BETHLEHEM REKORD

Bethlehem Rekord

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08 April 2019

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VIR DIE ● FOR THE

Photo of the week

Swak karakter skep werk

Thursday 17:00

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en “dophouers” moes tel wat aangestel word juis omdat ons mense in die eerste plek nie kan vertrou nie? Gee ons in en speel saam vuil terwyl ek myself oortuig “ek is darem nie so sleg soos daai een wat dit of dat doen nie?” Bill Hybels skryf in sy boek, Who you are when no one islooking: “Character is our world’s most pressing need. If all 5 billion of us had strong characters, there would be no wars, no hunger, no family breakups, no crime, no poverty. We will not live in such a perfect world until Christ returns and the earth is made new, but in the meantime, we should not despair. To the extent that our own characters grow stronger, the world will be a better place.” God roep ons tot ʼn hoër standaard as die almal-doen-dit-maar-so gemiddeldeaanvaarde-standaard. Hy roep ons om met integriteit en karakter uit te staan, voor en agter mense, daar waar my kollegas en baas kan sien wat ek doen en ook waar niemand kan sien nie.

Mag ons elkeen hierdie verantwoordelikheid aanvaar sodat ons eie karakter kan aanhou groei en sodat die plekke en posisies waarin ons dien en werk, meer en meer kan lyk na ʼn plek waar God regeer Die Meningstuk is geskryf deur Lindie Strydom - Rubriek skrywer vir Maroela Media. Die meningstuk is met toestemming van Maroela Media gepubliseer.

Besoek www.maroelamedia.co.za vir nog intressante nuus en meer. – Redakteur

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Gerhard Olivier editor@rekordmediafs.co.za

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Ek is dankbaar vir elke inisiatief in die gemeenskap wat op ’n manier vir nog mense werk skep, maar ek wonder hoeveel van ons werksgeleenthede het eintlik met ʼn gebrek aan karakter te doen? Ek skets gou ʼn scenario: ʼn Baas stel iemand aan om ʼn sekere werk te doen, maar van die begin af het hierdie nuwe werknemer ʼn bestuurder nodig wat sal kyk of hy doen wat hy veronderstel is om te doen. Die baas het dalk self iemand wat iewers oor sy skouer loer om te kyk hoe effektief hy die ander mense dophou… Jy het sopas elke item by die kassier skandeer, betaal en in plastieksakkies gelaai, maar net om dubbel seker te maak jy vat nie dalk iets “op die huis” saam met jou huis toe nie, is daar by die uitgang van die winkel weer iemand op hulle pos wat kyk na die ekstra items wat soms so “onder deur die tafel” inglip wat die ekstra persoon in die kontrolekamer, wat die winkel se kameras moet dophou, dalk nie vinnig genoeg opgetel het nie.

Vanaand wanneer die een kollega die geld moet tel en die ander een die dag se beeldmateriaal moet nagaan voor die onafhanklike diensverskaffer en die tenduurstesekuriteitsmaaskappy inkom om alles te evalueer en deur die nag vir jou op te pas, is dit dalk te laat om die skelm van vroeër die dag te vang en die polisie gaan sukkel om by jou klein diefstalsakie uit te kom met die veel groter moeilikheid as gevolg van die ander groter skurke. Ek weet ek dik so bietjie aan om my punt te maak, maar ek voel op ʼn manier swak karakter is eintlik die slegste rede vir werkskepping en ek wonder waar ons sou uitkom as ons al die onnodige polisiemanne, base, bestuurders

How amazing!

A hummingbird built a nest on a peach!

The photo was shared by go.viral.com Send us your picture for publication to editor@rekord media.co.za

Publisher Digitally published by the publisher Livero Media Pty. Ltd, Tinnie van Rooyen Street nr.3, Clocolan. No advertisement will be published if the full amount is not paid in full by deadline. No reproduction without written consent.

Code of Conduct This publication is obligated to report news truthfully, accurately and fairly. Should you feel we do not adhere to the Press Code you can submit a complaint to the Press ombudsman at pressombudsman@ombudsman.org.za All rights and reproduction material published in this publication are hereby Reserved In terms of the copyright act.

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■ Danie Cronjè

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."

■ Willem Botha Bevraagteken jy die Bybel? En die bestaan van God? Wonder jy ook of die Bybel regtig tot stand gekom het soos wat daar vir jou vertel word? En wat van die wonderwerke?

En die opstanding? En Jesus se wederkoms? Wonder jy ook soms of die ongelowige nie dalk 'n punt beet het nie?

Wonder jy ook soms of God regtig 'n God van liefde is? Dit terwyl dit soms so sleg gaan? Vat jou geloof ook soms houe omdat jy nie verstaan nie? My antwoord vir jou is: Ek hoop regtig so, ek hoop regtig jy worstel ook dae om oor hierdie goed.

Soos ek.

Jy sien, jy sal nooit antwoorde kry as jy nie daarvoor soek nie. Jy kan nie in jou geloof

Our What’s On column is published in all 66 Rekord newspapers.

The listing is free but keep it short ant to the point.

Send your listing to rekordnews@gmail.com

■ WELKOM 17 April:

■ FOURIESBURG – 12 – 14 April 2019 Maluti Mighty Men 2019 sien advertensie in die uitgawe vir meer inligting

■ WELKOM 13 April: Matjhabeng-publisiteitsvereniging vlooimark word in Noordpark, Welkom, aangebied. Skakel 057 352 9244 vir meer inligting

twyfel en redeneer met God is 'n teken van ongeloof nie, dis juis 'n manier om Geestelik te groei. Ons praat maklik van die ongelowige Tomas, dalk moet ons eerder praat van die ondersoekende Tomas.

Joh. 20:27-28 Daarna sê Hy vir Tomas: “Bring jou vinger hier en kyk na my hande; en bring jou hand en steek hom in my sy; en moenie langer ongelowig wees nie, maar wees gelowig.”

En Tomas sê vir Hom: “My Here en my God!” Mat7:7 “Vra, en vir julle sal gegee word; soek, en julle sal kry; klop, en vir julle sal oopgemaak word"Soek en jy sal vind...

tot 12:00. Navrae 084 606 7007

Die Afrikaanse sanger Steve BLOEMFONTEIN 5 May: Hofmeyr tree om 19:00 in die Ernest Interstate Bus Lines Glen half Oppenheimer-skouburg op. marathon trail Skakel 057 357 1214. run, incorporated in the Free State Trail Run CLARENS: 19-22 APRIL Championship, takes place at LUSH 2019 Noah's Cheese 07:00 in Tielman Roos Farm, Clarens More info on Street, Bloemfontein. Contact www.lushfestival.com 083 302 2784 for more information LADYBRAND 3 Mei Hoërskool Ladybrand bied hul FICKSBURG 10 Mei jaarlikse Knipmes Spitbraai Hoërskool Ficksburg se Manneaand aan om 18:00 by gewilde Ondersteunersklub die Hoërskool. R250 per Steak Braai word weer gehou. persoon en sluit 'n knipmes in. Skakel Elsabè 083 576 7137 Skakel die skool vir meer CLARENS: 10 May inligting 051 924 1452 Clarens Combined Schools WELKOM 4 Mei: Golf Day More info contact 058 Die NG Kerk in Jan Cillierspark 256 1270 bied ‘n 5km Pretdraf om 07:00 BOTSHABELO 26 May: aan. Vir die wat belangstel skakel 082 21 3330 The Town to Town trail run of 25 km takes place BETHLEHEM 4 Mei: at 08:00. It covers the distance Die Affi-Aarde-familiemark from Botshabelo to Thaba word langs die Preekstoelpad Nchu. Contact 084 923 4642. buite Bethlehem, Begin 08:00

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■ BLOEMFONTEIN 09 April: ■ A free lunch-hour concert presented by the Odeion String Quartret at 13:10 in the Odeion.

051-401-2342.

groei as jy nie soek na openbarings nie. Jy sal oor niks sekerheid kry as jy dinge nie bevraagteken, en ontdek nie. Jy kan nie antwoorde kry as jy nie vrae vra nie.

Mens kry meer insig oor dinge waaroor jy argumenteer as wat jy dinge net goedsmoeds vir soetkoek opeet.

Wat vir my net interessant is, is dat die mees uitdagende vraagstukke op die ou end nog altyd by die mees eenvoudige antwoorde in die Bybel uitkom.

Dit lyk my die skrywers van die Bybel (meer as 40 van hulle), het hulle huiswerk deeglik gedoen, dalk baie kopgekrap, ondersoek, baie getwyfel en baie geredeneer voor hulle die pen op papier gesit het. Moenie dink

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■ BETHLEHEM: CLASS OF 2009 HOèRKSOOL WITTEBERG 21 September 2019 Contact Pieterdelporte@yahoo.com or 079 632 8417

■ FICKSBURG: Reunie word beplan vir alle oud Hoërskool Ficksburg leerlinge en onderwysers wat in die skool was tot 1992. Dit word beplan vir die eerste naweek in Oktober 2019.

Kontak asb vir Nico Bester by nicobester45@yahoo.com of 0828706710 vir enige verdere navrae.

Indien enige iemand naamlyse met kontakbesonderhede het van jou jaargroep, e-pos dit asb na my of stuur die uitnodiging uit. Hierdie is 'n Oud Kanne reunie vir persone wat in die skool was voordat die twee skole saamgemelt het.

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Klitsie verstaan bloed is dikker as water en dat familie eerste moet kom. Maar hoe gemaak as ‘n familielid van jou verwag om parte en toerusting by jou werkgewer te steel? Regverdig die antwoord dat dit jou broer is en jy vir hom enige iets sal doen dit? Sal jy regtig vir hom tronk toe gaan? So kry iemand die geleentheid om vir ‘n bekende besigheid in die dorp te werk.

Werk is skaars en die geleentheid is regtig een wat opgepas moet word maar raai wat maak die jong man? Boetie is een van daai backyard mechanics en die kort parte. Jong man huiwer nie om op ‘n gereelde basis parte en toerusiting te “leen” en dan later terug te sit sodra Boetie hom betaal vir die part. Boetie het hom nog nooit betaal nie maar hey, dis okay boetie sal hom een of ander tyd sien. So kom dit dat boetie ‘n deur vir ‘n Audi nodig het wat moet klaar. Nie ‘n probleem nie sal sommer vanaand inkom en die deur op een van die voertuie wat daar al vir ‘n rukkie staan afhaal en dan kan boetie die Audi reg maak en verkoop en dan kan hy al die parte en die deur se geld vir mos betaal en dan is alles okay. Die jong man wag nou nog vir die geld wat boete belowe het om te betaal. Klitsie verstaan die jong man het “bedank” omdat hy glo vreeslik sleg betaal word en die lang ure tussen hom en sy black label kom.

Klitsie dink dit het te doen met die stock take wat die volgende dag sou plaasvind. En dis okay om so te wees die baas het mos insurance is word die gewete gestil. Dit is nie en sal nooit wees nie.

Die sad ding is dat die mense weer en weer werk kry terwyl die wat eerlik is elke aand met worries waar môre se kos vandaan kom moet gaan slaap.

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Broccoli soup with Parmesan toasts

Serves: 6 Preparation time: 20 min Cooking time: 25-30 min Ingredients 25g butter 2 peeled and finely chopped potatoes 1 large peeled and chopped onion sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 head and stalk of a broccoli 1 litre hot chicken or vegetable stock 170 ml cream For the parmesan toasts: 8 slices good quality white bread 75g Parmesan shavings

Method Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the potatoes, onion, salt and pepper. Cover with greaseproof paper and sweat over a gentle heat for 10 mins. Meanwhile, cut the broccoli into florets. Using a small knife, remove the skin from the stalk and chop the stalk into 1cm pieces. Add to the potatoes and onion and sweat for a further 5 mins. Add the hot stock and bring to the boil, then throw in the broccoli florets. Boil without a lid for 5 mins until soft, then add the cream. Remove from the heat, liquidise and season to taste. To make the parmesan toasts, toast the bread on both sides.

Sprinkle with the grated cheese and pop under a hot grill for 2 mins, or until cheese melts.

Cut the toast into fingers and serve on the side with the soup.

Week 1 Die pyn is duidelik sigbaar op sy gesig. Daar waar sy in die idioot van 'n Jacques se arms lê sal dit wat kon wees net nooit vir hulle wees nie. Daar waar hulle onder de boom buite die koshuis van Hoërskool Carpe Diem sit, staan, lê en vry en rook terwyl iemand pos vang dat ou Willemse hulle nie vang nie. Terug by Zani wie se tong diep in Venter se keelgat

wegraak. Hy's 'n vriend niks meer nie. Nie dat hy net 'n vriend wil wees nie. Zani Pieterse sal hom nooit die kans gee nie. Hy skrik toe hy sy naam hoor. "Paul-Ryk foon" Hy sug, kyk 'n slag weer in haar rigting voordat hy die stompie dooddruk en 'n lyn maak om die foon te antwoord. Zani is in die sewende hemel. Sy sterk hande met are wat soos 'n padkaart oor sy arms loop, daai six pack lyf, daai package onder die stywe gilbert rugby broek..Jacques van Eck en Zani Pieterse 'n item. Vir jare was hy en sy eks die who's who van Carpe Diem.

Danksy 'n haar hokkie talent het sy nie twee keer gedink om die beurs by Carpe Diem Hoër te aanvaar nie. Sy wonder vir 'n oomblik of hy nog aan sy eks Belinda dink. Sy's bly die cheater het uitgekom en hulle nou publicly 'n item kan wees. Die skelm gevryery agter die pawiljoene, in die skoolbus en sexting via whatsapp tot watter ure in die oggend was tog die moeite werd gewees...

Belinda staan by die Koshuis venster en hou die twee lovebirds dop. "Slet"... dink sy terwyl

sy Zani se hande stip dophou waar die te gemaklik bo daardie broek raak. Sy raak naar as sy kyk hoe Jacques met haar hare speel...dis sy ding om sy hande so deur 'n girl se hare te trek. Net soos hy sy merrie roskam vir gymkhana...Oh well, sy't genoeg op Jacques om hom te laat suffer maar dis daai klein merrie wat regtig die payback van haar lewe gaan kry. Want jy sien Belinda de Klerk kry altyd haar sin. Dit wat pappie se geld nie kan koop nie, kan altyd op ander maniere bekom word. Zani het nie 'n idee wat op haar wag nie...

Dit gaan nie goed met Caren Pieterse nie. Die pille lê weer die vloer vol en die pyn skiet deur haar lyf.

Sy is al so gatvol vir die trane en pyn. Sy gaan sit op die bad se rand en sug. Die kinders is binnekort hier en die huis moet nog netjies gemaak word.

Sy sak neer op die vloer en begin die pille een vir een optel…

Lees volgende week verder aan Carpe diem!

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Should you buy property before the elections?

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank has once again decided to leave South Africa’s repo rate unchanged at 6,75% and prime interest rate the same at 10,25%.

“This is very positive news for consumers as it means no increases in home loan and car instalments or personal loan, credit card and store account repayments until at least after the General Election in May,” says Rudi Botha, CEO of SA’s leading bond originator BetterBond*. The decision follows news this week that the consumer inflation rate is currently holding at much lower levels than in 2018 (4,1% in February) despite the recent fuel price increases, and that employment increased by 158 000 or 1,6% year-on-year between December 2017 and December 2018. “In addition, the economy grew by 1,4% in the fourth quarter of 2018 and 0,8% in 2018, and the Bank is hoping this trend will continue, resulting in GDP growth for 2019 of 1,3%,” he notes.

“However, household expenditure is currently declining, so static interest rates are needed to support growth - and will also offset the pressure on households resulting from the further fuel price and levy increases expected this year, and the 9,4% hike in electricity tariffs which Nersa recently granted to Eskom.

“Stable rates will hopefully also encourage

existing homeowners to pay more than the minimum home loan instalment every month and get their properties paid off in far less than 20 years.” As for prospective home buyers, Botha says, now’s the time to urgently seek bond pre-approval and make a move, whether it’s to upgrade or to purchase a first home.

“The reason is that property prices are expected to start escalating more rapidly after the Elections and that this is going to make it more difficult for them to qualify for a bond.

“At the moment, however, buyers have an advantage because the banks are keen to lend to them and we are there to help them

secure a bond at the lowest possible rate through our multi-lender application process.”

This is very important, he notes, because even a small rate difference can save you many thousands of Rands over the lifetime of a bond.

“Currently, the average variation between the best and worst interest rate offered on a bond application is 0,5%, and on a 20-year bond of R1,5m, for example, that translates into potential savings of more than R120 000 over the lifetime of the bond, as well as a total of about R6000 a year off the monthly bond instalments – at no cost for our service.”

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Toyota RAV4 Motoring Review

RAV4 sets the standard THERE can be no doubt that the impact the original Rav4 had on the SUV market was huge. The introduction of the compact threedoor adventurer kick-started a segment the motoring community never knew it needed.

Now, almost 20 years down the line, Toyota finds itself fighting a rather hefty list of competitors. But it does believe the new Rav4 will once again dominate the very market it created. A lot has changed over the years and while the Rav4 has lost a lot of its adventurer charm, the Toyota crossover has slowly evolved into more of a touring-oriented vehicle, straying farther from the rugged “let’s-get-dirty” scene it once had. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because from a styling standpoint the Rav4 now embodies Toyota’s design language found on the front-end of the newly launched Auris and it does boast some rather aggressive lines. That said, despite its city slicker attire, under the skin the Rav4 does

retain some of its adventurous elements and ergonomics. Available in South Africa with a choice of three engines, the 2.2-litre diesel is the pick of the litter. Developing 110kW of power and 340Nm of torque, this smoothrevving powertrain is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and comes in all-wheeldrive guise. Toyota has found a healthy balance between power and consumption with this 2 231cc engine, as its claimed fuel consumption is a very respectable 5.6 litres/100km with of Co2 emissions of 149g/km. The other engine derivatives on offer include the smaller 2.0-litre petrol engine, which turns out 107kW of power and can generate 187Nm of torque. The engine may be mated to a choice of six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions and is available exclusively in two-wheel-drive. The big daddy in the line-up is a 2.5-litre petrol motor, which has been recalibrated for the Rav4, delivering

132kW of power at 6 000rpm and 233Nm of torque at 4 100rpm. The Rav4 has found the perfect balance of power and driveability while its looks are also appealing and the powertrain line-up impressive. The Toyota design team didn’t forget about the interior either.

Cramming it with a host of creature comforts, including Bluetooth, a touch-screen multiinformation display and keyless entry (available in VX trim) to name but a few. On the safety front, this Toyota continues to elevate the brand with higher levels of active and passive safety. While the RAV4 hasn’t yet undergone its Euro NCAP crash test programme, the guys at Toyota believe it has what it takes to achieve a five-star rating. The new Rav4 comes standard with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/90 000km service plan.

Get your RAV4 now at Ficksburg Toyota Contact 051 933

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30/3/19: TUINPLAAS, LIMPOPO. 1 male and 1 female victim attacked by 5 suspects. Attackers took 2 cellphones and R500.00.

28/3/19: KAMEELDRIFT WEST, GAUTENG. 05:00 2 elderly victims assaulted by unknown amount of suspects. Female victim raped. 2 cellphones stolen.

28/3/19 LAEZONIA, GAUTENG. 5 armed attackers shot elderly female victim in stomach and hand close to Northern Farm.

She has already undergone an operation and is in hospital.

The same gang attacked a neighbouring victim in Sunrella too.

27/3/19: BON ACCORD, HONINGNESTKRANS, GAUTENG. One female victim assaulted and tied up.

Tv and phones stolen. No serious injuries, no arrests. Unknown amount of suspects.

27/3/19: SUNRELLA, GAUTENG. 5 armed Attackers broke lock of front door and assualted male victim. House was ransacked. This was the second attack by the same gang in one night.

27/3/19: PAULPIETERSBURG, KZN. One 77yr old male victim hacked with machete and assaulted by 3 masked attackers. 1 attacker forced his finger into victims eye and strangled him. Suspects fled in victims vehicle after which the burnt it and fled further on foot.24/3/19: Dunbrody, Kirkwood, Eastern Cape. One male (51) stabbed in the back several times. Other family members had no serious injuries. 4 suspects, 3 masked, fled on foot. @SAPoliceService has launched manhunt for the perps.

14/03/2019: TARENTAALRAND, LIMPOPO. 3 armed attackers tied up the workers and ransacked the house. Vehicle taken, suspects fled into the field. Follow-up operation underway.

14/03/2019: DE DOORNS, WESTERN CAPE. 5 attackers forced owner to open the safe and fled with his bakkie and guns, abducting the owner’s son. Bakkie with guns and son inside abandoned near Worcester. Owner injured, son slightly injured. No arrests.

13/03/2019: BARNARDSVLEI, NORTH WEST. Male victim (89) and female victim (57) assaulted with a hammer by three attackers.

Bakkie, mobile phones, motorbike, firearms and solarpanels stolen.

Victims taken to hospital. No arrests, bakkie with stolen goods recovered.

Courtesy: Ian Cameron - Afriforum

To support AfriForum in the fight against farm attacks and farm murders, SMS your name to 45353 and join as a member

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09

Bosch Valley farms hou suksesvolle veiling!

VREDE/MEMEL: Die veiling het op 3 April 2019 plaasgevind en uitstekende pryse is behaal. Die Veiling is deur Vleissentraal Ermelo aangebied.

GESLAG Bul Koei Dragtige koei Vers Dragtige koei met kalf Koei met kalf

Lot / ID

RAS

5 / 13-0664C 41 / 17-034BV 25 / 16-030BV 42 / 17-037BV 34 / 11-008C 29 / 11-513C

Droughtmaster Droughtmaster Droughtmaster Droughtmaster Droughtmaster Droughtmaster

GEMIDDELD HOOGSTE 55 000 20 000 62 000 21 142 44 416 58 666

60 000 25 000 170 000 40 000 110 000 130 000

KOPER Willie Moolman / Stella Hurwitz Farming / Davel Henning Pretorius /Skeerpoort Hurwitz Farming / Davel Schalk Burger / Lynwoodridge Markus Fourie / Malmesbury

Adverteer in Help die Burre Burger Droogte Hulp fonds om boere te bly help regoor Suid-Afrika...

DROOGTE HULP MET BURRE FNB ACCOUNT (cheque) ACCOUNT: 62721858522 BRANCH: 200406 SWIFT: FIRNZAJJ REF: DROOGTE HULP burre@droogtehulp.co.za

Landbousake

Landbousake word in al 67 Digitale Rekord koerante gepubliseer.

Die perfekte geleentheid om jou volgende veiling in te adverter.

Skakel 073 847 2468

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Takalani Sesame, Lego Foundation launch ‘Learning through play’ initiative to reach millions of children and caregivers across South Africa Recently at the first-ever Africa Play Conference in Pretoria, the LEGO Foundation and Sesame Workshop (the nonprofit organisation behind Takalani Sesame) announced a major 5-year initiative to promote children’s learning through play by harnessing the power of Takalani Sesame to reach children and caregivers through television, digital media, and targeted community engagement. The new program builds on the LEGO Foundation and Sesame Workshop’s partnership in South Africa, which has brought opportunities for play-based learning to children and their caregivers since 2015. As part of the new initiative, funded by a USD $10 Million (approximately R134,183,500) grant from the LEGO Foundation, new Takalani Sesame segments and parentfacing videos promoting play-based learning will be featured on both TV and digital platforms. The initiative will also expand outreach programs in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Free State provinces to help teachers, caregivers, and social workers facilitate meaningful play that contributes to children’s learning and development. From the earliest moments of infancy, children have a natural potential to learn about the world through play, and the scientific community has found increasing evidence in recent decades that infants and children are constantly learning, connecting, and engaging with their surroundings through positive playful experiences. When children are not at school, they are usually with their primary caregivers—often the biggest supporters of children’s learning—whose ability to nurture and guide playful learning can unlock the transformative power of education.

“Play provides one of the most powerful ways for children to learn and overcome setbacks, yet many caregivers and teachers are unaware of the benefits of play in children’s learning and development,” said Innocent Nkata, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop South Africa. “Together with the LEGO Foundation and our beloved Takalani Sesame characters, we will bring the joys and benefits of play-based learning to millions of children and caregivers across South Africa and shift the perceptions around the educational value of play.” The announcement was made with the help of Takalani Sesame’s Kami and Neno during the first annual Africa Play Conference, hosted by the LEGO Foundation, the South African Department of Basic Education, UNICEF South Africa and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA).

Through the new initiative, the LEGO Foundation and Sesame Workshop are committed to creating an enabling environment where play-based learning is integrated into educational policy at the local and national level—putting play higher on the country’s agenda and creating a body of resources that can be integrated into early childhood programs across the country. “There is an urgent need for rethinking how we equip children with the skills needed to successfully navigate an uncertain and complex world.

Right from the outset, learning through play is the best way for them to develop skills such as problem solving or creativity,” said Kerry Kassen, LEGO Foundation Initiatives Lead for South Africa.

“To provide opportunities for children to foster a breadth of skills in everyday situations adults must take a risk – the beautiful risk of allowing for uncertainty to unfold in their daily lives and inviting children to take agency in those occasions to connect, explore, or transform their surroundings,” she added. The new initiative builds on earlier LEGO Foundation and Sesame Workshop projects (Play Every Day and Play Well and Be Happy) that have helped caregivers in Johannesburg and surrounding provinces learn about the educational value of play through play workshops, empowering them to engage with children in ways that contribute to healthy development. Additional outreach programs in the Eastern Cape have provided hands-on learning in classrooms through kits containing Takalani Sesame characters and LEGO® DUPLO® bricks along with teacher and caregiver training. The LEGO Foundation has been involved in a multitude of projects across South Africa with a variety of partners over the past 10 years—all aimed at lifting the general quality of education with a play-based learning methodology. To this end, the LEGO Foundation is working closely with UNICEF and the South African Ministry of Basic Education to secure the right policy reforms, curriculum development, and teacher development to ensure that learning through play is understood, accepted, and implemented. The methodology will subsequently be rolled out to more than 1,000 primary schools in the provinces where the Sesame Workshop initiative is currently active, to further drive understanding about the importance of play. Sesame Workshop and the LEGO Foundation will start rolling out their two-part initiative later this year across applicable media in the targeted provinces.

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