hardware on Leon Ferreira Street was the local supplier who was contracted to supply the building material for the paving project. The owner, Reggie, had to visit the site often, but also, being a resident of Reiger Park, had to drive along that street when driving out of Reiger Park. On his site visits he noticed the young men toiling away in the scorching sun really working hard to earn some money and ‘pave’ a better future for themselves. This impressed Reggie, so when their contract ended he offered them employment at his hardware store, and they
welcomed the opportunity of a job with open arms. When the tame Times Reiger Park Bulletin visited Reggie the other day, we were informed that the young men have now been permanently employed by him. Their good fortune does not end there though; Reggie and his wife Chanelle are so impressed by the young men’s work performance that they have now committed to helping them to improve their skills so that they can find better jobs in the next year or two. These young men went from working for the tame Times Reiger Park Bulletin as runners, for a minimal wage every second Friday. When other young men ran away from a work opportunity and they were approached to do the manual job of paving, the young men were eager and ready to start working in no time. This has now led to a permanent job that has the potential of leading to higher paying jobs. Gatiepie asked this question the other day: When are our people going to reject their false pride and realise that no job is beneath them? Well done young men. You make Reiger Park proud. And to the local businesses, like Reiger Park Hardware, thank you for taking a chance on our local youth.
Snakes in the grass – and now in the house
During 2014 the Reiger Park Secondary School, alerted the community of the infestation of snakes in and around the school grounds. They appointed a knowledgeable local resident to investigate and propose solutions to the snake problem. But the according to Mr Liebenburg, it was not necessary to take any specific action to remove the snakes because the problem had dissipated. However, according to some residents in Drommedaris and Eike Streets, snakes are still a problem around that area. According to one resident in Drommedaris Street, their neighbours had already found four snakes in their house. On one occasion the snake was caught and he helped them dispose of the snake by burning it. He was not sure what type of snake it was, though. He cited the long grass on the open field next to Drommedaris street, close to the Reiger Park Secondary School, as a contributing factor to this problem. When he queried why the grass is not kept short by the local council, he was told that it is mine property. He feels, however, that the dispute of mine property versus council property does not solve the residents’ problems with the resultant snake infestation.
Another resident from Eike Street had to share her house with a Rinkhals snake for two weeks. A snake was seen entering their house and out of fear the person who saw the snake didn’t observe where the snake went. They contacted the Police, Fire department, SPCA, but no one was of any real assistance. Eventually they made contact with a snake catcher from Edenvale who assisted them. However, the snake was not caught on the same day, only two weeks later when the snake was spotted crawling into a cupboard were they able to catch it and remove it from the house. The family also thanks Clive for being willing to assist after everyone else that they contacted could not help them. According to a business woman from Eike Street, one of her neighbours, on the corner of Middle and Drommedaris Street, indicated that they also discovered and killed three snakes when cleaning the yard. This is the same place where a man was bitten by a snake that landed him in ICU. The man was fortunate to fully recover from his ordeal. For information on snakes, or what to do when you encounter a snake, please contact Clive on 084 916 4737.
Distribution: Reiger Park 10 000 Alberton: 35 000 JHB South 500 Bedfordview & Germiston 12 000 Kathorus:55 55000 000 Distribution: Alberton Alberton: &35 Germiston 000 JHBSouth: South 35 24 000 500 Bedfordview JHB24 South 24&500 Germiston Bedfordview: South:South: 12 12000 000 Kathorus: Kathorus: 55 000
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Gantries in a post e-toll era Opinion piece by Palesa Yates
In Gauteng, Sanral is one of the three most hated parastatals – right up there with Eskom and SARS. So, with elections just around the corner in 2016, it is highly likely that e-tolls will be cancelled. This will have a few implications: the contract with the Austrian supplier of our e-toll infrastructure will have to be renegotiated; e-tag holders will be angry and our gantries will be useless. Or will they?
Here are 10 ways in which they could be re-purposed: 1. On New Year’s Eve, certain highways could be closed and 70s-style disco parties
could be held under the purple lights of one or two selected gantries. 2. The cameras could be re-deployed to crime hotspots in CBDs around the province and the steel frames could be modified to create pedestrian walkways. 3. The gantries could be used for movie sets. One title that springs to mind is: Giant Zombie Rat Apocalypse. 4. Giant solar panels could be mounted on Sanral’s white elephants so that they can help Eskom instead of draining power from the national grid. 5. Advertising billboards could be hung from the gantries at fees that would re-pay Sanral’s loans.
6. They could be used to take group selfies. 7. Vegetable gardens could be planted on top of the gantries so that scientists could monitor the effect of carbon emissions on plant life. 8. They could be used to re-charge electric cars or bicycles. 9. Because of their Wi-Fi capacity, gantries could be re-located to schools without access to the Internet. 10. The Gauteng Department of Education should run a competition for high school students to come up with uses for the gantries - to stimulate interest in science and technology.
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30 January 2015
tame TIMES
Reiger Park loop oor wat
Talent betref
Snakes en Business smiles
Tjo! Ek hoor mos by die editor Reiger Park is nou in die movies: Snakes in the Park. Ja mense ons het nou slange hier. Ek praat nie van daais wie ons maar altyd suspect het loop op twee bene rond nie, nee, regte outjies. En die goed gaan in mense se huise ook. Ek hoor die ander vrou was so nervous want sy is glo bang vir slange, maar paddas het sy nie n problem mee om aan te vat nie. Eish… sal maar niks verder oor daai een sê nie. Anyway… ek sien Soweto het die limelight last week gesteel en sommer alles anders ook gesteel. Ek kan nog onthou way back wat die winkels hier ge-loot was - dit was woes. Maar toe daai gebeur hoor ek ander mense hint dat ons kan next wees. Jy sien, wat ek nie verstaan nie is die: mense het n groot yard, maar instead van n iets op sit en self n tuck shop run, laat hulle ander mense n shop oop maak in hulle yard. So daai man van die tuck shop maak maybe, sê maar, R3000 a maand maar hy betaal jou maybe R500 rent. Hoekom kan jy nie self daai R3000 maak nie? More oormore koop hy jou huis want hy het geld gemaak wat jy kon gemaak het, en dan wil jy weer figt want die government moet RDP huise gee. Dan wil die mense later kom complain dat foreigners vat oor, maar jy het dan nie self iets begin nie. Hayibo mense… whatkind? En die ander ding, julle help dat daai ouens die mense van die kasie se businesses sat maak. Maak voor julle sê ja dit is so… hayibo! Paar van die mense wat businesses het hier in die kasie moet ook leer dat jy doen nie die customer n favour om sy geld te vat nie. Daar is mense hier wat sommer noors is, ky jou vuil, of skel jou sommer uit for no reason. Jy kyk maar eerste wat die mood is voor jy gaan koop of iets sê, en as die mood bad is dan los jy maar om te gaan koop. Tjo! Kom reg… Maar kom ek sê een ding, daai spaza shop by David daar deur die gangietjie in Buttercup straat… big ups vir julle, julle maak my altyd soos n valued customer laat voel, hoop julle doen dit met al julle customers. Kom ons support ons local businesses mense, maar local businesses leer om julle customers te sien as julle brood en botter. Maybe kan julle bietjie meer smile met hulle – al is jy naar vir whatever.
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Ons het kruiwas vol talent, in die kunste, sport, dans, ensovoorts. You name it and we can do it with pride. Dominee Cupido en sy vrou is sowaar twee ongeslypte diamante. Kan hulle Act of kan hulle Act. Om te dink dat hierdie twee wonderlike wesens nog nooit drama gestudeer het nie. Rou talent my-broe’tjie-my-bra, rou talent. Shoe ! . . . en kan daai Melinda vir jou bid, ek sê; sy blaai almal se secret files, sommer net soe. Vanaf O’m Basie se asem wat na soetwyn stink tot by wie jôl met wie, en dit nagal met oë styf, styf toe geknip en hande biddend gevou. Sy steel die show, nie waar’ie ? Maar nou loep en sê die skindertonge dat Dominee Stemmet nie ge-act het nie want hy is mos maar’ ‘n prediker . . . sal’ie weet’ie. Ek weet net dis toneelspel vanuit die boonste rakke en Reigerparkers is trots op julle. Goeie nuus. Die movies – ONS STORIES - begin weer te draai vanaf die 5-de Februarie op Kanaal 145 op Donderdae 20:00 uur en met heruitsendings op Vrydae 15.00- Sat:- 12.00- en Sondae 20:00 uur. Ryan Isaacs van Lakeside Primêr maak sy buiging as jong akteur met talent wat skrik vir niks in’ie fliek – SKRIKKELJAAR- met nog ‘n Reigerparker wat die rol
van ‘n Bergie vertolk. Ek en baie van ons inwoners bewonder die prestasievermoë van ons jongmense in die hedendaagse Suid Afrikaanse samelewing. Dankie aan ons ouers, hulle ouers – die glue van ons gemeenskap - die onderwyserskorps en ook al die an’er wonderlike inwoners met ‘n positiewe uitkyk na die toekoms. Ons jongmense, DIE OUERS VAN MÔRE, tel hierdie positiewe elemente op en dit gee vir hulle HOOP. Jongmense van Reiger Park, dankie dat julle vir ons so trots laat voel. JA, DROME IS ALLES ! Go for it guys. Psssssst ! ! ! Gelukkig, gelukkig is daar nie Doemprofete in Reiger Park nie. Hierdie Trotse Bergie groet nou en wens alle Reigerparkers ‘n Voorspoedige en Geseënde 2015 toe.
Onthou, ons is almal ACTORS . . . die lewe is een groot drama waarin oz almal ‘n rol vertolk.
Dumping is Still Illegal! By Brandon Isaacs
Reiger Park is under attack, the area’s natural beauty is spoiled when people carelessly throw their rubbish around. Not only is the rubbish unsightly but it’s unhealthy too, as the rubbish piles up it becomes a breeding ground for rats and other pests. The corner of “Dawie Kabouter crèche” was once a dumping site and is now a beautiful garden; where folks can wait for a taxi. However, its beauty is now being threatened by people dumping right on the opposite corner. Which level headed person would do such a thing? This is filthy, disgusting and it stinks. Other affected areas include the spot in Goedehoop Street, against the Catholic Church wall, on the corner of Goedehoop Primary school, next to Lakeside Primary school and at the Taxi rank opposite the Post Office. Last mentioned has even become a temporary shelter for homeless people snoring away in the filth. Behind the Victory Tabernacle church is another ghastly sight. I’m afraid that our community has become a dumping ground for dirty rotten scoundrels that are too lazy to take the time and effort to dispose of the rubbish and rubble that line our streets and parks. So, like with
most of our social problems, let’s look for someone to blame - the municipality, the councillor, etc. The question remains: what are you doing about it? You may say, yes I pay my taxes. Well, so does all of us. Others may even say, it’s a way of creating employment. I strongly believe that there are more dignified ways of creating without destroying our community and degrading ourselves. Why do people do it; why do they dump their rubbish, building rubble and other waste that make our beautiful, vibrant community look like a pigsty? Are they just plain lazy and irresponsible and only concerned with their own welfare, and the rest of us can go to hell? There are probably a few reasons for engaging in such irresponsible behaviour. However, none of them can justify dumping on the nearest corner. I might be vociferous, but we need to face the facts here: Illegal dumping is just that... Illegal and a serious offence, which is prosecutable and punishable by Law! It has been proven that a filthy environment has a direct impact on one’s social behaviour towards oneself and others; creating a platform for all types of crime and anti-social behaviour. No wonder our youth seem so dejected, depressed, discouraged and gloomy about their future; looking to Illegal substances to lift their morale. But we know all too well it’s a lie. Come on community of Reiger Park, let’s take pride in our surroundings and let us care for what we have. Let the creative power within us craft beautiful gardens, like the one in Oxford Street and the one starting up next to Drommedaris Street. Change your way of thinking, and tap into your unending potential to make your community a better place for all to live in. We as the community must hold our local authorities accountable, yes, but we must also play our part to take a stance on this ghastly and gross issue.
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A “bomb” case after reporting Police corruption
According to Stanton Richards from Delmore Gardens, on 4 December 2014, his wife asked a neighbour who was allegedly selling drugs in front of their yard, to leave. The neighbour apparently started swearing and threatening his wife. Stanton felt his wife should not be subjected to such abuse and asked her to go back into the house and instructed the man to leave, but the neighbour continued swearing and threatening them. A physical fight between Stanton and the neighbour ensued in which the man was apparently roughened up a bit. A few days later, on 10 December 2014, a police officer, known to Stanton only by the name of Maringa, entered his home walked to his room and demanded R 3000 from Stanton or he will be arrested and charged with assault. Stanton says that in an attempt to get rid of the Police officer, who was accompanied by the neighbour his dispute was with, he offered to pay but needed time to come up with that amount. But instead, as soon as the officer left, Stanton contacted a trustworthy friend from SAPS. His friend referred him to the Crime Intelligence Unit (CID) who in-turn referred the matter to the anti-corruption unit. According to Stanton, the anti-corruption unit
arranged with him to set up meeting with the officer and when the bribe is accepted and the money exchange hands, they will step in and arrest the officer. This was arranged by Stanton and the meeting was supposed to take place the at a fast food venue outside Reiger Park, this did not materialise and the officer postponed the meeting for the Monday 15 December, outside the Reiger Park police station. On the Monday morning Stanton arrived at the Police Station and phoned the officer to meet him outside, but he was told to come into the station, to which Stanton first objected, asking whether the officer was setting him up to be arrested for bribery. The officer assured Stanton that it was ‘safe’ to do the exchange in the charge office at the Reiger Park Police Station. Stanton handed the money to police officer at the last cubicle at the front desk of the Police Station, the officer counted the money there and placed it in his back pocket. This is when the officers from the Anti-corruption Unit, who were dressed in Telkom uniforms, pretending to be there to fix telephone cables, arrested the officer. However, Monday 20 January 2015, almost a month after the apparent assault of on his neighbour place, Stanton was charged
and arrested. Stanton said that he believes that these charges this long after the incident was a “bomb” case with the intention to deter him from going ahead with the bribery charges. He appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate court the same day he was arrested. The Magistrate presiding over the matter dismissed the case and Stanton was released from custody. Stanton says that he refuse to be bullied, and feel that residents from Delmore Gardens, Delmore Park, Reiger Park and other communities struggling with crime should take a stand and fight for their rights. They should also not allow those in positions of authority to intimidate them. He says that although he feels unsafe and can’t be sure if the buddies of the officer will retaliate, he refuse to be a prisoner to crime in his own house and in his own community. The tame Times Reiger Park Bulletin made numerous attempts to get a response from SAPS, but without success. A spokesperson at the Reiger Park Police, Sgt Phathela, indicated that he cannot respond on the arrest of the Police officer, but will provide a number of the spokesperson in this case, this number was never provided.
P O ST
Report corruption and fraud to any of the following numbers: NPA Hotline (operated by an independent organization) - 0800 21 25 80 Crime Line sms tip-offs (at R1 per sms) – 32211 Public Protector - 0800 11 20 40
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30 January 2015
Past learners Matric is over, deliver hope what’s next? Congratulations to the class of 2014! For many young people matric marks the end of their school career; some have passed and moved on to study in their selected field of interest; some may be preparing for supplementary exams. But there are many others who may not have planned or thought about what they would like to do after matric. If this is you; we have put together some advice to assist you along the way.
Khahliso Mokoena, Sifiso Thanbede and Thabiso Dubazana matriculated from Oosrand Secondary School at the end of 2000. They went on to university and graduated as Engineers, each in their respective branch of engineering. However, although working hard, being disciplined and achieving their personal goals are extremely important to the trio, giving back to the communities and institutions that were instrumental in helping them achieve their personal success is their passion. They once again proved their passion on Saturday, 24 January 2015, when the trio along with their friends, the East Rand Bikers and Zinhle Mabena , an actress and marketing graduate from Dawn Park , visited the Oosrand Secondary School to meet with some learners, shared their personal experiences and motivated the learners to be dedicated and to work hard to create their own success stories. The group also came bearing gifts. They
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delivered lunch bags and water bottles for some learners and school uniforms that the school could donate to some leaners in need. The group hoped that the school uniforms would be a welcome gift for those who could not afford to buy new uniforms this year. Aforementioned was their way of restoring dignity among learners and help them walk with pride alongside their friends. The two Deputy Principals, teachers and learners who were present on the morning, were extremely grateful for this kind gesture of the past learners and their friends opening their hearts and their wallets and that they had set aside time to spend the morning motivating and encouraging these leaders of tomorrow. It was of course the motorbikes that had the learners completely enthralled. Teacher van Staaden said she hoped that the image of these bikes, and wanting to own one someday, can be the motivation that the learners need to work hard to achieve their goals.
You have completed matric and you may not be sure which path to follow. You may find yourself at a crossroad, for many different reasons. Maybe you have not thought about applying to any tertiary institution to study further, or you have applied too late and now you have to wait for another year before you begin your studies, but what can you do in the meantime? Remember, what you do now is also the beginning of your adult life, when you are expected to take responsibility for yourself. The best advice is to use your time constructively; a big gap without any concrete activity will not look good on your CV to prospective employers in the future. So think very carefully about what you will be doing for the next year, or more, until you have decided on your future career path. Here are some ideas to help you: Apply for learnerships in your field of interest. Learnerships are a way to earn while you learn. It does require commitment and working hard to gain work experience whilst also applying yourself to learning about the theory of what you are doing in practice. You may be required to attend some structured learning activities and you will definitely undergo assessments. For more information about which learnerships are available to the youth, browse through the Department of Higher Education and Training’s website www.dhet.gov.za or any of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) websites or www.careerhelp.org.za Visit a career advice centre. If you need advice on your learning and work options, visit a walk-in centre
Department of Labour Centres National Youth Development Agency offices in Johannesburg If you are not near a centre but can phone, call 0860 35 66 35. You can also ask for a call back, send a “Please Call Me” to 072 204 5056. Register for a short course to develop your skills. Find out about short courses that you can attend at a reputable private or public institution, get as much information about the courses offered as well as the institution. Whilst it is important to improve your skills, you should not end up paying for a course from a non-registered institution that will not add value to your CV. Volunteer to gain that much needed work experience. Find out about volunteering opportunities at the different Centres and businesses in the community. Volunteering is a good way to learn about the world of work and it makes a good impression on your CV, because it shows that you are a selfless person who is willing to make a positive contribution to society. Network with employed people who could introduce you to employment opportunities where they are working. Maintain contact with your school because many further learning or employment opportunities are communicated to the schools, so do stay in touch. Whatever you do, make sure that it is building you up as a person that you and your community can be proud of. We look forward to getting feedback from our readers about their post-school experiences.
ANC Boksburg Branch’s Stationery Drive
By Anver Jansen
Six leaners from Oosrand Secondary School benefited from the stationery drive of the ANC Boksburg Branch. Many leaners could not afford stationary and this generous gift was a welcome relief for six such children. The Deputy Principals, Mr Arendse and Mrs Sampson, expressed their sincere and heartfelt gratitude towards the Branch’s leadership and through this donation some learners will now be better equipped for the year of education ahead. For many children, such small gestures of caring can motivate them the overcome the direst of circumstances.
254 LEON FERREIRA STREET, RIEGER PARK
RIGHT: Oosrand Secondary School deputy principals with members of the ANC Boksburg Branch
Page 6 30 January 2016
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Reiger Park True Men’s Forum (RPTMF) Launch By Llewellyn Bell
Reiger Park
Consultative Forum
“Talk shop” or “Change Agent” 28\12\14
The RCF is a body that aims to reignite the sense of community. We want to combine our efforts to re-instill the historic sense of pride and accountability among community leaders and the community at large.
In the first two meetings of the forum, the following areas were highlighted.
The official launch of the RPTMF will be on Wednesday, 11 February 2015, at the Reiger Park Community Hall from 10:00am. To show their support for the structure, the officials from the Gauteng Men’s Federation (GAMEF) as well as members from the Gauteng Department of Social Development will also attend the launch. We have also invited Patrick Shai (former Generations actor) and Zane Meas (from 7de Laan) to join us on the day. These two men are forerunners in the establishment of the Men’s Movement in Gauteng. We appeal to members of the Reiger Park Business community, and others, to assist us in making the day a success by kindly
donating towards the launch of this long overdue cause. As was explained in a previous article of the tame Times Reiger Park Bulletin, the purpose of the RPTMF is not to create division between the sexes, but to allow men to reach their full potential by creating a support structure of who understand their struggle. For more details please contact the Chairman, Mr Mike Canham, on 079 949 9340 or email the RPTMF at reigerparktruemensforum@ gmail.com Please note that any support or donations will be highly appreciated and is sorely needed.
Restoration on D flat’s roof By Timoné Smith
Residents from D flat whose roofs were blown off during a storm in October 2014 were relieved, but also aired their frustration rwith regard to the delay and thedamage is caused. Some indicated that they were sceptical as to whether the building material used are of good quality, or whether this will simply be a repetition of the previous times, when the roofs were blown of by the wind and poor quality material was used to repair these roofs. This resulting in the roofs being blown off again, not too long after it was replaced. They also expressed their dismay with the fact that they were not kept in the loop regarding the plans and timelines of the local council. Families had to live under harsh conditions and complained about the unbearable and unpleasant smell due to the damaged roofs. Uncle Vincent, a resident at the flats, compares the smell to that of “smelly old socks.” Some residents feared that the stinch, caused by the their flats being without roofs for months and exposed to the elements, might have a negative impact on
their health. However, although the frustration of having to wait this long for the repairs, they are nonetheless grateful that repairs have finally started and will hopefully be completed soon. They are hopeful that this damage to their homes will not occur again in future. The local councillor, Clr Charles Crawford, said that the government consists of partnerships that should offer solutions to problems faced by local communities. He pointed out that construction, time constraints and supply of building materials are logistics managed by an insurance company. He emphasised that the council is only responsible for internal household renovations and repairs, if residents have fully paid outstanding rent. The councillor however believes that the repairs to the damaged roofs will be successful. He was confident because, he said, strict policy guidelines are being followed to ensure an improvement in infrastructure and building reliability.
How will the forum be sustained and what would be its future objectives? There are tense relations between organizations in the community that lead to non-cooperation What will be the role of individuals on the RCF who have no visible constituency to account to, or to mobilise for common objectives? Concern about the continued absence of organizations and/or associations that can make an impact on the work, credibility and all inclusive goals of the RCF There is a mood of disillusionment amongst many former community activists, as a result of deliberate marginalization or loss of confidence in existing structures. What this situation has created? Many CBO’s (Community Based Organizations) have been created before the dawn of democracy. The leadership of these CBO’s had a clear vision: to overcome the difficulties of apartheid, against all the odds at the time. They were filled with idealism for a better Reiger Park, and worked day and night to achieve that. The current CBO’s and NGO’s operate within an environment of governmental aid and millions of rands being pumped into “projects to uplift” the community. This in turn has led to former “volunteer community workers” becoming “fulltime state employees” via the state aid system. The resultant battle\competition to occupy strategic positions in NGO’s, political parties and government departments, gave rise to “not-so-honest” methods being used to gain advantage. Where to now? The RCF, with the support of the majority of Reiger Park CBO’s, NGO’s and other organizations has the potential to overcome these hurdles, however there are some prerequisites: critical introspection, brutal honesty and looking beyond individual\ personal gain, towards the greater
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benefit of the community as a whole. In this process we should not shy away from speaking out against corruption and personal advancement at the community’s expense. Each organization should avoid being in competition with another, that has similar objectives, but rather join forces. Individuals, who have no popular\ visible support base, who are negative and destructive (during discussions) and who seem to thrive better in circumstances of confusion and uncertainty, should be avoided. It is still too early to build organic structures at street level, given the absence of a clear and visionary leadership collective, at community level. Issues that can make an immediate impact Reduction in crime levels Increase in conviction rates Reduction in drug dealing operations Better school attendance rates These are four easily achievable objectives because they are directly “controlled” by community members. Criminals are known, witnesses\complainants are community members, drugs users and dealers are known by community members. Parents exercise control over the conduct and behavior of their school going children. The only factor that is missing is solidarity amongst and between members of the community. Instead of defending the wrongs of a family member, when we are informed about our families’ illegal activities let’s, accept the information in good faith and act! The sooner we accept responsibility for a better, secure and healthy community, the sooner we will achieve this. If Reiger Park continues to support the RCF and hold it accountable, it will not only be sustainable, but also successful. By Alfred Woodington, George Du Plessis and Rodney Barnes
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SPORT
Time To Play
30 JANUARY 2015 - PAGE 8
Junior Pool comp for boys On Saturday 24 January, the junior pool players of Reiger Park had a chance to show off their skills at the Pool Shop’s ‘junior pool comp for boys’. Reiger Park certainly have some future Pool champions in its midst. The under 14 final was a play between the 7 year old twins, Chad and Chadlenn van Bresies. According to Ricardo Strydom, one of the organisers, the two youngsters have the potential to be future champions. The 15 year old Elrico Ruiters was “top class” and played a brilliant match against his opponent Wendall, also 15, to win the under 18 final. Although Wendall never gave up, with the pressure mounting he missed a few shots that gave the composed and skilful
Elrico to take the match from him. Elrico was also selected for the under 18 players who will represent Reiger Park at the Blackball singles and doubles Gauteng Championships at Dejavu pool club in Mondeor, on 8 and 9 February 2015. The competition was organised to raise funds for the youngsters who will play league this year, but also to help pay for the registration fees of those who will play at the Gauteng Championships and can’t afford the fees. However, considering transport and table money, any financial or other support towards helping these boys reach their goals will be welcomed. For more information contact Ricardo Strydom at 079 890 7893.
Bafana heading back home
Lebo Mosolodi
lebo@tametimes.co.za Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s boys lived up to their notorious reputation of exiting the tournament in the group stages when they lost their must-win game against the Black Stars of Ghana this week. South Africans were holding their thumbs when the home team opened their scoring account with Kaizer Chiefs wonder boy Mandla Mahalangu’s volley in the first 17 minutes of the game. However, our team lived up to their reputation of scoring first in all their group stage games, but failed dismally to dictate terms in the middle of the park and consolidate a lead. Black Star demonstrated experience and vigour to come back into the game when they started camping in the South African half, giving no space to the Mzansi boys to breathe. The Ghana coach introduced a double substitute late in the second half, which accelerated the attack of the
Black Stars and their efforts were finally rewarded when John Boye drew level in the 75th minute. Mashaba made a desperate change when he introduced Amakhosi pair Reneilwe Letsholonyana and Bernard Parker. However, the Ghanaian engine room was already on fire and the Bafana team could not handle the constant wave of attacks on their goal mouth. The four-time African champions rising star Andre Ayew scored an immaculate header which sealed the final score-line at 2-1 in favour of Ghana. Bafana are now coming back home with their tails between their legs after losing two games and drawing one in the group stages. Meanwhile, Amajita arrived to a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo after winning the prestigious Commonwealth of Independent States Cup. So, there is still hope for the South African Football Association (Safa) football development plan aimed at steering our national team in the right direction.
NOOO! Bafana Bafana exited the tournament after a 2-1 loss to Ghana.