The Bulletin Newspaper - 12 July 2019

ISSUE 232 - FREE

12 JULY

2019

COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST

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

Bethal water problems continue Bethal has been plagued with water supply problems for a very long time.

Bethal suffered the most during the December 2018 and January 2019 period. During this time water supply was non-existent for up to 26 days!

In an article dated 18 January 2019, The Bulletin wrote the following: “The problems at Bethal just compounded the whole water issue. Water is not being pumped into the reservoir at Bethal Rand. When water is finally pumped into the reservoir it is only for a short time or only until it is full.

The reservoir then must feed a large section of Bethal and soon dries up.

Some residents have been without water for over 26 days!”

In an article dated 11 January 2019, The Bulletin wrote the following; “Residents questions to the municipality are answered with a number of different answers. It ranges from “it’s filling up” to “Rand Water is pumping at 100%” and water will be opened after the reservoir level is enough for distribution.”

The water problems once again rose to the forefront when Bethal’s water once again dried up. The hardest hit was once again the same areas, Bethal Rand, extension 3 and extension 8.

During the water problems at the beginning of the year several people donated water to the residents of Bethal. People cried when they received water.

The excuses ranged from stolen water to broken and old pipes. At one stage there was talk of a pump problem and water disappearing between Bethal and Trichardt. Michelle Viljoen Rademeyer, of the FF+, arranged a water truck to help with the water supply. A lot of people also donated water from their boreholes.

Next story was that Rand Water had a breakdown and the Mayor said, according to Michelle, that Rand Water is working on the problem. On 1 July the problem still persisted with GMM supplying several water trucks to alleviate the problem.

Then came the most shocking news...

Water is being syphoned between Bethal and Trichardt. According to a source in the municipality, the water is drained through illegal connections.

According to those sources several cases of theft have been made at the Trichardt Police station. The Bulletin has not been able to verify these claims and visited the area to try and ascertain the origin of these allegations.

The Bulletin was unable to confirm the claims of water theft. A few photographs and videos were doing the rounds giving substance to the claims of water theft.

Next, a pipe burst in Davel road, compounding to the problems.

The following Whatsapp was received from GMM: “Please be informed that, during our water leaks investigations in region 1, we discovered another 200 mm pipe burst next to SPCA in Bethal town.”

“The Pipe could not be repaired,” said Michelle, “they said that they will keep me informed as to when it will be repaired.”

Festenstein Street saw a 450 mm pipe rupture causing the whole town to be without water. Michelle Viljoen Rademeyer, of the FF+, kept informing the public to fill up their containers with water. “Two more pipes ruptured. GMM are trying to fix all the breakdowns and leaks.” Said Michelle, “The water will have to be stopped completely for a day or two to repair all the problems.” - Ané Prinsloo

‘Tis the bird watching season again! This Spoonbill was photographed by Encee van Huyssteen at Zibulu on a very cold and misty Saturday morning, 6 July.

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Crime

snippets Provincial commissioner welcomes hefty sentences The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, welcomed hefty sentences passed by the Siyabuswa and Nkomazi Regional Courts, to four men, for rape and kidnapping, respectively. On 27 June the Nkomazi Regional Court sitting at Tonga, meted out a combined 42 year imprisonment term to two men, Joeman Masinga and Alex Khoza, aged 23 and 28, for rape and kidnapping. They will serve an effective 21 years each. According to evidence presented in court, the duo kidnapped two victims on 15 August 2018, a man and a woman, whom they had offered a lift from Tonga to KaMhlushwa. As they were on their way the driver then changed the direction and headed towards Mzinti, where they dropped off the man. They then covered the woman’s head and drove with her to a secluded area where they both repeatedly raped her. The matter was reported to the police and the diligent work of the Investigating Officer led to the duo’s arrest on 21 August 2018. In a separate case, the same court sentenced a 32 year old man to life imprisonment, on 20 June, for raping his six year old stepdaughter. The incident occurred on 25 March 2017. Information gathered during the investigation revealed that the accused raped the girl in the early hours of 25 March, while her mother was preparing lunch packages. She (mother) went to the bedroom only to find that both the accused and the little girl were out of sight. The accused later emerged and said he had accompanied the girl to

the toilet. The mother who had been left unsettled by the morning’s events questioned her daughter to get her version of what actually transpired earlier on. The little girl confessed that she had been raped by her stepfather and further indicated that it was not the first time it had happened and that he warned her not tell anyone. A case of rape was opened and he was arrested on the same day. Furthermore, a 62 year old man, Phillip Victor Mthimunye, was also handed an 18 year jail term by the Mdutjana Regional Court on 25 June, for repeatedly raping an 11 year old girl. The court heard that the accused had repeatedly raped the girl since November 2016 and would give her money thereafter. The matter was discovered by the victim’s mother who grew suspicious when she, one day, noticed her daughter holding a ten rand note and when questioned, she admitted that the accused had given it to her after having slept with her, a deed that had been occurring since 2016. The matter was reported to the police on 21 December 2017 and the accused was arrested a day thereafter.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, welcomed the sentences and applauded members of the South African Police Service for their hard work and determination in collecting all the evidence that positively linked the accused, leading to these convictions and long sentences.

Provincial commissioner lauds members for arrest of nine men including cop The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, lauded members from the Bethal Police Station together with the Secunda Cluster Crime Intelligence for the speedy arrest of nine men, including a member of the SAPS after an attempted murder and robbery committed in Bethal.

The arrests took place soon after the suspects, aged between 27 and 39, armed with pistols and rifles, accosted staff at a local supermarket soon after opening, just after 07:00 on 2 July and ordered everyone to lie down. A Security Guard was shot in the upper body in the process and the suspects started searching everyone taking items of an undisclosed value before fleeing the scene. Police were soon alerted and the 72 Hour Activation Plan put in motion, leading to the subsequent tracing of the suspects to a local guest house, where they had rendezvoused after having committed the crime. When the police arrived, the suspects started shooting at them and they retaliated, leading to two of the suspects being shot and injured. The suspects were soon arrested and two vehicles, an AK47 rifle with live ammunition as well as a 9 mm pistol were confiscated. Amongst the arrested suspects, was a Police Constable stationed at the neighbouring Mzinoni Police Station, as a Detective. The suspects will appear at an unspecified Magistrate’s court on Thursday, 4 July, facing charges of business robbery, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. General Zuma hailed the team as well as the local CPF members who assisted police in locating and arresting the perpetrators.

“The fact that one of the suspects is a Police Officer, is an indication that the SAPS is determined to eliminate rogue members from within”, said the General.

Alleged would-be poachers to appear in court while liquor

12 July 2019

store robbers sought Two men, aged 20 and 37, are expected to appear at the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court, tomorrow, 5 July, on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm. The pair was arrested on 3 July at Acornhoek, during an intelligencedriven operation about a grey Ford Focus, with two occupants who were allegedly on their way to a private Game Reserve around Hoedspruit to poach rhinos for their horns. Their plan, however, was thwarted when the alert police intercepted the said vehicle along the R40 road. The officers searched the vehicle and found a hunting rifle hidden under the back seat. In a separate incident, police in Mpumalanga are looking for five suspects who robbed a liquor store in Standerton. It is alleged that two men entered the shop pretending to be customers, when suddenly one of them pulled out a firearm and ordered a staff member to lie down while the others were ordered to go to the back of the shop. Moments later, the two suspects were joined by three others. They took liquor worth thousands of Rands, which they loaded into their vehicle, a grey Ford Focus with no number plates, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.

Police investigating alleged brutality by security guards Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Witbank are investigating alleged acts of brutality by members of a private security company which took place at Uthingo Park, Witbank on 5 July. The alleged brutality, captured on video which is currently doing the rounds on social media, reportedly took place during a physical engagement between the guards and members of the community, who were reportedly protesting about some contentious issues within their community. They were reportedly burning tyres in the process when the guards reportedly moved in. Information at police disposal suggested that a member of the community allegedly wanted to disarm a Security Guard, leading to a squabble whereupon his colleagues came to his assistance and in the process administered excessive force on the individual. The victim is seen on the video being pressed down and beaten up. The latter opened an Assault with Intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (Assault GBH) case.

Police Management in the province indicated that while acknowledging and appreciating the role played by the private security industry in the fight against crime, however, warned that the use of excessive force is disproportionate to a threat, amounts to brutality and is punishable by law. The Management went on to say that not even the police are allowed to use disproportionate force under any circumstance. Police management cautioned security companies to contact the police should there be public disturbances caused by the community because they (police) are trained to deal with such circumstances. An appeal has also been advanced to the community of Uthingo Park to be calm and advocate for the use of applicable communication processes and dialogue in solving their problems.

Spiralling from the video incident, police have moved swiftly and arrested three suspects yesterday and they are expected to appeared at the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 July, facing an assault (GBH) charge.

NEWS

12 July 2019

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eMbalenhle electricity progress During the month of June, tempers flared up again in eMbalenhle as electricity cuts became the order of the day. The residents of eMbalenhle had to bear the brunt of “loadshedding� and breakdowns resulting in extended periods with no electricity supply.

These interruptions were especially prevalent during the evening when people returned from work. The Bulletin has been told that the loadshedding is to alleviate the load on the Eskom substations. The Bulletin could not verify these claims.

With violent protests threatening, a year after the Emba Mall suffered a devastating fire as a result of violent protests, a number of residents came together and decided to try and peacefully resolve the problems. This will prove to be a daunting task.

During a public meeting at the eMbalenhle stadium in June 2018, the residents were promised that the electricity supply will be transferred to Eskom and will no longer be the responsibility of Govan Mbeki Municipality. A very highlevel provincial delegation visited eMbalenhle and the GMM to discuss the electricity issue, resulting in the Mayor being instructed to speed up the process.

It would appear that this was not prioritised resulting in near disaster when residents started to voice their

anger again.

The residents elected a committee to negotiate with the Mayor and her team, as well as Eskom. The committee had several meetings with various role players.

On Monday, 8 July, the committee went to the Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector to ask them for help with the eMbalenhle electricity problem. More details of the visit were not available at the time of writing this article.

GMM has subsequently appointed Bigen Africa to start with the transfer of electricity from Bracken Mine substation to eMbalenhle substation.

This will really alleviate the pressure on the existing power grids. The process is closely monitored by the Elected Committee and reported back to the community.

This might be a calming point for the residents of eMbalenhle, but only time will tell.

Work progressing on the Bracken eMba line

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So is die lewe

• 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845 WIE IS ONS / WHO ARE WE: REDAKSIE / EDITORIAL 017 631 1903

Encee van Huyssteen 082 554 7589 encee@thebulletin.co.za admin@thebulletin.co.za Ané Prinsloo 082 576 8279 ane@thebulletin.co.za news@thebulletin.co.za

BEMARKING / ADVERTISING 017 631 1845 Mariëtte Prinsloo 083 476 2860 mariette@thebulletin.co.za Annalie van der Merwe 082 906 0546 annalie@thebulletin.co.za

PRODUKSIE / PRODUCTION Kerry Bird 017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 artwork@thebulletin.co.za

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Ds Marius Britz Ons Suid Afrikaners, veral dan nou diè wat graag lees, is baie bevoorreg. Ons hoef nie in duur boekwinkels te gaan krap vir misdaadfiksie nie. Ons hoef nie ure in die dorpsbiblioteek deur te bring om te soek na distopiese romans oor ‘n wêreld waarin alle orde en rede verdwyn het, en magte van algehele chaos aan die heers is nie. Ons hoef nie geskiedenisboeke te gaan oopslaan om die gebeure van die verlede in ons land na te speur nie. Ons kry sommer al hierdie goed elke oggend kompak saamgebundel as ons Burger of Beeld of Citizen of Cape Times afgelewer word.

Want in ons daaglikse koerant is al die tragikomedie, al die surrealistiese verhale en al die misdaadfiksie wat ons maar slegs kan wens om te lees, opgeskryf.

In slegs een uitgawe van die Sondagkoerant lees ek dit alles. Vroegoggend, voor kerk en Loof die Here op RSG. ‘n Politieke party en sy leier verkondig luidkeels dat al die geld in hierdie land deur ‘n klein groepie mense gesteel is en beheer word.

Hulle dreig met massamoord, maar gelukkig verseker die Menseregtekommissie ons dis maar net omdat hulle ongelukkig voel dat hulle hulself so kras uitdruk. Hulle dra oorpakke in die parlement om te wys hulle is verarmd en benadeel, in volle solidariteit met die brandarmes in Suid Afrika, waarvan daar inderdaad miljoene is. Maar die leier van diè spesifieke party daag by die July-perdewedren op met ‘n Breitlinghorlosie van R350000, blink skerppuntskoene van R35000 en ‘n pak klere van R75000. Tragikomedie. Hulle wil al die buitelanders se eiendom sonder vergoeding terugneem, maar huur dan vir agt nagte ‘n Duitser se villa in Kampsbaai vir ‘n allemintige R60000. Ironies, ook omdat hulle terloops agterna R40000 moes opdok vir

breekskades. Hulle beywer hulle onder andere vir die verbod op alkoholgebruik en die verbod op alkoholadvertensies, maar die joernalis Marianne Thamm gaan snuffel deur hulle vuilgoedsakke ná die orgie. ‘n Falanks leë bottels, nuttelose kruike whiskey wat sowat R4500 per bottel kos, Franse sjampanje van sowat R900 per bottel, is van die lyke wat op die Kampsbaaislagveld gesneuwel het. Geen fiksieskrywer kan so storielyn self uitdink nie.

As hierdie soort literatuur nie jou koppie tee is nie, of sal ons sê jou fles whiskey is nie, is daar altyd geskiedskrywing.

Soos die gladde spreker wat verklaar dat die probleem met brandbestryding in munisipaliteite nie in stakings geleë is nie, maar in verouderde brandweerwaens wat Jan van Riebeeck vyftig jaar terug al gekoop het. Nou sit dit in jou pyp en rook dit. As jy hou van aksierillers, lees bloot jou daaglikse koerant! Alles en nog wat wat is daarin geskryf.

Genoeg om jou grootogig en palpiterend in die nagte te laat wakker lê. In slegs een uitgawe van die koerant: drie dood in hernude geweld op die Oos Rand. Verskeie mense sterf daagliks op die Kaapse vlakte. Plaasmoorde daagliks . ‘n Man wat niks van ‘n verskaffingsketting weet nie, word R65 miljoen betaal vir twee dae se konsultasiewerk oor verskaffing vir Eskom. (As hulle oop is vir sake.) Opstande, betogings, vragmotors wat uitgebrand word. Ad nauseum.

As apokaliptiek jou voorliefde is, is ons daaglikse nuus volgeprop met Zondosondes. En so kan ons ad infinitum aangaan. Ek stel voor ons brand al ons biblioteke af, en lees slegs die daaglikse nuusblaaie, of kyk na die nuusbulletins op televisie om al ons letterkundige behoeftes opgedateerd en vars te bevredig.

Jy kan natuurlik altyd jou subskripsie op die daaglikse nuusblad kanselleer, op jou DSTV skottel piepie vir Steve, oor jou dekodeerder ry met jou 4x4, en jou platskermtelevisiestel deur die venster gooi. Jy kan net gospelkassette luister, en Kinders van die wêreld en AKE lees. Maar ek vermoed dat dit

jou nie sal vrywaar van die huidige distopiese landskap waarin ons leef nie. Op verskeie vlakke beleef ons dit daagliks. Jy hoef nie eens koerante te lees of DSTV-loos te leef om dit te weet nie.

Op hierdie trant: daar was ‘n tehuis vir gestremdes in Brakpan wat afgebrand het, en inwoners het feitlik alles verloor. In Trichardtgemeente het ons toe ‘n groot veldtog geloods, en die lidmate se hande het, soos altyd, onmiddelik oopgegaan met skenkings. Die eienaar van ‘n tweedehandse winkel, wat ‘n reuse hart gehad het vir mense wat swaarkry, leen toe sy groot sleepwa vir my om al die klere, kos, huishoudelike goed, komberse ensomeer Brakpan toe te vat. Hy gee boonop ‘n splinternuwe dubbelbed, nog in plastiek toegedraai, om saam te vat. Diè word agter op die sleepwa vasgemaak. Terwyl ek daar by Kinross verbyry, sien ek in die truspieeltjie die matras van die dubbelbed waai af, en beland in die pad agter my.

WE SET THE TREND OTHERS FOLLOW

Omdat die kombinasie van bakkie en sleepwa so lank was, het dit my ‘n wyle gevat om af te trek, en om te draai om die matras te gaan herwin. Net om te sien hoe twee makkers met ‘n klein bakkie dit binne oomblikke reeds herwin het, en vinnig soos die wind onder my uitry met die plastiekgedrapeerde dubbelbedmatras agter op hulle bakkie. Verslae, maar nie verslane, ry ek toe maar aan op die N17. Naby Devon verlaat die dubbeldbedbasis eensklaps die sleepwa. En weer die omslagtige proses om terug te draai. En weer is dit dèja-vu. ‘n Pa en seun het so vinnig as wat mens kan sê Edblo Phantasy, die bedbasis op hulle Mazda 323 se dak, elkeen ‘n arm by die venster uit om die kosbare vonds vas te hou, en daar gáát hulle. Daardie Sondag was die lofsang voor my preek: “Uit dieptes gans verlore, van redding vêr vandaan.

Waar hoop se laaste spore, in wanhoop my vergaan.” My beskeie bydrae tot hedendaagse distopiese letterkunde.

Tannie Poppie se: Gebakte Beestong In Mosterdsous 30 ml koekmeelblom 125 ml suiker 60 ml mosterdpoeier 3 ml sout 250 ml aftreksel (water waarin tong gaargemaak is) 30 ml sonneblomolie 125 ml asyn 125 ml mayonnaise 1 groot gaar beestong, in skywe gesny Broodkrummels

Banking details: The Bulletin Absa RBB Commercial Secunda Branch code: 637256 Account number: 408 499 2285 Checque /Current account

COMMUNITY NEWS ORIGINAL ACCURATE FIRST

12 July 2019

Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee

1. Voorverhit die oond tot 180°C (350°F) 2. Meng die koekmeelblom, suiker, mosterd, sout, aftreksel en olie goed saam.

3. Roer die asyn en mayonnaise by die sous.

4. Pak helfte van die gesnyde tong in ‘n oondvaste bak.

5. Gooi helfte van die sous oor.

6. Herhaal die lae.

7. Sprinkel broodkrummels oor en bak 30 minute lank tot goudbruin.

12 July 2019

SPORT NEWS

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Bittersoet Koffiehuis: ‘n nuwe treffer Ses weke gelede het Renche Combrink verby ‘n ongeokupeerde winkel geloop op die grond vlak in die Medforum gebou. Iets het vir haar gesê om ‘n koffiehuis daar oop te maak. Sy het daardie Dinsdag die beheerliggaam van die gebou gekontak en daardie Donderdag het hulle die direkteursvergadering gehad. Dié vergadering word slegs een keer ‘n maand gehou. Die terugvoer wat aan Renche gegee is was dat volgens die gebou se permitte daar toe gelaat word vir ‘n kombuis op die perseël. Dit was waar die geskarrel begin het.

Die Bittersoet Koffiehuis was gebore en Renche en haar gesin het saam ingespring. In die loop van ses weke het alles gebeur. Hulle moes tafels, stoele en gereedskap by mekaar kry om te sorg dat alles perfek was vir die opening.

Met die eerste oogopslag is die Bittersoet Koffiehuis nie veel om na te

Renche en Dawid Combrink

Signature Painting launch event

Grizelda Coetzee teaching at the Signature Painting launch on Saturday, 6 July, at eish!!!

Fellow paint enthusiasts listen carefully to the instructions that were given by Grizelda Coetzee.

kyk nie, maar loop in en die reuke van tuisgemaakte pasteie, spesiale resep hoender en koffie trek jou dieper in.

Die dekor is minimaal: wit mure vol lekkerny fotos en een oranje muur met ‘n lemmetjie groen toonbank. Die spyskaart het baie oorspronklike name soos Honger Jan en Maer San. Die Bittersoet Koffiehuis is definitief

die moeite werd om by ‘n draai te gaan maak. Die diens is ongelooflik fluks en vriendelik en niks is te veel om voor te vra nie. Die familie gedrewe besigheid gaan definitief ‘n positiewe merk by jou los wanneer jy daar gaan koek of pastei eet saam met ‘n lekker koppie koffie of tee!

– Ané Prinsloo

NEWS

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12 July 2019

MOTH’s Mukumbura Shell Hole inauguration The MOTH’s Mukumbura Shell hole in Secunda inaugurated their new office-bearers for 2019/2020 on Thursday, June 4.

The office bearers are accommodated at a table in front of the members assembly hall which is

aptly named the “Top Table”.

The office–bearers that sit at the top table are identified by the other members by wearing a silver plated “Tin Hat” insignia on the left lapel of their jackets. An exception is that Old Bill of the Shell hole bears a Gold-

Plated Tin Hat insignia.

Before the ceremony of installing the newly elected office-bearers can commence, these tin hats are removed from their jackets of the outgoing office-bearers and pinned to the jackets of the incoming

elected.

Sharen Wickens, who was the Old Bill of the Cosy Corner Shell hole in Brakpan, officiated this ceremony by pinning the Silver and Gold Tin hats insignia onto the applicable person’s jackets. – Aart Reedijk

Eddy Soule (RSM), Brain Wickens (Old Bill), Gerrie Redman (Adjudant) and Chris Koekemoer (Pay Bill).

FLTR: Andrew Losinsky, Neil du Toit and Norman Walkinshaw

MCR best in Mpumalanga Modern Collision Repair centre is rated as one of the country’s top panel beaters ranking number 9 on the list by the Light Stone Consumer. They are also the best in Mpumalanga.

This is how The Bulletin reported on Modern Collision Repair in September 2018. Modern Collision repair also received accolades from Isuzu as one of their top performers regarding repairs to Isuzu vehicles.

The letter from Isuzu South Africa stated: “Congratulations on your fantastic achievements of being awarded the TOP Isuzu Authorised body repairer in the Mpumalanga region, as well as your further higher achievement off being awarded second place overall.”

A brand-new Isuzu MUX was handed to Modern Collision Repair centre for their use for the next three months.

SPORT NEWS

12 July 2019

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PROPERTIES EIENDOMME TO ADVERTISE CALL

Little Paws Big Hearts would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to 5 Star Superspar Secunda who gave them the opportunity to have a food drop off box at their entrance for a whole month! Little Paws Big Hearts would also like to thank each and every person who made a food donation in their box and helped to fill it up to the top! Little Paws Big Hearts was blessed yet again!!!

017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845

Pieter de Villiers at the helm as Graceland’s new General Manager Located in Secunda, Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club has promoted Pieter de Villiers to General Manager, responsible for overseeing the successful day-to-day operations and profitability of the resort.

Boasting 22 years’ experience with Peermont, De Villiers takes on this new role with clear objectives of what he hopes to achieve for the resort.

“Graceland has always stood out from its competitors from a service excellence perspective, which I commit to uphold in my new role. I am particularly excited about managing the upgrade of our core facilities, including our children’s entertainment areas in the near future,” he says. “I have also made it my mission to reestablish Graceland as the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination in Mpumalanga and a major contender in South Africa’s hospitality industry.”

De Villiers first joined Graceland in the early 1990s working in Surveillance as a Shift Manager. He quickly progressed to become Surveillance Manager and then to his most recent position as the resort’s Surveillance and Security Manager, before being

promoted to General Manager.

“I’ve worked with many leaders and mentors during my time with Peermont and have observed their different leadership and management styles along the way. Their lessons and examples have given me a diverse and well-rounded understanding of the different roles and responsibilities, not only as a member of the Peermont family, but within the hospitality and gaming industry as a whole,” he says.

“This promotion is a huge personal achievement for me and an absolute dream come true. Being the General Manager of a resort that I have dedicated so much of my energy and passion to over the years is an honour.

It just proves that dedication, loyalty and hard work definitely pays off,” De Villiers concludes.

VACANCIES VAKATURES

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NEWS

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12 July 2019

SERVICES Sasol Highveld Photography Club photographs models TO ADVERTISE CALL: 017 631 1903 017 631 1845 MARIËTTE 083 476 2860 ANNALIE 082 906 0546

Members of the Sasol Highveld Photography Club had a great time photographing beautiful models; Monique Potgieter from Evander and Angeline Prinsloo from Secunda, were the models that made these wonderful photos possible.

The photography club members meet monthly to learn more about photography. They also have the opportunity to have their photos evaluated and receive advice that will help to improve their skills.

If you are interested, visit their Webpage or find them on Facebook. – Lorraine Botha Photos: James Harris Top: Monique Potgieter and Left: Angeline Prinsloo

If you, as our loyal readers, would like to express your opinions on these letters, please feel free to contact the Editor of the Bulletin: editor@ thebulletin.co.za

Ons het die geneigdheid om so dikwels te kla oor ons Staatsdepartemente se diens en by tye so onnodig.

Ons het egter ’n heel ander ondervinding gehad by die SAID in Standerton. ’n Dame van 94 jaar oud, wie se man onlangs oorlede is, moes ’n belasting nommer kry waarsonder die oorbetaling van fondse in haar rekening nie sou moontlik wees nie. Die ontvangs by die kantoor deur die sekuriteitspersoneel

was hoflik en het die situasie van die 94 jarige gerespekteer en nodige kennis gehad hoe om dit te hanteer. Wat ’n aangename ondervinding was dit nie by die ontvangs toonbank, die bekwaamheid en kennis van dames was uitstaande.

So ook die registrasies van die dokumente en ander inligting op die rekenaarstelsel.

Dankie SAID Standerton met die puik diens wat ons daar ontvang en beleef het.

O. R. Tambo International Airport appoints new head of corporate affairs Betty Maloka has been appointed Senior Manager: Corporate Affairs at O. R. Tambo International airport.

Maloka has 16 years’ experience in the marketing and communications field. She has worked with leading private entities in mining, consulting engineering and the public sector.

At SARS she drove outreach programmes and at the Department of Trade and Industry she specialised in International Marketing.

She was previously Head of Strategic Communication and Stakeholder

engagement for a global aerospace and defence company.

Maloka also played a significant role in some flagship projects including the inaugural BRICS Summit in South Africa and the launch of the BRICS Business Council.

She holds a postgraduate qualification in Marketing Management and completed her B-Tech in International Communication from at the then Pretoria Technikon (Now: Tshwane University of Technology).

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Betty Maloka

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12 July 2019

SPORT SCHOOL

9

Voortgesette vooruitgang by Laerskool Secunda Tydens die afgelope halfjaar se skoolvakansie het die personeel en leerders van Laerskool Secunda ʼn welkome ruskans gehad. Waar daar normaalweg ʼn rustigheid op die perseel gedurende die vakansie heers, was dit nie hierdie jaar die geval nie. Verskeie projekte is aangepak sodat die infrastruktuur en geboue tot voordeel van ons wenners en ouers opgegradeer kon word. Laerskool Secunda streef om op ʼn konstante basis te investeer in die infrastruktuur om sodoende al die huidige en toekomstige wenners die maksimum geleentheid te bied om in ʼn veilige, professionele milieu hul volle potensiaal te bereik. Projekte wat plaasgevind het sluit in: Kleedkamers – Hierdie integrale deel van die geboue word almal opgegradeer, kompleet met nuwe teëls, nuwe sanitêreware, granietwasbakke ens. Daar is begin met die eerste twee kleedkamers wat sal dien as die prototipe vir die oorblywende 12 kleedkamers.

Krieketnette – Al vier ou krieketnette is opgegrawe en die betonblaaie, matte, nette en struktuurpale is vervang.

Hierdie nuwe krieketnette is voorwaar eersteklas en op ʼn baie hoë standaard.

Parkering voor skool (langs kerk) – Daar is netjiese plaveisel gelê by die op- en afritte van die parkering, randstene is geinstalleer en gruis is gegooi op die fisiese area waar ouers in die oggend en middag parkeer.

Graad R speelgrond – Die Graad R – kleuters by Laerskool Secunda het ʼn interaktiewe speelterrein waar hulle na hartelus kan baljaar tydens buitespel. Hierdie terrein is beplan met die departementele kurikkulum in gedagte om klasonderrig ook na buite te versterk deurdat die kleuters speel – speel nie net motories gestimuleer word nie, maar ook kognitief en sensories. Die uitleg en oprigting van die apparaat, is moontlik gemaak deur ouers, personeel en getroue borge, vir wie kinders se groei en ontwikkeling saak maak.

Daar is ʼn groot grasoppervlakte waarop heerlik gelê, gerol en bal geskop kan word. Die sandput is onderdak, sodat daar ook op baie warm dae gegrou en gebou kan word.

Sensoriese ontwikkeling word uitgelok en ontwikkel en vermeerder deur die sensoriese musiekmuur en watertafels.

Die feëtjietuin en kombuisie ontlok ʼn ongegrensde fantasie – wêreld. Die

klimtoue, swaaie, balanseerbalke, klim – en – klouterapparaat en glyplanke bied voldoende uitdagings vir enige 5 tot 6 – jarige. Dit is voorwaar ʼn speelarea eie in sy soort in Secunda en waar geen besige kleuter ooit verveeld kan wees nie!

Laerskool Secunda is ʼn skool met Christelike waardes, kwaliteit onderrig en passievolle personeel wat daarna streef om die toekoms van môre optimaal te ontwikkel en toe te rus. Ons leer die nodige wennereienskappe vir leerlinge aan wat van hulle suksesvolle individue sal maak. Ons nooi alle wenners en hul ouers hartlik uit na ons Kaptein Kampioen Opedag wat plaasvind op die volgende dae: Gr RRR, RR en R: Dinsdag, 16 Julie 2019 (09:00 – 11:00) Gr 1: Woensdag, 17 Julie 2019 (09:00 – 11:00) Vir enige navrae stuur asseblief ʼn e-pos na skakel@secundalaer.co.za of skakel 017 634 7612.

ELKE KIND IS Ñ WENNER. #WENNER

SPORT/SCHOOL

10

Nico presteer in Spanje

12 July 2019

Puma Platteland span onoorwonne

Dié jaar het die Puma keurders met ‘n nuwe proewe stelsel begin, die Hoëveld en Laeveld proewe was alles op een dag gespeel.

Dit het toegelaat dat baie meer kombinasies raak gesien kon word en tussen dié kombinasies gekies kon word.

Dié jaar het die Puma Platteland span hulle staal gewys en geskiedenis te

maak deur die eerste span te wees wat 3 uit 3 wedstryde kon wen op ‘n akademieweek.

Die span het vierde geeindig op die ranglys en is een van 4 spanne wat onoorwonne geeindig het.

Die eerste wedstryd was teen Border gespeel, 20 – 17, tweede wedstryd teen OP, 41 – 21 en die laaste wedstryd teen die Sharks, 15 – 7.

Laerskool Kruinpark se vakansie aktiwiteite

Nico van den Berg het deelgeneem in die 61 kg Vrystyl Afdeling.

Daar was 7 stoeiers in hierdie massa afdeling en Nico het 4de geeindig – Nico het nie vir die medaljes in aanraking gekom nie.

Vanaf Maandag, 8 Julie, tot en met Vrydag, 12 Julie, gaan die SA Senior Span deelneem aan 'n Internasionale oefenkamp in Madrid, Spanje waaraan al die lande wat aan die Spaanse Ope

deelgeneem het ook gaan deelneem.

Sasol Stoeiklub wag dat Nico moet terug kom van die oefenkamp en die Stoeiklub se stoeiers alles kom wys en leer wat hy by die oefenkamp geleer het.

Sasol Stoeiklub se Skeidsregters, Afrigters, Spanbestuurders en Admin Beamptes gaan op Saterdag, 13 Julie, 'n Mpumalanga kursus bywoon in Komatipoort.

Laerskool Kruinpark se naskool kinders het vreeslike lekker aktiwiteite gehad om hulleself mee to kon besig hou die afgelope vakansie. Die juffrouens het gesorg dat daar elke dag 'n aktiwiteit beplan was en ook gesorg dat die kinders dit geniet.

Op die foto moes die kinders lekkers uit meel uithaal! Goeie werk juffrouens!

12 July 2019

SPORT

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Sasol sweeps Witbank aside Sasol Rugby played a dominating game on Saturday, 6 July, on their home ground against Witbank. It was quite clear from the beginning that Sasol was the superior side but it was not all smooth sailing.

The forwards dominated the scrums at the start of the game and regularly pushed Witbank backwards, either disrupting their scrums or winning the ball.

It was a different story as the game progressed. It appeared as if Sasol allowed Witbank to “Get in the Game” so to speak. Witbank’s scrums solidified and became more evenly matched although there was no denying of Sasol’s superior scruming.

The lineouts were not as clean as it should be this late in the season, but Sasol managed to win a few of their opponent’s balls.

The work around the scrums and mauls was not as clean and quick as one expects from the Sasol side, but the scrumhalf kept feeding the ball to the backline effectively. Sasol’s backline was the highlight of the game when they started running. The ball kept on moving and there was always support from their team members.

The backline scored or provided for the bulk of the tries. There are a few problems worth mentioning.

It appeared at times as if the Sasol team did not know what to do next.

It seemed as if they had too much possession of the ball and didn’t know what could be done next.

The forwards did not impress with their handling and there were a few times

when they were surprised by the ball and could not retain it, especially in the lineouts and mauls.

The defensive lines of the whole team did not impress. Sasol’s game is known to be tough and hard with grinding tackles and bone-crunching dives.

Too many times did the opponents progress past the first and even second tackles before the opponent was brought down. The game, however, was pleasant to watch and the running was good. There were some tense moments, both ways when the backlines started running.

Congratulations to Sasol DigiMag Rugby for ending the game with a convincing 48 - 14 win.

12 JULY

2019

Bulletin

SAFA annual field meet “I am the eagle I live in high country In rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky I am the hawk and there’s blood on my feathers But time is still turning they soon will be dry And all of those who see me, all who believe in me Share in the freedom I feel when I fly Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops Sail over the canyons and up to the stars And reach for the heavens and hope for the future And all that we can be and not what we are” John Denver Last week, 1 – 7 July, saw the annual South African Falconry Association’s (SAFA) field meet close to Villiers.

SAFA was formed in 1990 and defines falconry as: “The art of hunting, in a natural environment, wild quarry with trained hawks.” What is SAFA? SAFA is an organisation of provincial clubs that monitor falconry activities throughout South Africa.

Falconry has a rich history that dates back as far as 1700 BC, which has been almost 4000 years. Falconry is more than just training and flying a bird free. One has to become an apprentice over a certain time period to acquire the necessary skill to take on the responsibility to obtain a permit to own your own bird. The relationship between bird and man takes years of training and trust to ensure that the bird always knows that it is the most integral part of the team.

The most important thing to remember is that falconers use birds to hunt. The exhilaration one sees in a falconer’s face when he’s bird catches its prey is indescribable. The bird, whether it is an eagle, falcon or hawk, does what it was born to do naturally.

At the annual field meet, on arrival, each and every falconer has to sign an ethical falconry document. This document ensures that the falconer practices safe and ethical falconry. The falconer has to ensure, by signing this document, the wellbeing of the birds,

Francois van Zyl and his Black Eagle. Francois saved the Black Eagle as a juvenile and rehabilitated the eagle. dogs and the quarry. Should a falconer not honour this contract there are disciplinary procedures.

During the week, falconers took to the gravel roads to find the best flying grounds. In the Highveld grasslands the falconers had a variety of game and birds to choose from. The early, cold mornings were braved as this was the best time to hunt because of the crisp air. Even though the mist was thick, the falconer knew where his/her bird was flying. With the help of man’s best friend (hunting dogs) to find, point and flush out the prey, the falconer was the conductor composing an opera.

The dogs would find and point and with a single command flush out the prey. The falcon or eagle would be soaring high above and stoop down to the same command the dog was given to flush the prey. In mere seconds the opera was over and the outcome would either be a success or not. The bird would then have the joy to feast on its prey, but if the hunt was unsuccessful had the security of the falconer feeding it.

The bird, dog and falconer returned to the lodge and the birds were perched.

Sat on their perches in the sun, the birds had an opportunity to bath

(weathering) in their water bowls.

On Friday night, 5 July, there was a gala dinner. The farmers, whose land the falconers flew on, joined and were thanked for their generosity to let the falconers fly on their land. The evening also included a raffle and an auction of falconry items. The evening was more about the reuniting of old friends with a shared passion for the ancient art of falconry.

The long week of early morning hunting came to an end with old friends saying goodbye and some new friends made.

– Ané Prinsloo