The Bulletin Newspaper - 11 October 2019 by The Bulletin

ISSUE 244 - FREE

OCTOBER 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST

017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)

Political Leaders visit Emzinoni Bosman Grobler, DA Provincial Chairperson with Mmusi Maimane, DA Federal Leader and Jane Sithole, DA Provincial Leader

he upcoming by-elections on Wednesday is starting to heat up as all parties have started to flex their muscles. The by-elections on Wednesday will be a hotly contested one. Four parties will be competing in the by-election; The Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Freedom Front Plus (FF+) and the African National Congress (ANC). The position was left vacant after the resignation of the previous DA Councillor, Marietjie Fourie. The contest is seen, by most, as a race between two parties: the ANC and the DA. The DA received 45% of the votes during the 2016 elections, whereas the ANC secured 39.99%. Three smaller parties contested the election, the EFF secured 4,19%, an independent candidate secured 4,96% and the FF+

secured 4,93%. Any of the smaller parties would have to be the creators of miracles to topple the two biggest parties. The EFF and ANC’s support bases lay mostly within the Emzinoni side of the ward, whilst the FF+ has a traditional voters base in the Bethal side of the ward. The DA’s support is spread throughout the ward. Parties used all the tricks in the book they could to muster support for their candidate. The Freedom Front Plus’, Pieter Groenewald, held a public meeting on Wednesday. The DA’s Provincial Chairperson, Bosman Grobler, held a public meeting on Thursday. Mmusi Maimane, Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance visited Emzinoni and Bethal on Saturday. Mmusi went from house to house to learn first-hand about the hardships that the people of Govan Mbeki Municipality and in particular

Emzinoni and Bethal have to face. Speaking to The Bulletin in a private discussion afterwards he said: “This is a two-horse race. Only the DA and the ANC are big enough to win the ward.” “This is a very important by-election. We are in a municipality that ultimately has been stealing money and are incapable of paying Eskom and Rand water. Where corruption levels are so high that they have been spoken about at the Zondo Commission. The DA is for change. The DA is the only party that is big enough to actually remove the corruption of the ANC. The DA is the only party where black people and white people can work together.” Mmusi expressed his confidence in the DA candidate, Ms Terry-Lee Kleynhans. Pieter Groenewald, FF+, addressed the issue of being a smaller party. Pieter said that the FF+ is no longer a small party but one of the big 5. “We make

a difference with twelve members in parliament, two of which are in the National Council of Provinces. We represent minorities of all races.” He also endorsed Mrs Michelle Rademeyer as their candidate. The Bulletin tried to contact the ANC for commentary, but was unable to make contact with Cllr Mtshali, the Chief Whip of Council. The EFF was also contacted and keen to respond, but did not do so at the time of going to press. The Bulletin also planned a debate between the four candidates that would have been broadcasted on our Facebook on Tuesday. The ANC could not be reached and the EFF was still deciding on their participation to voice their opinion and policies for this important by-election. The FF+ did not respond to the email from The Bulletin.

NEWS

Crime

snippets Company directors sentenced for defrauding the department of education millions of Rands The Nelspruit Regional Court has on Friday, 27 September, convicted and sentenced three accused for defrauding the department of education of R 5.5 Million. The convicted trio; Musawenkosi Caldon Sigasa (47), Jabulile Gladys Gaarekoe (80) and Thabang Nathaniel Gaarekoe (52), who are co-directors of Gauwes Waste Trading and Hlonise Homes Trading, connived and fraudulently received the said money in a period covering the month from August to September 2009. The two companies were not registered with the department nor rendered any service to the department. They were used as a front to defraud the department. The court has sentenced Sigasa to 12 years imprisonment of which four years

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is suspended for a period of five years. Gaarekoe was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment wholly suspended for a period of five years whilst Thabang Nathaniel Gaarekoe was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment of which four years is suspended for five years. The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, has applauded the investigating team, prosecution team and Judiciary for the successful prosecution.

Response to media reports on police van used unlawfully

Police in Mpumalanga are concerned about negative media reports apparently stemming from a video circulating on social media circles wherein a marked police vehicle is seen used to dump waste material reportedly at an illegal dumping site. Police did not waste time in probing this disturbing phenomenon and have so far established the following: - The vehicle had been outsourced to a private panel beating company after it was involved in a collision earlier on and taken to the state garage. - The state garage outsourced the vehicle to the private company as is normal practice. It is then when it was used by people from the private company to dump litter as seen on the video. When the video came to light, police speedily investigated the matter and discovered that the vehicle was allegedly used unlawfully or without consent. It is against this background that the police registered a case docket of using a vehicle without the owner’s consent. The vehicle has since been fixed and was returned to the to the state-owned garage.

Murderer slammed with a hefty life term sentence Stanley Sibiya (37) appeared at the Mpumalanga High Court for sentencing on charges of murder and armed robbery on 4 October. He was found guilty and sentenced to life term imprisonment for Murder and a further 15 years imprisonment for Armed Robbery. The sentences are said to run concurrently. Sibiya was linked through further investigation by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team following a fatal car hijacking on the night of 25 November 2016. He accosted Mr. Jerry Zacharia Theledi (63) whilst entering the driveway at his home in the Marite trust, Mpumalanga. He demanded the car keys of a silver jaguar and his demands were met with resistance. He resorted to shooting and killing Theledi before he fled the scene with the vehicle, a cell phone and a wallet of the deceased. The vehicle was recovered abandoned at the Tshabalala trust the following day. A joint intelligence tracing operation was conducted by the Hawks with Witbank TRT which led to his arrest in Middelburg on 20 July 2017. When he was arrested, he was in possession of fifty rounds of live ammunition. The Hawks’ further investigated and the investigation revealed that Sibiya was on parole at the time of his arrest and the murder incident. He had been previously sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for a brutal murder of his one-year old daughter on 29 March 2005. The Hawks Provincial Head in Mpumalanga, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the investigating team, the prosecution and the Judge for removing hardened criminals who

are posing a danger to the community.

Company bookkeeper and her family members arrested for R 11.5 million fraud Four suspects Lucy Andrea Du Pree (50), John Avent (53), Piet Albertus Meintjies (36) and Maria Antoinette Le Roux (49) were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit on Thursday, 3 October for Fraud and Theft under the Prevention of the Organised Crime Act which is linked with a case that happened in May 2016 whereby the main accused Carol Ann Avent (46), who was employed at Transco CC in Nelspruit, created false beneficiaries and paid the money from the company into different accounts of her family members during the period between 2010 and 2016. The accused was arrested in 2016, charged on 1150 counts of Fraud and she was released on R5000.00 bail. The accused pleaded guilty and was found guilty as charged. The matter was postponed on 12 December 2018 at Nelspruit Regional Court. The four above mentioned suspects were arrested and charged on 3 October for receiving the stolen money into their personal bank accounts and taken to Nelspruit Magistrate Court for the first appearance while Carol Ann Avent appeared in Nelspruit Regional Court for submitting a confiscating order by the Advocate and the case is postponed to 5 November for the specialised Prosecutor. The case of the four suspects was postponed for adding additional accused who also received the stolen money until 5 November. All four accused were released on R3000.00 bail each.

Police looking for man who allegedly killed and buried woman in shallow grave Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Pienaar near Nelspruit, are looking for a man responsible for the murder and burial of a young woman in a shallow grave. The victim’s body was exhumed on 5 October. It is alleged that the woman, who is believed to be 17-years-old, was last seen on 28 September after she visited Mpumalanga with a boyfriend. The discovery of the body came after police were informed by the community that they (community) spotted a shoe protruding from the ground. What caused the community to engage into a search that led to this gruesome discovery, was the reason that the boyfriend, who was reported to have brought the victim to Mpumalanga, was seen digging a hole next to the toilet after the mysterious disappearance of the victim. The boyfriend supposedly left for work back to Gauteng. Family and neighbours became suspicious and went to check the hole where after they made the aforesaid discovery and reported the matter to the police. Police proceeded to the scene, with all other role players being mobilised and indeed a female body was dug up and taken by pathologists. Police have opened a murder case and are making an earnest appeal to the community to assist with the investigation. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Jacky Mbuyane at 082 469 1478 or the SAPS Crime Stop number, 08600 10111. The Mpumalanga’s Provincial

11 October 2019 Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms and requested the community to work with the police in bringing the perpetrator to book. General Zuma said that gender-based violence is top priority in the agenda of policing in the country.

MEC applauds Pienaar community following the recent body exhumation in a shallow grave Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Ms. Gabisile Shabalala has applauded the community of Pienaar, outside Mbombela, for the role that they have played by notifying the police, who immediately acted, following the discovery and exhumation of a body believed to be that of a female on Friday evening. MEC Shabalala said the tipoff is a clear indication of the centrality of communities’ participation in crime prevention and this she added that it was in line with community in blue concept. The concept places the community and CPFs at the centre of preventing crime because the police alone will not prevent and solve crime. It is alleged that the woman, who is believed to be 17-years-old, was last seen on 28 September after she visited Pienaar with a man believed to be her boyfriend. She is reportedly from Gauteng. The discovery of the body came after the police were informed by the community that they have spotted a shoe protruding from the ground in the area. Following an extensive search, the body was discovered buried in a shallow grave in the area. MEC Shabalala has further pleaded with the police to ensure that the suspect is urgently brought to book and that no bail should be granted in this case. She has called for lengthy sentences to be meted out to those who are guilty of gender-based violence. She said that with urgent finalisation of abuse and severely punishing culprits, communities will be inspired to work with the police to bring perpetrators to book. This, she said, will ensure safer communities. Shabalala bemoaned the seemingly unending incidences of women and child abuse in the province. “We are calling on all communities to work with government in order to bring an end to the scourge,” said the MEC. She has also encouraged women to walk away from abusive boyfriends and partners and not wait until it is too late. The MEC also encouraged parents to look after their girlchildren and also discouraged them from dating older men for monetary benefits. She has called for constant monitoring of children’s social media activities as part of preventing girls from falling prey to online monsters posing as their friends. Shabalala has pleaded for more support to survivors of abuse so that they do not feel more victimised.

Romans 13:9: The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not steal,” You shall not covet” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

NEWS

11 October 2019

Transport Month campaign launched by President Ramaphosa

https://www.gov.za/events/transportmonth The Transport Month campaign is an annual feature on the calendar of the Department of Transport and is one the platforms and vehicles through which the department engages directly with its stakeholders. An effective Transport system has a significant impact on both the economic and social fabric of our country. It influences the economy in many ways, through its impact on the efficiency of business operations and labour mobility and, for its citizens, the attractiveness of South Africa as a place in which to live and prosper. Transport Month was first launched

in October 2005. It seeks to raise awareness of the important role of transport in the economy and to invite participation from civic society and business, in providing a safer, more affordable, accessible and reliable transport system for the country. The specific objectives of October Transport Month are to: - Make people aware of the role of transport in growing and developing our economy and its importance to our citizens in their everyday lives - Highlight important challenges in building an effective, safe, affordable, accessible and reliable transport

system - Promote the use of public transport in order to reduce traffic congestion - Promote a greater awareness of road safety behaviour for both users of vehicles and for pedestrians - Engage stakeholders in all modes, in order that we may collectively prepare our transport system for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup and use this as a springboard for the continued success of our economy and people in the decades that follow. This excerpt was taken from the website: https://www.gov.za/events/ transport-month

Forensics team. Incidents, like this one, continue to grow in and around eMbalenhle. When The Bulletin was on the scene, community members were standing in groups blaming the gang groups in the area and said that they are behind

these continuous and senseless killings. The boyfriend appeared in court but was denied bail. He remains in custody and will appear in court again later in October. - Sandile Mkhwanazi

Man murdered in eMbalenhle Residents of eMbalenhle woke up to shocking news when a passer-by saw a man lying in a pool of blood on a gravel road near the water tanks in extension 15. The passer-by called the neighbours to come and look at the gruesome scene. The police and the ambulance were called. They arrived and declared the man dead on the scene. At this time, the identity of the man cannot be revealed. The incident of this brutal killing appears to have happened on Monday night, 30 September as he was only discovered on Tuesday morning, 1 October. The police opened an inquest docket and other details are still being confirmed by the Pathology and

eMbalenhle police makes swift arrest in extension 18 A mother of 2 young girls, between the ages of 5 and 7, has been arrested for Child Neglect and Failure to Report a Crime, after her one little girl told her mother that three (3) well known males raped her when she was left alone at home while the mother went out with her boyfriend. The mother told the little girl not to tell anyone about this, but the little girl told one of the neighbours. The neighbour reported the matter to an off-duty police officer, Constable Mbonane, who stays in the same street. Constable Mbonane opened a case of Rape, Child Neglect and Failure to Report the crime. The mother of the child and three males were arrested

in the afternoon of 1 October by eMbalenhle SAPS Vispol along with Sgt P. Monagane and Constable Mtsweni from Secunda FCS unit. The investigation is still in progress and all accused will appear in Evander Magistrates Court on Thursday, 3 October. The mother was charged with Child Neglect and Failure to report Crime and the three accused males were charged with Rape and Molestation. Well done to the neighbour who helped and listened to the young girl when she spoke up. That is a true act of bravery. Well done to the SAPS team involved. - Sandile Mkhwanazi

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Ds Marius Britz Die hele gedagte het begin toe vriend Ernie en ek deur die aftree-oord ry waar hy vir homself ‘n eenheid gekoop het: “Jy weet mater, tien jaar terug sou mense vir ons gelag het as hulle gehoor het waaroor ons vandag praat.” Hy bly so bietjie stil, kry so laggie en sê: “Ons sou vir onsself gelag het. Dat twee sulke sterk bulle nou ooit oor sulke goed sou praat! Ondenkbaar!” Ons twee bekyk die ouetehuis se verskillende eenhede met aandag. Soos twee meerkatte agter ‘n miershoop beloer ons die omgewing. Ons praat oor die meenthuisies vir die sterkes bo vyftig, die woonsteleenhede vir die oueres en alleenlopers, die hoësorgeenheid vir fisies verswakte bejaardes. Ons twee kyk met groot oë, ons oe en aa oor die vindingrykheid van die argitekte wat die plek ontwerp het. Eetsaal, swembad, biblioteek, gimnasium. “Wow,” sê ons. Met dieselfde stemtoon waarmee ons in die ou dae gepraat het oor industriële boormasjiene, Ferrari’s en BMW-motorfietse. (Dalk ook oor ‘n bikini of twee op die strand…) Dit, presies dit, is waaraan ek vanmiddag dink toe ek my bejaarde moeder met die rystoel instoot in die aftreeoord hier in Pretoria waar ek en sy by haar suster oornag. Die surrealisme van die werklikheid tref: baie mense wat hier woon is so oud soos ek. Die meeste ook ouer, toegegee, maar steeds skrikwekkend realisties. In die voorportaal skuifel ‘n paar lywe rond, sommige op eie stoom, andere met looprame en kieries. Party staar met openlike afwagting na ons om seker te maak dis nie dalk hulle kuiergaste waarop hulle reeds maande vergeefs wag om te kom kuier nie. Dit is asof Jacques Brel kliphard in die gange begin sing: “The old folks don’t talk much / And they talk so slowly when they do / They are rich, they are poor,

their illusions are gone / They share one heart for two.” Soos ons deur die lang gange vorder, kom daar uit elke woonstel reuke. Party is besig om ‘n worsie gaar te maak vir aandete. Een tannietjie is dapper genoeg om skons te bak in haar piepklein kombuisie. Maar sterker as al die reuke, die reuk van Zambuksalf. Van sterk kruie en Lennons se medisynekas met witdulsies en jamaikagemmer. Van boererate. Verbeel jy jou, of ruik jy cannabisolie iewers? Olie wat klaarblyklik rugpyne, dementia, Alzheimers, angs en slaaploosheid onder andere besweer. Party mense glo selfs dat dit die groot K-woord kan genees. Daar is ook ander reuke, wat jy verkies om nie te identifiseer nie. Reuke wat ‘n sterk appèl maak op jou snaarstyf gespande reuksintuig. Brel brul steeds in jou kop: “Their homes all smell of thyme, of old photographs / And an oldfashioned song / Though you may live in town, you live so far away / When you’ve lived too long.” Die oorverdowende klanke maak ‘n aanspraak op jou ore. Hans le Grange se konsertina in die een woonstel, Jim Reeves in die volgende een, SABC se nuus elders. Erens is RSG reeds op volle volume gedraai om nie die aanddiens te mis nie. Verder af in die gebou sing Richard Tauber One day when we were young. Twee mense iewers diep in gesprek met klipharde stemme. Daarmee saam, die geluide van mense wat hoes, keel skoonmaak, steun en kreun. Een wat kliphard op die foon praat, ‘n ander een wat tevergeefs soek na die selfoon wat aanmekaar lui. Brel dreun voort in jou kop: “And have they laughed too much, / do their dry voices crack / Talking of times gone by / And have they cried too much, / a tear or two / Still always seems to cloud the eye.” Dit tref jou dat daar, ten spyte van die minder helder indrukke en sintuiglike waarnemings, tog ook iets anders teenwoordig is. Orde, waardigheid, aanvaarding. Mense wat met grasie aanvaar dat die lewe nie staties is nie, dat jy nie altyd jonk en sterk en gesond is nie, dat loopbane en groot huise dinge is wat ophou. Mense wat met gesag nog saampraat oor sake van die dag, die ekonomie, die politiek, die

sport. Mense wat onder in die deeglik ontwerpte sitkamer sit en gil oor die Bokke se spel in die wêreldbeker, wat raad skreeu aan Kolisi en Eben en Jantjies soos die wedstryd vorder. Mense wat deur die meule gegaan het, soos druiwe deur ‘n pars, en anderkant uitgekom het as beleë, goed verouderde rooiwyn. Mense met wysheid. Mense met dignitas en gravitas. Mense met entoesiasme. Mense wat in die hede leef, nie in die verlede of in eendag as ons groot is nie. Miskien is Brel effe eensydig, dink ek hier in my eerste nag wat ek in die ouetehuis slaap, as hy sing: “ They tremble as they watch the old silver clock / When day is through / It tick-tocks oh so slow, it says, “Yes,” it says, “No” / It says,

“I’ll wait for you.” Dis waar, en ook nie waar nie. Ook as Brel sing: “The old folks dream no more / The books have gone to sleep / the piano’s out of tune /The little cat is dead and no more do they sing / On a Sunday Afternoon.” Dit kan waar wees. Maar dit hoef nie waar te wees nie. Jy kies jou waarheid. Ek dink aan my predikantvriend in Witbank se gemeente, waar een oom in die aftreeoord op die ouderdom van 95 nog die gemeente se afkondigings elektronies gedoen en op die gemeente se webblad gelaai het. Ek kyk, hoor, en ruik. Verseker. Maar meeste van alles leer ek, hier op my eerste nag in die ouetehuis. Al is my verblyf tans net tydelik.

Tannie Poppie se: Gebakte murgpampoen 3 klein botterskorsies, in blokkies gesny 750 ml hoenderaftreksel 500 ml melk 3 ml kaneel 1 ml fyn gemmer 1 ml fyn neutmuskaat 5 ml kerriepoeier 125 ml room 1. Kook die botterskorsies in

COPYRIGHT All rights of reproduction of all reports, photographs, drawings and other materials are hereby expressively reserved in terms of section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act No 96 of 1978 and any amendments thereof. Banking details: The Bulletin Absa RBB Commercial Secunda Branch code: 637256 Account number: 408 499 2285 Checque /Current account

11 October 2019

Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee

die aftreksel tot sag. Laat effens afkoel. 2. Versap tot glad. 3. Voeg die melk, kaneel, gemmer, neut muskaat en kerriepoeier, indien gebruik, saam. 4. Herverhit die sop. Roer gereeld. 5. Skep in bakkies en roer room by in elke bakkie.

11 October 2019

SPORT NEWS

Breast Cancer Awareness Month As women we sometimes set our health aside because there is always something more important: getting the kids to school and activities like plays and sports on time, being a mother, a lover and a mistress to our husbands while working fulltime. Breast Cancer is much more prevalent in our community than we realise. Statistics have shown that 1 in 28 women in South Africa will develop breast cancer in their life. That is 3.6%! That is not all. Did you know that men can develop breast cancer too? Breast Cancer will appear in 1% of men. (leadsa.co.za/articles/288124/breastcancers-stats-facts) Everyone knows someone that has been diagnosed with breast cancer or has been that person who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Thanks to modern medicine, there are numerous breast cancer survivors. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, here are some questions and answers on how to recognise breast cancer. Cancer doesn’t distinguish between race, age or

economic circumstances. This silent killer will choose anyone and start growing indiscriminately. Breast Cancer mostly affects older women, but younger women sometimes also fall victim to it. Do a selfbreast exam often, visit your doctor as soon as you feel you felt a lump in any of your breasts or under your arms and never be scared to ask for a second opinion. Technology today is so advanced that the stories our mothers told us about when they were young sound implausible. Mammogram technology has advanced considerably, low-energy x-rays are used to examine the breasts for any microcalcifications or anything out of the ordinary. Low-energy x-rays mean that there is very little radiation one gets exposed to. Women, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to take care of yourself by diligently doing selfexaminations and going for regular mammograms. Teach your daughters how to do the examinations, nurturing their awareness of this illness and how to identify it at an early stage. Let us, as women, take the time and get tested! - Ané Prinsloo

CANSA Cosmos hosts Superheroes Relay for Life Each year there is a special ceremony that takes place on the Cansa calendar. The Cansa Relay for Life! This year’s theme was: Superheroes. The Cansa Relay for Life website has the following statement: “At the heart of CANSA Relay for Life is the opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, to remember those who have left us and create awareness about cancer.” The relay is really a celebration and mostly a celebration for those who survived cancer. There is a survivor ceremony and also moments to remember those that are no longer with us. This year saw the remembrance of two survivors that, unfortunately, lost the fight at the last minute, Tanya Strydom and Aart Reedijk. Both made a huge impact on their friends, colleagues and family. They were truly inspirational to others. Aart lost his fight on 22 September and Tanya on 24 September. Tanya suffered from Breast Cancer and

early in 2019 heard that the cancer returned. Tanya received treatment but was told on 28 August that the treatment was unsuccessful. Aart’s treatment went well but about two weeks before he passed away, he told me, Encee van Huyssteen, that although some tests were positive other had to be scrutinised. I, as representative of The Bulletin and Aart’s son had the privilege of lighting a candle in memory of Aart. Tanya’s family also lit a candle in memory of her. The whole ceremony was very emotional for everyone involved. But Cansa Relay for Life is not only about remembering. It is also about celebrating those who survived. Cancer can be beaten and by the number of survivors that was present, a lot of people are joining the ranks of the survivors every day. Afriforum also presented Aart’s son and Tanya’s family with bouquets, expressing their condolences.

The CANSA Relay for Life organisers

Highveld Ridge Primary

The SANBS mobile team

NEWS

11 October 2019

Down’s Syndrome Awareness Month

https://www.denverpost. com/2018/03/16/the-realdown-syndrome-problem/

The definition of Down’s Syndrome is as follows: a congenital disorder arising from a chromosome defect, causing intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities including short stature and a broad facial profile. It arises from a defect involving chromosome 21, usually an extra copy (trisomy-21). Not only is this month Breast Cancer Awareness month, but also Down’s Syndrome Awareness Month and on 20 October it is National Down’s Syndrome Awareness Day. The theme for this year is: IT’S ALL IN THE “GENES”. Most people are not aware of what Down’s Syndrome is or what people look like with Down’s Syndrome. This is a sad and ill-fated fact and most people just turn a blind eye when confronted by someone with Down’s Syndrome. This is human nature to ignore and look past things we do not know about or we do not want to acknowledge. Children born with Down’s Syndrome do resemble their parents, but with a broader facial appearance. The broader facial appearance is just one of a few things Down’s Syndrome children can be born with. There are various other challenges they can be born with, for example: muscle hypotonia (double jointed), short stature, hearing may be affected in up to 65% of people with Down’s

Syndrome, 50% struggle with vision problems, 40 – 50% have congenital heart defects and epicanthal folds (small skin folds on the inner corner of the eyes). These are just to mention a few. Another unknown factor of Down’s Syndrome is the rapid ageing in adults with Down’s Syndrome. This means that they experience ageing at an earlier stage than other adults. As mentioned, this is unknown, but could be related to the 21st chromosome they were born with. The early ageing can also cause a number of different issues, e.g.: cataracts, sleep apnoea and visual or hearing difficulties (these are only a few). These issues can lead to someone thinking that they are being difficult, but it all could just be caused by the different symptoms these issues come with. Support National Down’s Syndrome Day, 20 October by wearing your ‘Jeans’ and purchase a “Genes Day Awareness Sticker” for R 10.00 in recognition of this National Awareness Day. People with Down’s Syndrome are the most loving people one can come across. They are always smiling, have a positive attitude and ready with a hug. – Ané Prinsloo Source: http://www.downsyndrome. org.za

Ekhaya Mall sod turning ceremony

An exciting event took place on Thursday, 3 October, in Ward 32 in eMbalenhle. The first phase of the Ekhaya Mall has started and the sod turning ceremony took place! The event was opened with a beautiful reading and prayer by Pastor Michael Zikubu, who was introduced by Mr David Mgidi, the programme director. The land was blessed by Pastor Solly Mahlangu, but before blessing the land he spoke about obstacles and criticism and how important these two things are to grow. Mr Thulani Kgomo, one of the partners of Ekhaya Mall, spoke about the vision he and his brother, Mr William Kgomo, had and how now, thanks to Cashbuild and S Identity Holdings, this vision will be brought to life. He also said that growing up in eMbalenhle, this is their way of giving back to the community because it is all about the community. Mr David Liebermann, co-owner (S Identity Holdings) and project leader, was excited to announce that there

will be 180 trees planted around the mall’s site to commemorate those who have lost loved ones. This initiative was inspired by his late partner, Mr Vusi Shabalala. The first tree that will be planted on site will be the Vusi Shabalala tree, in his memory. Themba Lukhele, Ward 32 ANC councillor, demanded 60% to go to Ward 32. It was not made clear whether it was money or shares, nor was it made clear how the 60% would be distributed. Executive Mayor Thandi Ngxonono said that she was happy that this is happening in eMbalenhle as this will create jobs and grow the local economy. She also laughed and said that GMM has shares in the mall. This comment was met with laughter by the crowd. She also condemned anything that will hurt this project and said that the councillors will speak to the community. The event was extremely well organised and thoroughly enjoyed by all! - Ané Prinsloo

11 October 2019

SPORT NEWS

Thumbs up to nurses from extension 14 clinic eMbalenhle VACANCIES

Social media is a buzz after someone posted a short compliment directed at the staff working at the local Community Health Centre in eMbalenhle, extension 14. The beautiful post was posted on the Facebook page of eMbalenhle 2285. The compliments had been pouring in from Saturday morning until now. Different community members from around eMbalenhle said that they have experienced great service at the extension 14 Community Health Centre. One cannot run away from the fact that the government facilities, especially those under the Govan Mbeki Municipality, are under pressure because of the enormous number of people they have to assist on a daily basis. Some comments mentioned the names of other local clinics who are allegedly underperforming. They labelled these clinics as trashy clinics. These clinics’ names cannot be mentioned but judging by the pictures that were provided to The Bulletin, it is very disturbing. “The community would like to take this opportunity and applaud the staff at the Community Health Centre in extension 14 for their hard work. The community hopes that this clinic’s staff continues to serve the community with care even though it is a treacherous task due to the large number of people in eMbalenhle. Often people resort to

PROPERTIES EIENDOMME TO ADVERTISE CALL 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845

A big thank you to Highveld Filters and Timber City for donating paint to the Secunda Fire Department.

Damesoggend terdeë geniet Saterdagoggend het dames die geleentheid gehad om te luister na Daniël de Kock by Hoërskool Secunda. Dié damesoggend was om geld in te samel vir die Nasionale Landsdiens Kamp, te Kaapstad, vir die streek. Daniël de Kock het die dames

VAKATURES

social media when things are not going well in local clinics or government departments but when things are going well, they keep quiet,” said one of the comments on Facebook. Sandile Mkhwanazi

vermaak met snaakse stories en ook gesê dat ‘n mens meer positief moet wees en die negatiewe moet uitsny. Hy het ook 12 van sy rangskikkings opgeveil. Die oggend was ‘n groot sukses en die koeke op die verskillende tafels het gaste se monde laat water. – Ané Prinsloo

NEWS

11 October 2019

SERVICES Hoërskool Oosterland Matriek afskeid TO ADVERTISE CALL: 017 631 1903 017 631 1845 MARIËTTE 083 476 2860 ANNALIE 082 906 0546

Happy Tods Day Care concert The Happy Tods Day Care concert and graduation was held at the Nederduitsch Church next to Laerskool Secunda on Friday, 4 October. The theme for this year’s concert was Under the Sea. The atmosphere was filled with childlike excitement as children and parents

were all excited to see their children and brothers or sisters perform. A few little ones were bitten with the stage fright bug, but the others went all out and performed to the best of their abilities and these children surprised everyone with their dance moves! A few students graduated that evening

and looked charming in their togas. The event was truly one to remember and the excitement for next year’s concert is already looming in the air. Well done to the teachers, who put in all the time and effort with these little gems that performed and made everyone proud. – Ané Prinsloo

Neverland Circus not to be missed! Find us on Facebook - The Bulletin -

11 October 2019

SPORT SCHOOL

Hoërskool Oosterland spog met kultuur, sport en matrieks Oosterland se Eerste Krieketspan speel in die Mpumalanga semi-finaal eerskomende naweek. Op 12 Oktober kom hulle te staan teen HTS Ligbron. Dit sal ‘n tuiswedstryd vir die Oosies wees wat tans nog onoorwonne in die liga is. Die Eerstespan was verlede jaar ook die liga kampioene en is sterk oppad om hulle doelwit hierdie jaar weer te bereik! Oosies groet hulle matrieks op ‘n formele wyse. Maandag 7 Oktober was ‘n groot dag vir die Gr 12-leerders. Hulle het ‘n geleentheid gekry om van die skool, maats en onderwysers afskeid te neem op die tradisionele wyse. Daar word Matriek Oscars uitgedeel, die skoolklok word gelui en die skoollied vir oulaas gesing. Dit was ‘n feestelike geleentheid, maar met die nodige stukkie nostalgie wat gepaard gaan met ‘n laaste skoolgeleentheid. Op die foto is Jan-Hendrik Nel, Gr 12 leerder, besig om die klok te lui. Op die ander foto staan die skool erewag vir die Gr 12 leerders sodat hulle die

klok kan lui. Dit is die laaste week van skool vir Matrieks. Janco Viljoen, leerder van Hs

Laerskool Krielpark was 2e in die hengelliga hierdie jaar. Die henglspan het gekwalifiseer om na die SA Skole Kampioene van Kampioene (SA Champ of Champs 2019) te gaan. Hulle het die naweek van 27 September by die Nyl gehengel en het 3e in die land geindig.

Oosterland is deur Beeld/Media24 aangewys as een van die Topleerlinge in Afrikaanse Huistaal. Hy het

deelgeneem aan ‘n skryfkompetisie en het onder die eerste 15 leerders geeindig, tussen 1000 inskrywings.

Learners from Highveld Ridge Primary took part in the Astro quiz last term. The Astro Quiz 2019 took part in two rounds; rounds 1 and 2. The team won round 1 and placed 3rd in the Gert Sibande round. The team came 4th in Round 4 which was in the Mpumalanga finals. Well done! FLTR: Megan Bezuidenhout, Karabo Sebiloane, Mrs GW van Deventer, Siyabonga Gulube, Silindokuhle Kunene.

Laerskool Secunda/Vodacom ‘celebrity’ gholfdag ŉ reuse sukses Secunda, Mpumalanga – Laerskool Secunda het die afgelope Saterdag hul jaarlikse gholfdag by Graceland aangebied. Hierdie dag was trots geborg deur Vodacom in samewerking met Fireplace Roadhouse, Nextec en Skyriders. Vodacom het hul besigheid se naam hoog gehou deur albei eerste en tweede plekke te verower.

Ls Hoeveld Links agter is Stephan Pienaar, Declan Le Clus, Michael van Loggerenberg. Voor links Chane de Beer, Wade Klasen, TJ vd Berg Voor in die Middel is Wade Klasen wat die verste dryf gewen het vir die dag.

Die bekende Kurt Darren en Dewald Wasserfall het ook in die gholfdag gespeel. Laerskool Secunda bedank graag alle borge, spelers en rolspelers wat van hierdie dag ŉ reuse sukses gemaak het. Aangeheg is Vodacom se wenspanne saam met Kurt Darren en Dewald Waserfall.

SCHOOL

Laerskool Kruinpark spog Literacy Day het 2 Oktober by Sasolia Primary plaasgevind. Waar twee van Laerskool Kruinpark se leerders deelgeneem het. Mischa Oosthuysen het 1ste plek verower in unprepared reading en Dezané van Heerden het 2de plek ontvang vir public speaking! Hokkie Bianca Alberts en Celine Burger is altwee leerders van Laerskool Kruinpark. Die twee Graad 6 leerders gaan in Desember Hokkie speel in Nederland! Hulle altwee het vanjaar Mpumalanga Hokkie gespeel wat in Tzaneen was. Hulle speel al saam hokkie van Graad 1 af en het nog nooit opgehou nie! Bianca speel netbal en tennis en het provinsiale kleure vir dans, hokkie en

tennis. Bianca speel tans vir die 1ste span tennis en speel ook by Tennis SA waar sy deel is van die span. Celine speel ook netbal, is deel van die fietsry span en doen gimnastiek. Sy het ook provinsiale kleure in haar onderskeie sportsoorte. Nederland is bekend vir die beste hokkie afrigters in die Wêreld. Die hokkietoer word deur Vision Sport aangebied wat jong potensiële speler raaksien en die kans gun om verder te ontwikkel. Die jong spelers gaan streekswedstryde en klubwedstryde speel waar professionele afrigters gaan fokus op tegniek en afrigting. Baie geluk aan hierdie meisies!

11 October 2019

Spur MTB Finale 27 & 28 September Hoërskool Wagpos Die naweek van 27 September was dit die Spur-liga se MTB finale gewees by Hoërskool Wagpos. Hoërskool Secunda het ses fietsryers gehad wat deurgedring het na die finale toe. Hulle is Aneesa Hartman, Geané Engelbrecht, Talitha Spengler, Waldu Bakker, Renaldo le Roux en Zegert Niewoudt. Dag 1: Aneesa Hartman, Sub Junior, 35ste plek. Geané Engelbrecht, Youth(15), 2de plek Talitha Spengler, Youth(16), 23ste plek Waldu Bakker, Youth(16), 26ste plek Renaldo le Roux, Junior men, 62ste plek Zegert Nieuwoudt, Junior men, geval Dag2: Aneesa Hartman, 36ste plek Geané Engelbrecht, 2de plek Talitha Spengler, 23ste plek Waldu Bakker, 19de plek Renaldo le Roux, 59ste plek Zegert Nieuwoudt, 53ste plek.

Geané Engelbrecht (2de in MTB Finals)

Voor vlnr: Geané Engelbrecht, Talitha Spengler, Aneesa Hartman. Agter vlnr: Waldu Bakker, Renaldo le Roux, Zegert Niewoudt

Laerskool Goedehoop se sterre

Melissa Mostert, ‘n Gr. 9 leerder van Hoërskool Secunda, het tydens die afgelope vakansie in Durban aan die SA Kampioenskappe vir Ritmiese Gimnastiek deelgeneem. Sy behaal ‘n 2de plek vir Vlak 5 in haar ouderdomsgroep (0/15) asook Free dance: Silwer medalje Hoepel: Goue medalje, Algehele puntestand: 2de plek in haar ouderdom landwyd.

Die volgende dansers het baie goed presteer tydens die SA’s Skole Danssport op Saterdag, 21 September 2019. Voor: Andrè Kleynhans, Divan van der Merwe, Priscilla Pretorius, Conrad Powell, Cornè Olivier. Agter: Kaydan van Rooyen, Joshua Pearson, Me. Sandrie Faber (Afrigter), Altus Liebenberg

During the holidays, Rylen Mestry, a Gr. 8 student at Hoërskool Secunda, competed as part of the Mpumalanga team at the International Expo for Young Scientists and received a silver medal.

Die volgende atlete het uitstekend gevaar by die Skole Landloop SA’s Saterdag, 21 Oktober 2019 te Pretoria. Voor: Liam Olivier (4de), Minay Campher (9de), Luan Greyling (8ste). Agter: Danankia Lesch (10de), Elri Kruger (4de), Roxy-Lee Fick (7de)

SPORT

11 October 2019

Rainbow Race and Rainbow Fest success On Saturday, 5 October the third Rainbow Race took place at Lake Umuzi. The race was hosted by Sasol Marathon Club. The total number of entries for the Rainbow Race was 414 for the various distances. Lebohang Marima was the first male on the 21.1km with a time of 1:10:18, Helena Joubert was the first female on the 21.1km, her time was 1:26:27. Both these winners are members of Sasol Marathon Club. The 10km winners were Sibusia Kubeka from Ethikweni with a time of 31:56 and Ntombisodwa Ncongwane from Evander Gold Club ended with a time of 46:39. Thank you to all the volunteers for helping out on the day.

Laerskool Krielpark kampioene

Mandi hitting good form

MANDI HITTING GOOD FORM

#PPL2019. The highly anticipated cue sport league in for Mpumalanga hits full 000 swing.inOn 6 October 20 of #PPL2019. The highly anticipated cue a prize of R20 December. the best players in played in the 2nd Round the PANDA PREMIER LEAGUE 2019. dominate the top sport league Mpumalanga hitsoffull Will the local players swing. On 6 October 20 of the best 8 or could we see Shane (Hendrina), Mandi, Shane and Jacobus have completed a useful round of Blackball at Pandas Cue Sport. The Top players played in the 2nd Round of the Collin (Witbank) or Kenket (Middelburg) 8 players in the league will complete the PPL2019 for a prize of R20 000 in December. Will the local PANDA PREMIER LEAGUE 2019. feature in the last 8? players dominate the top 8 or could we see Shane (Hendrina), Collin (Witbank) or Kenket Mandi, Shane and Jacobus have Next PPL2019 matches will be played at (Middelburg) feature in the last 8? completed a useful round of Blackball Panda’s on 20 October. at Pandas Cue Sport. Top 8atplayers PPL2019 Next PPL2019 matches willThe be played Panda’s on 20 October. is sponsored by Savana Nonin the league will complete the PPL2019 Alcohol – Henry Erasmus PPL2019 is sponsored by Savana Non-Alcohol – Henry Erasmus POS

NAME

PLAYED

WIN

LOSE

BONUS

AVG

Mandi Mente

0.7

Shane Nolan

0.568

Collin Dube

0.57

Hendry Erasmus

0.564

Jacobus Le Roux

0.761

Kenket Marumo

0.559

Joseph Kgomo

0.553

Paul Khumalo

0.611

Kyle Jonker

0.517

Peter Nwaila

-4

0.474

Frans Muller

-9

0.449

Orlando Pestana

0.544

Joseph Mtsweni

0.658

Adam Nel

-3

0.478

Enock Mkhwebane

-2

0.487

-31

0.293

afdeling. Saterdag het Tiaan Carelse ‘n silwer medalje in die 0/13, 0/30 kg Vrystyl afdeling gewen en Nico van den Berg het eerste gekom in die Senior Vrystyl, 0/61kg tydens die SA Proewe. Sasol Stoeiklub is baie trots op die stoeiers se prestasies – nou is die mik punt om die goue medaljes te gaan verower volgende jaar.

POINTS

Gladwell Nyanstumbe

Op 27 September en 28 September het SA Jeug Stoei Kampioenskappe en die SA Proewe plaasgevind in Pretoria. Vrydag het Tiaan Carelse ‘n silwer medalje verower in die 0/13, 0/30kg Grieks-Romeins afdeling en Jordan Webb het ‘n brons medalje verower in die 0/13, 0/48 kg afdeling. Pieter Bezuidenhout het ‘n silwer medalje verower in die 0/9 Vrystyl

Willie Le Roux

-14

0.375

Kagiso Komape

-30

0.266

Sylvia Pieterse

-26

0.319

Andre Van Wyk

-18

0.263

Voor: VLNR: Reagen Meyer, Tiaan Carelse, Pieter Bezuidenhout, Jordan Webb. Agter: VLNR: Me. Erika Meyer, (Spanbestuurder), Zander Scheepers, Mnr Johan van Den Berg – Afrigter, Nico van den Berg.

Photo: Willie Le Roux in action vs Paul Khumalo

Willie Le Roux in action vs Paul Khumalo

Robokids participated at the World Robotics Olympiad Nationals on Friday, 27 September. The competition was tough, but that did not deter the teams and they gave it their all. Robokids are incredibly proud of their achievements. Both teams ranked in the top 10 for the category they competed in, in South Africa! Well done!

11 OCTOBER

2019

Bulletin

Is this the end for AC?

“

Anybody and everybody’s going to get it. I’m not racing through my division. I’m cleaning it out.” Max Holloway “I was about 7 or 8 years old when there was a rally on my grandfather’s farm. I fell in love with the sport and when I was 17, my dream became my reality! I have been blessed to have the opportunity to have my own car and amazing sponsors,” said AC Potgieter. The world of rallying is one of the most competitive worlds one can enter, but to AC Potgieter this world feeds his competitive soul and pushes him to exceed expectations every time he is behind the wheel. When AC started competing in rallies, he did not have a licence yet. This meant that should the rally have stages that required the drivers to drive on public tar roads, his then navigator, Tommy du Toit, would drive on the tar and as soon as they reached gravel roads, they would switch back. Tommy started with AC when AC started his career in 2012, but for the last three years Nico Swartz has been driving with AC. Nico was contacted by AC in 2017 and asked if he would be interested to navigate for him. This came after Nico returned from the 2016 World Rally Championship. Nico studies a rally track for approximately 20 hours before any rally. He starts the weekend before the rally to write his notes ensure he knows exactly where to give what command to AC. After his notes he receives a video of all the stages and with this video he double and triple checks that his notes are correct and that, should there be changes, he can update his notes. Nico and AC also has one chance to drive the tracks, with a normal car and from there his notes are final. When Nico navigates, he does not say: “Turn left in 50 metres and the turn will be very sharp.” They use a different

language as there is no time to waste. Turns are numbered from 1 – 9. The numbers would tell AC if the turn is a sharp turn or a long turn. AC can also tell from what he is told whether or not he can cut a turn or not. Nico will also give AC information about the next two or three turns that are ahead. This is what Nico would say to AC when navigating: “4… 3… 2… 1… 50 stay straight, right 3 tightens to a 6 flat, 60 fork right to a 7 tightens to 9 narrow…” When AC started to compete in rallies it was much easier. He had time to practice and get the feel of his car. His first car was a Toyota Tazz. As his career progressed and he entered the more competitive circuit, there was less time to practice. He would only test the car before a rally because of the extensive services a car has to go through. He also changed to a higher performance car: an S1600 Volkswagen Polo. When the car has to go for a service, the whole car gets taken apart and will be put back together by the support team. This means that each and every small bolt and screw will be removed cleaned and put back to ensure that everything is 100% perfect for the next rally. During a rally, they can only service the car when the organisers allocated an allotted time for a service. To explain it better: in Formula 1 races the drivers have pitstops to change tyres, for example. These allocated times are exactly the same except the time differs. Instead of 3 or 4 seconds, the support team will have 20 or 40 minutes to service the car. In other words, the support team will have to change a gearbox or steering column in 20 or 40 minutes. If a tyre bursts during a stage, AC and Nico would have to change the tyre by themselves and cannot accept any tools or assistance from anyone. They are also only allowed to use the tools they have in the car. If the shell of the

car is dented or hurt in anyway, a new one can be used or just certain parts of the shell will be replaced. AC and Nico once completed a stage with AC’s door (driver’s door) open after an incident occurred. This did not deter these two and driving at the speeds they do, I would have definitely not have driven the car! I asked AC if he had had any serious injuries. He looked at me shyly and a naughty grin appeared on his face. While grinning, a childlike excitement filled his eyes and he laughed: “No. I have had some bumps and bruises.” AC has competed with the likes of Guy Botterill, who has approximately 10 years’ experience on AC. Still, AC gives him a run for his money at every rally event. When asked if he is retiring from rally driving, a simple answer was given: “I cannot confirm or deny that I am retiring from rally driving…” And that was said with a naughty grin on his face again.

I asked him why the rumours of retirement have spread like wildfire, AC enlightened me with a little more detail. He does not go into too much detail, but what it comes down to is that a complaint was lodged against him by another rally driver. The alleged complaint is regarding the new test model 1 litre Volkswagen he was driving this year. The complaint is allegedly regarding a hole, where the number plate is normally mounted, in the bumper. AC said that they will not go down without a fight and has lodged a dispute at Motorsport South Africa to contest these allegations. AC’s competitive nature has brought him to where he is today, not without any challenges on his path. AC definitely has a bright future ahead of him and whatever he decides to do, retire or to continue driving (we all hope the latter), he will most certainly have the community behind him. Because as they say: “It takes a community…” – Ané Prinsloo

Nico Swartz and AC Potgieter: the winning team!