The bulletin newspaper 25 may 2018

Issue 177 - FREE

25 May

2018

Community News. Original - accurate - first

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

Laerskool Secunda Kleuterskool is op 22 Maart aangewys as die beste algehele wenners in die Kyknet Kleuterzone Nasionale Kampioenskap reeks!

Power on - for now

The first salvo was fired in the electricity supply war when Eskom issued a notice to Govan Mbeki Municipality regarding intended interruptions in the supply of electricity to the municipality.

GMM retaliated with their own cannons and obtained an interdict against Eskom.

Only time will tell who will be the

ultimate victor. And all that the real victims can do is sit with bated breath and wait. Wait to see what the outcome would be between two different views.

The big issue will remain, GMM owes Eskom a large sum of money.

Eskom imposes heavy fines for late payments that runs into millions of Rands every quarter that aggravates

the repayment plan. The penalties are levied even though a repayment plan is in place. Interest is also charged on arrear amounts. It seems that this situation is part of the court application but it could not be confirmed, although mention of GMM’s disapproval of the charges have been made in council on a number of occasions.

It is a clear fact that GMM will have to pay Eskom a large sum of money somewhere in the future, and most probably the near future. The question is, what then?

Even if all the penalties and interests were deducted, it would still be a very large debt.

Continued to page 5

NEWS

2

25 May 2018

No water restrictions The right to water! It echoes in one ear every time the taps are opened and nothing happens. The Constitution of South Africa is quite clear that everyone has a basic right to water.

Govan Mbeki Municipality suffered serious pressure issues over the past few weeks. Earlier this year, the Mayor, Cllr Thandi Ngxonono said to the residents of Kinross at a meeting in Thistle Grove that GMM needed to pay R25 million by the end of February.

If not, Rand Water would restrict the water by a further 20% bringing the percentage of restriction to 40%.

In a report by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) the following statement was made: “The right of access to sufficient water is accorded to everyone in section 27(1) (b) of the Constitution, which states that everyone has the right to have access to sufficient water. Section 27(2) requires the State to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of the right.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the quantity of safe water required is 20-40 litres per person per day. In South Africa, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has set the minimum quantity at 25 litres per person per day, the minimum cartage distance at 200 metres, with consideration for varying landscapes. This is considered to be the minimum requirement for direct consumption, food preparation and personal hygiene, but not adequate for a full, healthy and productive life.

Water is essential for human survival

and must be protected against contamination and unhygienic environmental practices for drinking purposes. The right to a healthy environment requires the appropriate disposal of sewage where basic sanitation services should at the very least provide on-site services such as ventilated pit latrines.“ A press statement by DA District Councillor Thembha Mlotshwa said “Some areas like Thistlegrove Township in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality have been without running water for nearly a year – thanks to the ANC-led government.

The township, which is located just outside Secunda, has been experiencing dry taps since October 2017. Some lucky households which can afford have no choice but to buy bottled water from the nearby shops, while others have to transport their water from areas like Evander and Embalenhle.”

There is growing dissent in the way that the current administration is running the Municipality. The pressure is mounting on Ngxonono to get her house in order with more and more groups calling to have GMM placed under provisional administration.

“The DA in the Govan Mbeki Constituency is going to ask its Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) to petition the MEC of CoGTA, Speedy Mashilo, to put this municipality (GMM) under provincial administration,

Crime snippets Two accused of fraud Accused one and two were employed by Imperial Toyota in Nelspruit. Accused one was working as sales executive selling cars and accused two as a Finance Clerk dealing with accounts.

The complainant in the matter is Imperial Toyota.

These crimes were committed during the period of January 2011 and June 2014 at or near Regional Division of Mpumalanga.

Mark Donovan Bezuidenhout (45) and Marie Niewenhys (35) agreed to replace the banking details of the dealership with accused one’s personal account and as a result monies paid for the purchases of cars by the customers were paid into accused one’s personal bank account instead of the dealership’s Business account. Nineteen cars (19) were sold and Toyota suffered a loss of R5 051 778, 18 (Five Million and fifty one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight rand eighteen cents) resulting from the sale of cars by accused one with intent to deprive the complainant permanently of its property.

The two were arrested after Toyota opened a case and investigations took place.

Accused one pleaded guilty to fraud and was convicted and charges against accused two were withdrawn.

The matter is in Nelspruit Regional Court on Monday 21 May 2018 for

thus removing all political making powers from the incumbent Mayor Thandi Ngxonono and her Executive,” said Thembha.

“In the meantime, the DA has asked the member of mayoral committee (MMC) Dan Nhlapho who is responsible for Infrastructure and Technical Services (ITS) - to supply the affected community (Thistle Grove) with water from portable supplies to ease the burden they are experiencing,” said Thembha. “Our communities cannot afford to live under these conditions.”

At the time of this article it was unclear if Dan Nhlapho acted on the request but all indications are that he did not act to ease the plight of the residents of Thistle Grove.

Rand Water has indicated to the Bulletin that no water restrictions are currently in place. “Rand Water and Govan Mbeki Municipality have a payment plan in place and currently there are no water restrictions.” Said Justice Mohale, Rand Water Media Relations Manager.

The situation can surely change as GMM’s financial woes continue.

“It is evident that a change of political leadership in Govan Mbeki and other local municipalities in Mpumalanga is needed very soon for our people to enjoy proper service delivery like in the DA-led municipality of Midvaal and the Western Cape Province.” This is the very clear message from DA District Councillor Thembha Mlotshwa. the probation officer’s report and sentence in respect of accused number one.

HAWKS officials appear in court Petrus Doctor Nkosi (53), a Warrant Officer attached to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit appeared in Nelspruit Regional Court on Wednesday 16 May 2018 together with his relative Tshepo Mabizela (27) who was added as an additional accused on Nkosi`s case.

The accused was charge on ‘POCA’ ACT (Proceed of Crime Act 2002) and Money Laundering.

Mabizela who withdrew money that was allegedly deposited by the criminals on the day the bank robbery was committed in Hazyview in December 2015 under the instruction of Nkosi who later collected the money at Ermelo. Mabizela was released on R1000 bail. The case is transferred to Ermelo Regional Court and postponed to 27 June 2018 for further investigation.

The case was transferred to Ermelo because most of the criminal activities took place there.

Meanwhile the former Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit Commander Richard Nkwanyane (49) who was arrested in October 2017 and released on R5 000.00 bail, appeared in Nelspruit Regional Court 3 on 16 May 2018 for corruption, theft and defeating the end of justice whereby an additional charge of theft was added. It is alleged that the accused booked out money from the police station for further investigation but the money was never returned.

The case has been postponed to 6 and 13 August 2018 for trial.

NEWS

25 May 2018

3

Evander cleanup leaves shopkeepers frazzled Police and Govan Mbeki Municipality launched a joint operation in Evander CBD on 17 May to flush out all illegal activities in the area. These activities included drug dealing, boarding in places of business, operating without busi-ness licenses and operating on residential stands. The police also worked hand-in-hand with the municipality to physically clean the CBD of waste and litter.

The head of Vispol, Captain Michack Mhlanga, said “Our objective with this operation is to arrest suspects, remove criminals and close down the places from which they operate.”

Many of these criminals, however, dispersed the area as soon as they were aware of police presence. Within a few minutes, most of them were gone. Police noted, however, that the apollo lights in the CBD were no longer functional, and it is their belief that the lights were intentionally broken to help drug dealers to operate in the dark.

Colonel ZS Maluka headed the operation, and said that “It is absolutely necessary that we continue these cleanup operations, especially in places like Evander, where criminal activity is on the rise.”

The police swept the area looking for physical evidence of drug dealing, but mostly found wrappers and plastic baggies. One man was arrested for dealing nyaope, while another was taken in for being an illegal immigrant.

The majority of the day’s commotion, however, took place at a small local shop which operated on a residential stand. The operation’s municipal representative, Mr. Mlotshwa, claimed that the shopkeepers had received notice that the stand needed to be converted to a business stand as far back as 2017. It appears that the shop owners were renting the small building from the owner of the yard on which it was built. Police also found that the homeowner had begun to build several small rooms in her back yard, which she was also renting out to tenants.

“That is also illegal because she did not obtain formal plans and municipal consent to build those structures,” Mlotshwa said.

Erratum

The Bulletin mistakenly placed this photograph with the article about Frans Nagel that died in Bethal dam.

We deeply regret any inconvenience or distress caused by this error.

It was reported that residents had also been complaining about the filth in the yard, which was causing mites to migrate into the neighbouring yards.

The homeowners were also found to be raising and selling chickens, which

is also an offence and, according to neighbours, an annoyance.

On the day of the cleanup, all stock from the store was seized and taken away, and shopkeepers were told that they could go and fetch

Police search Evander CBD for drugs

it “at the municipality” once their documentation was in order.

One of the shopkeepers, who identified himself as Abdul Ali, said that they were in the process of registering their business.

“When something is ‘in process’, it is not yet legitimate. So this business is still an illegal one,” Mlotshwa said.

He also explained that the Mpumalanga Business Act and the Municipal Trading Act allows Govan Mbeki Municipality to seize the contents of an illegally run business.

“This is not fair, and we are going to contact our lawyer because they are lying, they didn’t give us any notice,” Abdul protested.

Neighbours gathered around the house to watch as the police carried food, soaps, drinks and cigarettes that filled two municipal ldv’s. When the store was finally empty, the owners closed the gates with forlorn looks on their faces.

At the time of publishing, the shop was still closed and the products still in GMM’s custody.

▶

Police raid a local shop suspected of operating without registration

View video’s on our Facebook page - The Bulletin

WHAT’S UP/News

4

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 Rori Rathebe 084 481 6684 rorisang@thebulletin.co.za

Bemarking / Advertising 017 631 1845 Mariëtte Prinsloo 083 476 2860 mariette@thebulletin.co.za Elmarie van Huyssteen 017 634 8312 elmarie.vh@telkomsa.net

Produksie / Production Kerry Bird 017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 artwork@thebulletin.co.za

Finansies / Finances

Ds Marius Britz Natuurlik was baie mense vasgevang Saterdag voor hulle televisies toe die rooikopprins Harry getroud is met sy Megan.

En Facebook en Twitter het gewemel met kwinkslae en foto’s en hoogtepunte van die miljoenepond-geleentheid. Daar was selfs baie perde by die hele storie betrokke, waarvan een hom meer wangedra het as wat Harry ooit gedoen het.

Na die troue het ek in ‘n boks

Elmarie van Huyssteen 017 634 8312 elmarie.vh@telkomsa.net Bulletin word deur Paarl Coldset Printers gedruk in Johannesburg.

Bulletin is printed by Paarl Coldset Printers in Johannesburg

Distribution: We pride ourselves in delivering a Bulletin to businesses in Secunda, Trichardt, Evander and Bethal and Kriel.

We also distribute additional copies to several points of business in Kinross and eMbalenhle.

Should you have a delivery enquiry or complaint, send us an email containing your name, contact details and home address to admin@thebulletin. co.za.

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

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;

Colossians 3:23

25 May 2018

WHAT’S UP 23 Mei GLOW: God laat ons wen show, Kruinpark, 18:00 – 20:00 24 May Fundraiser for Bianca, Secunda Mall Spur, Panarotti’s John Dory’s 18:00 – 21:00 26 Mei Pumaki Rugby & Mini-Netbal Sportdag, Kruinpark 12:00 – 15:00 26 May Joe Jackson Cansa Golf Day, Walker Park Golf Club 07:00 – 19:00 26 May Paws in the Park, R40. Registration starts 9:30.

Race starts @ 11:00. See Bulletin Facebook Page for more details.

vol ou foto’s gaan krap, en op ‘n video van my eie troue afgekom, wat geneem is kort na die Groot Trek. En verbasend genoeg kon ek nog daarna kyk.

Daar was nie al die glorie en beroemdes nie. Die beroemdste mens by my troue was my tannie wat ‘n materiaalwinkel in Brakpan gehad het. En die onthaal was in die kerksaal, teen ‘n astronomiese koste van R400 per persoon, vier sout en vier soet, deur die vrouediens voorberei. Die interessantste was die gaste: troues was daardie tyd ‘n familieaangeleentheid, en kleinneefs en niggies wat jy van geen kant af ken nie, het opgedaag. Omdat hulle ouers genooi is. En omdat hulle nie alleen wou troue toe gaan nie, het die meeste hulle vriende of vriendinne saamgebring, wat jy van geen Adam se kant af ken nie, geen idee het wat hulle name is nie, en nooit weer gesien het nie.

Soos Lucas Maree sing in Kiekies: my kiekies is verwysings, my lewensinventaris, die ensiklopedie van my bestaan.

Die tannie wat een keer daar in Irene se aftreeoord my sien kyk het na ‘n ou foto van ‘n aantreklike soldaat met ‘n stralende bruid aan sy sy wat teen haar woonstelletjie se muur hang. “Dit is ek daardie, maar dit was in ‘n ander lewe,” het sy gesê. En hoe meer mens jou eie foto’s deurkyk, hoe meer raak jy akuut bewus van hoe vinnig die lewe verbygaan. Kan daardie laggende blonde jong man met die groot kuif op die foto werklik jou gryskop, bles vriend wees met die diep groewe in sy wange en die moeë uitdrukking in sy oë?

En die maer meisie saam met wie jy matriekafskeid toe was, kan sy die mollige ouma wees met vyf kleinkinders om haar wat jy op Facebook gesien het?

Stapels foto’s wat fragmente van ‘n lewe vertel, wat soos stukke in ‘n legkaart pas om die skildery van jou lewe te voltooi. Maar, soos Lucas ook sing, die gaping tussen kiekies maak jou bang.

Van die dooies hoor jy, maar die lewendes skif net soms op in die dun lug wat lewe genoem word. Op ‘n koshuisfoto lag ‘n jong man, groot sportman en liggaamsopvoedingstudent, breëbek. Snaakse hoed op sy kop en duikbril aan. Twee weke gelede is hy ook die rooi rantjies deur, uitgeteer deur kanker.

En die interessante wat jou foto’s vertel, is hoe onvoorspelbaar lewe is. Hoe sou jou foto’s gelyk het as jy volle beheer oor jou lewe gehad het? Ek is seker prinses Diana sou prominent op die meeste van Harry se troufoto’s gewees het. Maar, soos Adam Small sê, “die dice het verkeerd gaval” vir Harry en sy pa Charles en sy ma Diana. Die ikoniese prinses is op ‘n jong ouderdom in ‘n motorongeluk onder in een van Parys se duikweë oorlede. Onwillekeurig dink jy aan die rooikopseuntjie wat in doodse stilte in swart klere deur Londen se strate loop agter sy ma se kis, saam met sy pa, sy broer en sy oom. C’est la vie, voorwaar. Die trotse bruidegom van Saterdag met die netjiese vlieëniersuniform, het ‘n gaping tussen sy kiekies.

Eenkant in my fotoboks, in ‘n koevert toegeplak, soos ‘n kamer waarvan die deur gegrendel is, is ou weermagfoto’s. Jong manne, eintlik maar nog seuns, iewers in die bos. Een het sopas hard en lank gevloek toe hy sy slaapsak op ‘n pofadder oopgerol het, en byna gepik is. En die res van

sy makkers wat moeite het om hulle moegheid en die gatvol uitdrukking op hulle gesigte weg te steek. Die stories van hulle lewens. Ek kyk soms na mank, ou manne wat sukkelend loop en steun, middeljarige, skuifelende oupas, en ek dink: jý was ook daar. Daar in die plekke en tye waaroor nie gepraat word en gepraat mag word nie. Wat jou kopkiekies met doeke toegooi.

Maar wat soms oomblikke het soos wat Shakespeare se Hamlet sê: But in that depth of sleep, what dreams may come?

Momente wanneer die doeke afgeruk word van sy kopkiekies af, en niemand verstaan waarom hy so stil en befoeterd word nie. So skree in sy slaap nie.

En, onder in die koevert, kom ek op een spesifieke foto van my weermagdae af. My een kollega wat so lekker kon kitaar speel, met sy eie, kenmerkende tegniek. Net hy kon ‘n kitaar so laat klink. Op werksessies en spanboue en ontplooiings het hy die manne se moraal hoog gehou deur op sy kitaar te speel en te sing. Hulle stresvlakke en verlange na hulle huis en algemene gevoel van uitputting weg te skaaf, weg te streel met note. Hy het later, gediagnoseer met posttraumatiese stres, ‘n vroeë pakket gekry. Met sy pensioen hopeloos te min. So tyd terug, toe ek wag vir iemand by Kaapstadstasie, hoor ek daardie bekende kitaarspeeltegniek. Hy het het daar voor die ingang gesit en speel, op ‘n omgekeerde plastiekkrat, en musiek gemaak.

Plastiekhouertjie voor hom vir donasies. Ons het mekaar se oog gevang, maar ons het gemaak of ons mekaar nie ken nie.

SPORT News

25 May 2018

5

Glamorous Couture opens soon!

After months of preparation, Glamorous Couture will open its doors in Kinross on Wednesday 23 May 2018. The store will offer a myriad of beautiful designs for the modern, elegant woman.

Fatima Cassim, founder of the brand, began the business as an online venture seven years ago, and is now ready to take the leap and offer her old and new clients a new experience.

Glamorous Couture will be the first boutique to grace the streets of Kinross in the past 40 years (or so) and will include items seen on the website and social media pages. The store also offers the service of sourcing items which are not displayed on the site or in the store, but which a customer might request.

Clients can be at ease knowing that they are in good hands, as this is a passion project for the founder.

Cassim has always dabbled in fashion and design, and is proud to step into this new venture to bring a touch of sophistication to the lives of the women who enter the store.

Although GC started with lingerie, the store now offers an assortment of women’s wear, including evening wear, swimwear and accessories and even branching out into men’s children’s garments. The collection promises everything you need to stay on top of emerging trends at affordable prices.

Having spent years in this industry, Cassim has developed a keen eye for detail. You are sure to find a beautiful piece that you can enjoy for years to come!

Keep up with Glamorous Couture on social media: Instagram: @glamorouscouture_ Facebook: glamorouscouture

From page 1

with the committee in March, debt had risen to R13.88bn. Eskom previously told the committee on public enterprises in April that debt stood at R13.5bn.

Over 12 months during the year 2017/18, municipal debt swelled by 40% or R4.16bn, said Eskom’s group executive of customer services Ayanda Noah.

The Free State, Mpumalanga and North West were among the worst offenders, while Gauteng and the Northern Cape also raised concern, according to Eskom’s submission to Parliament. The submission also revealed the top 10 defaulting municipalities.

Scopa resolved to meet with these to find out why they are not paying their debt.

Top ten defaulters The top ten defaulting municipalities are: Maluti-A-Phofung in the Free State: This municipality owes Eskom R2.8bn.

Matjhabeng in the Free State: This municipality owes Eskom R1.8bn. eMalahleni in Mpumalanga: This municipality owes Eskom R1.6bn.

Ngwathe in the Free State: This municipality owes Eskom R936m.

Emfuleni in Gauteng: This municipality owes Eskom R606m.

Govan Mbeki in Mpumalanga: This municipality owes Eskom R517m.

Lekwa in Mpumalanga: This municipality owes Eskom R491m.

Thaba Chweu in Mpumalanga: This

Power on - for now How would that be paid if GMM can’t pay anything now? What would change in the way that the finances are run? What would change in the way GMM collects monies? What would change in the spending patterns of GMM? But it is not only GMM that is to blame in the ongoing saga. Residents are asking why the debt grew to such an amount. The amount owing to Eskom escalated only in the last few years and questions are being asked as to why Eskom did not address the problem earlier. Good business sense indicates that any growing debt be addressed as soon as possible.

The top 10 defaulting municipalities owe Eskom R9.73bn, and a parliamentary committee has resolved to meet with them to find out why they are not paying their debts.

The standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) on Wednesday was briefed by Eskom, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the South African Local Government Association and National Treasury to find out what efforts are being made to address escalating municipal debt owed to Eskom.

Eskom chairperson Jabu Mabuza told Scopa that since the last meeting

municipality owes Eskom R431m.

Ditsobotla in the North West: This municipality owes Eskom R293m.

Naledi in the North West: This municipality owes Eskom R280m.

Four of the top 10 defaulters is situated in Mpumalanga.

Customers prefer to pay Eskom directly and want it to take over the supply of power from municipalities.

Residents in GMM have been asking for a long time to pay Eskom directly.

“Over a five-year period, inaccurate billing systems and the resultant poor revenue generation by Mpumalanga municipalities has resulted in the escalating Eskom debt,” Says James Masongo, DA Spokesperson on CoGTA, “Under the ANC, Mpumalanga municipalities have been plagued by a billing and revenue collection crisis for several years, which has led to billions of Rands worth of lost or written-off

revenue.”

“The lives of the people of Mpumalanga are severely affected by poor management and incompetence. It is especially the poor that suffers most,” said James, “It is time for the ANC to prioritise the people of this province and not just the connected few. Mpumalanga needs change. Change that only a DA-run government can provide.”

- Encee van Huyssteen

News

6

25 May 2018

Dieter - Live life to the fullest!

A love for life, a love for music, a love for people and a love for God. These are the things that strike you when you interact with Dieter Uken.

Life has dealt Dieter a number of blows but that is not the way that Dieter experiences it. He enjoys life!

He lives life every day!

Dieter was born in Port Shepstone in Kwazulu Natal and grew up in Pietermaritzburg. He always had a love for music and a love to entertain.

Last year, on the 19th of May, Dieter was diagnosed for the second time with cancer. After being diagnosed with a massive brain tumour in 2004, Dieter knew what to expect when the news came of the colon cancer that has now invaded his body. When asked about how he copes, Dieter has a few tips. The first is that you should know where you are going when you enter eternity. You should be ready to meet God. Secondly, live life! Life is short and one needs to look at everyday with new enthusiasm.

Dieter speaks fondly of his heritage.

His Grandfather Hermann Freyer (Mothers side), was a music leader and deliverance minister in the German Lutheran church. Music has always been part of Dieter’s life. The story gets even more interesting when he speaks about his Grandfather on his father’s side, Grandfather Rohlf Uken.

Rohlf was wounded in World War 1 when he was shot in the knees on the battlefield. Rohlf lay wounded on the battlefield for a few days before he was rescued by the Red Cross. He would recall how he saw the tracers flying over him at night as the fighting continued. As Rohlf lay wounded he prayed to God and asked to be saved, and if he would be saved he would come to Africa as a missionary.

“He came as a young man” says Dieter, “and established his first missionary in Northern Kwazulu Natal. He delivered his first sermon in Zulu just three months after arriving in South Africa.”

This commitment to serve God and

the community is deeply entrenched in Dieter. He is an Elder in the Lighthouse Church where he uses the opportunity to bring his message of hope to those that need it.

“I’m not out of the woods yet” says Dieter, “But I’m living life to the fullest!” An entertainer, brilliant musician and excellent Master of Ceremonies, Dieter is a popular choice with everyone.

“I have to thank my wife, Sue, for her support in this life journey that I’m on.

Without her support this would not be possible.”

Dieter spoke at the SANBS donor function about being a recipient of blood and what it means to receive blood. He needed blood on two occasions and would like to say a special thanks to a very special breed of people, those that donate blood. There are also a few others that need to be thanked for making

such a difference in his life as well as some others. Dieter thanks Cansa, Lighthouse Church and especially the Secunda community for all their support and urges people not to stop supporting those with cancer.

A firm belief in God and that he still has purpose in life keeps Dieter going every day.

The one message that Dieter would like to leave us with is: “Are you ready for eternity?”

Police visit pre-school A chilly morning in Evander did not stop students of TP Stratten PrePrimary School from welcoming the Evander Police Unit with enthusiastic warmth on 15 May 2018. The police paid the school a visit to talk to the children about safety, the law and to give a live demonstration of how police dogs are used to solve cases by sniffing out drugs, explosives, blood and even money.

The demonstration was undoubtedly the most enjoyable part for the learners, as they screamed with glee each time one of the dogs responded correctly to a sample. They were also given the opportunity to partake by hiding the samples for the dogs to find.

“We were pleased to have them here because not only did the children

learn about their own safety, but they also got a view of some of the work that the police do,” said Marietjie Viljoen, a teacher at the school. “Children are also sometimes intimidated and afraid of the police; we wanted to show them that these are the people they should trust and that they’re here for their safety.”

The visit was also an important learning opportunity, especially in the way of exposing the learners to different career paths. “We want to show them all

the options they have for their futures, so we try to have different people from different occupations to visit the school,” Viljoen said.

The children were also given SAPS colouring books, which featured themes of safety in the community and included emergency numbers that they could begin to learn.

The police urged the children to report any harm that was done to them, but also to remember their responsibility not to cause harm to others.

The Bulletin reported extensively on the fire at Davies Court. The flat received a complete makeover and was handed back to Koos en Koekie Barnard on Friday 11 May. Highveld Ridge Primary sponsored the kitchen counter items as well as the two panel heaters. Highveld Ridge has adopted Davies Court as a community project and treat the residents of Davies Court once a term.

“We are one of the very few non-profit org’s on the list of donors” says Gerda Raath, “and we do these things from the bottoms of our hearts as we adopted the old age home as our community project.” The Bulletin would like to thank Highveld Ridge Primary for their contribution to making such a difference in Koos and Koekies lives.

25 May 2018

SPORT NEWS

7

Workers’ Parliament labeled a “talk show” Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature hosted its annual Workers’ Parliament at the Johannes Stegmann Theatre on 18 May 2018.

The event was attended by Govan Mbeki’s Executive Mayor, Thandi Ngxonono, Speaker of GMM, Councilor Nhlakanipho Zuma, as well as representatives from SAFTU, FEDUSA and most notably, COSATU. The theatre was filled with singing and chanting of songs from the country’s struggle for freedom, and overall, the audience seemed happy to be there.

The Workers’ Parliament got off to a slow but progressive start, as each speaker on the programme offered

VACANCIES VAKATURES

revolutionary greetings and words of unity and encouragement to workers.

But it was difficult not to notice that most of the speakers spoke in a very similar tone, which focused on highlighting the strength and importance of the labour force. It was only when Life Monini (a representative of COSATU) took to the podium that the crowd seemed to rouse awake.

Along with offering encouragement to the workers and commending the work of South African trade unions, Monini offered sharp criticism and rebuke to the legislature in his message of support. “This Workers’ Parliament has degenerated to a talk show,” he said.

In his opinion, the gathering had simply become a space for officials to speak without making any real improvements to the lives of the workers. “The patience of the workers will not last forever,” he warned.

“We sit here, year in, year out, yet we do not see the impact of this event.

We have always loved the Workers’ Parliament because we knew it is an opportunity for us to interact directly with lawmakers and those who represent us (the workers).”

He went on to say that instead of getting the chance for such interaction, workers were simply subjected to report-backs which seemed to be planned for their

contentment, but that the impact of this feedback could not be felt.

“When workers voice their frustrations, we expect the government to change those circumstances,” he said.

Despite the supposed degeneration of the gathering, Monini emphasised the fact that COSATU would continue to participate, because the organisation values the ethics behind the Workers’ Parliament.

Some of the key issues raised by other speakers were regarding workers' wellbeing and the development of the country. Speakers touched briefly on the issues of corruption, increase of VAT from 14% to 15% as it further cripples the economic conditions of workers, Eskom's continuous increase of electricity tariffs and unity amongst workers which needed to be strengthened.

A declaration which advocated decent work for all, eradication of replacement of South Africans workers by illegal workers (non-document holders) and building a developmental and an accountable state was signed by the parties that attended. The declaration also prescribed to the mission of achieving a national minimum wage for all, fighting to defend democratic institutions that are custodians of labour legislature and “achieving a true legislative approach for the clear and quick transfer of land to its rightful owners”.

NEWS

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25 May 2018

The story of Ralph Jacobs Ralph Jacobs is a name synonymous with elegance, luxury and exclusivity.

The jewellery company has entered its fourth year and although it operates in a sea of competition, it stands out in many ways.

Nico van der Merwe and Rikus Kotzé started the company in 2014 after years of working with a wholesale jewellery manufacturer. The business relationship began when they became partners in their own supplier’s manufacturing business, Valley Manufacturers.

“But after some time we realised that we weren’t really as passionate about wholesale manufacturing, and that we were losing out on our real passion. We couldn’t put Ralph Jacobs’ name on the jewellery we were manufacturing, and we were losing out in that sense,” Kotzé explained.

During this period, they continued to play around with ideas for Ralph Jacobs, which became a sponsor for the Afrikaans is Groot concert. The pair propelled their journey as partners in Ralph Jacobs by designing jewellery for South African musician Laurika Rauch for her participation in Skouspel 2014.

Similar celebrity endorsements and word-of-mouth grew to be a distinct part of the Ralph Jacobs marketing strategy. Along with social media, these approaches have spread the word further than Kotzé and van der Merwe realised. “Our brand is much bigger than we think,” Kotzé said.

It goes to show that they are doing something right. Ralph Jacobs is a delicate balance of impeccable conceptualisation, an ability to make people feel good, as well as admirable customer service.

One of the services that make the company so appealing is offered by their division, Ralph Jacobs Create. It offers clients the option of designing their own jewellery pieces, from the sketch to the very stones in carries.

“The process is really simple: a customer will tell us what they want and then our designer will design the jewellery using 3D software,” Nico explained.

Johandré van Rooyen van Kruinpark het Puma Craven Week span behaal.

The result is a piece of jewellery unique to its wearer and oozing opulence.

Apart from Create, Ralph Jacobs is branching out into a myriad of projects and divisions that could make one believe that they have plans of taking over the world. There’s Ralph Jacobs Bridal, an intention to tap into catalogue marketing, a magazine and a heartwarming charity called Born Perfect. The charity seeks to contribute to the lives of women with facial deformity, as well as drive Ralph Jacobs’ key message, which is that beauty is a feature of the inner person.

“Our slogan is ‘Designed for perfection’, and it’s about beauty, which we believe is something that comes from within. We are not claiming that our jewellery is perfect, but that it is an enhancement of an individual’s unique perfection and lifestyle,” Kotzé said.

“We just want everything we do to be impactful” With the mission of selling a lifestyle, Ralph Jacobs is impactful in more ways than one. The duo is well on its way to dominating the world of timeless, wearable art. To learn more about Ralph Jacobs, visit their site: ralphjacobs.co.za

Nico van der Merwe and Rikus Kotzé, Founders of Ralph Jacobs

Liané Watermeyer van Kruinpark 1ste Span Mpumalanga Netbal behaal.

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25 May 2018

SPORT News

9

We often overlook the lives of those we come across on a daily basis. The cashier at Pick ‘n’ Pay, the refuse collector who swings by once a week and the gardener who neatly prunes our hedges; we know that they help us with the maintenance of our busy everyday lives, but outside of that, who are they?

Best Makhala has been a petrol attendant for the past 14 years and has just spent his last full week working at Shell Petrol Station in Kinross. On 16 May 2018, the Bulletin caught up with him on his work as an attendant, as well as the little details of his life that a regular customer may not even consider.

To begin with, Best is described as an entirely pleasant man by his colleagues. “He’s a hard worker, and I don’t know how far this station would be without

The Mukumbura Shellhole hosted the Moth’s Motorcycle Association bike riders (MMA) on Saturday.

The MOTH Motorcycle Association was conceived in Cape Town by a group of Moths with a common interest in biking.

Because there are a considerable number of ex-military personnel on bikes who would more than likely qualify as Moths.

The MMA was established on September 06, 2008 with Rules and Standing Orders approved

by GHQ Durban, and by May 17, 2009. The “bikers” were now on the road with a patch proudly displaying MMA on their backs.

The MMA grew rapidly as veterans that came to hear of the “new” unit, showed interest in joining up.

In 2010 a small group of Pretoria Moths were seen on the roads with their black and gold MMA patches proudly displayed, and so the Platinum “chapter” of the MMA was born on the 13th February 2011. The Platinum’s chairperson, Wessie Wessels told the Bulletin that this was the 4th time this yearly event was organised by the Mukumbura Shellhole and is one of the most appreciated invitations on their yearly visits agenda.

The event was attended by 40 riders of the MMA from afar as the Westrand, Eastrand, Gauteng south, Vereeniging and the Middelburg chapters. The riders

him,” said Bettie, the manager at Shell. “When I leave him in charge, I don’t have to worry about anything. If something goes wrong, I know Best is there.”

His exit is bitter-sweet, as he will miss his work environment (especially having described his co-workers as “family”), but at the same time, he is content with the rest he is about to indulge in. “I am relieved because now I can spend more time with my family,” he mused. When he leaves, however, he takes with him some valuable life lessons.

“This job taught me that there are so many people with their own problems and you can’t always take that personally,” he said. He cites working with difficult customers as one of his most valuable teachers in this regard. “As an employee, you

just have to take it and learn to move on with your day, and I apply that to every part of my life now.”

On the other side of the coin, Best has interacted with some very pleasant individuals in his career. “When customers are nice to me, it means more than just that. It means that they respect me as a human being, which I don’t always get.”

Johannes Mokoena, a close friend to Best, is a manager at Shell who has grown quite fond of Best in his 14 years there. “We are like brothers,” Mokoena said.

The consensus is that Best will be sorely missed, and his work ethic will remain an example and inspiration to his colleagues. The filling station is sad to see him go, but glad that he will get the rest he so greatly deserves.

Moths host MMA from Secunda were also present.

The visitors were warmly welcomed to the Shellhole’s Old Bill, Brian Wickens and he thanked them for their ongoing support of the yearly event.

The Shellhole treated the MMA riders to a well prepared and delicious Potjiekos feast.

It is worth noting that the MMA is an association of Moths with a common interest in biking, that is; First a Moth, then a Biker, hence the membership prerequisite that one must be a Moth to become an MMA member.

Lourens Dempsey was the Road Captain for this ride. The Road Captain and the chairperson rides in front of the riders and is responsible for the safety and

PROPERTIES eiendomme

discipline of the bikers. Fines are implement for misbehaviour and road ordinance transgression during the ride to and from the venue.

Legal NOTICEs

The Best of the best

SCHOOL

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25 May 2018

Laerskool Goedehoop presteer

Timbercity Trichardt/Secunda het Laerskool Goedehoop se eerste rugbyspan geborg. Hier staan die eerste span by Mr Phillip Meyer (lings agter), Me. Najeeba DiLoreto van Timbercity (2de van regs) en Mr Deon Pruis (regs)

Die volgende leerlinge van Laerskool Goedehoop het die Pumasrugbypan gehaal. Voor: Handré Hattingh (o/13), Handré Griessel (o/12), Stephan Bezuidenhout (o/12), Agter: Divan Mulder (o/12), Ryan Erasmus (o/12), Julian Cosmo (o/12), Luhan Lottering (o/13), Jarno Haarhoff (o/12) Afwesig: Tyran Moolman (o/13)

Die Super 12 Skaak het op 5 Mei 2018 te Tukkies plaasgevind. Die Juniorspan behaal ‘n 16de plek en die Seniorspan ‘n 15de plek, en ‘n algehele 17de plek uit 22 skole. Juané van Zyl het besonders goed gevaar en was die bordwenner van Bord 1 – sy wen al 5 haar rondtes. Voor: Lohan de Graaff, Zian Opperman, Lian Storm. Middel: Ivan Koekemoer, Melani Slabbert, Angelica de Lange, Kylie van Dyk, Hugo Fourie. Agter: Janrich de Necker, Juandré Beukes, Eljay van Heerden, Franco Bester, Juané van Zyl, Hanru Lategan, Logan Potgieter, Iman de Necker, Licoln Vorster. Afwesig: Zené van Heerden, Avon Smith

Elri Jacobs (o/12), Lana Hyman (o/13), Dané Binneman (o/13) is gekies om vir die Netbal Mpumalangaspan te speel in hul onderskeie ouderdomme.

Die Bybelvasvraspan het Vrydag, 4 Mei 2018 aan die Hoëveldgroepkompetisie te Bethal deelgeneem. Hulle moes ± 400 verse uit hul koppe ken! Hulle behaal ‘n pragtige 3de plek (brons). Lizandrie Mans, Chené de Bruin, Kayla Hurter, Carla Stoltz

Redenaars het op 25 Mei 2018 aan die 2de rondte van Podium Pret deelgeneem. Hulle dring deur na Podium Pret se Nasionale rondte wat plaasvind die naweek van 14 – 16 September 2018 te Paarl, Wes-Kaap.

Voor: Minke Coetzer (Redenaars Onervare), Johanco Horn (Redenaars Onervare), An-Euné van Niekerk (Redenaars Ervare, Voorbereide Lees), Monique van Niekerk (Voorbereide Lees), Amy-Leigh van der Merwe (Redenaars Onervare)Middel: Suzaan Thomas (Redenaars Ervare, Onvoorbereide Lees), Cayla Rossouw (Redenaars Ervare, Voorbereide Lees), Juandri Fourie (Redenaars Ervare, Voorbereide Lees), Wernich Rossouw (Redenaars Ervare), Xander Herbst (Redenaars Onervare), Tharina Viljoen (Redenaars Onervare), Jonke Prinsloo (Redenaars Ervare, Voorbereide Lees), Chris van Schalkwyk (Redenaars Onervare)

School/Sport

25 May 2018

11

Hoërskool Secunda behaal gemengde resultate Ringbal neem deel aan Arnold Classic Africa Hoërskool Secunda het gemengde resultate teen Piet Retief behaal die afgelope Saterdag.

Die wedstryde was spanningsvol en die toeskouers het naels gekou.

“Baie geluk aan die spanne wat deelgeneem het. Maak nie saak of dit aan die wen- of verloorkant was nie.” Se Adri Kirsten “Ons bly trots op julle.”

Die tellings is as volg: Hokkie - 0/14 verloor 3-1, 0/15 wen 3-1, 0/16 wen 2-1, 2des speel gelykop 2-2 en 1stes speel gelykop 2-2.

Rugby: 0/14B verloor 31-5, 0/14A verloor 24-7, 0/15A verloor 10-3, 0/16B verloor 22-13, 0/16A verloor 47-20, 3des verloor 22-0, 2des verloor 16-0 en die 1ste span wen dan teen goeie teenstand met 34-12

Sasol Secunda Ringbal Mans en Dames wat deelgeneem het by die Arnold Classic Africa.

Secunda 1stes maak reg om die verdediging af te stamp. Foto: Adri Kirsten

Veterane mans silwermedalje wenners.

Bianca Fourie’s operation is moved forward Spelers van secunda se O/16 span probeer Piet Retief keer. Foto: Adri Kirsten

Evander High School

Bianca Fourie is living in hope! The community of GMM have taken Bianca into their hearts.

The operation has been forwarded to 31 May. There is still a shortfall in the amount needed for her operation.

There will be a benefit evening at Oregan Spur/Pannarottis and John Dory’s on the 24th of May. PJ Pretorius will be entertaining everyone. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Bianca Fourie fund.

Pleasew come and support Hoërskool Oosterland in this effort. Bianca really needs your help!

PJ will entertain everyone on the 24th

Laerskool Kruinpark se Kleuterzone Konsert

Lebo Thusi in Gr 12 in Evander High School was recently chosen for the U/18 Mpumalanga Netball team. She is an exceptional player, and has been playing netball since Primary school In the photo with her, is her coach at Evander High School Me. Bianca Gunter.

Me. Gunter was also chosen as Team manager for the U/14 Mpumalanga Netball team.

They attend a weekly practice at Middelburg every Friday and they will be going on a Netball tour from 24 to 28 June.

Laerskool Kruinpark het die aande van 15 en 16 Mei 'n aangename konsert gehou. Die skoolsaal was gevul met die glimlaggende gesigte van familielede wat die kleintjies ondersteun het terwyl hulle gesing het en met verrassende vertroue gedans het.

Die vertoning is opgeneem deur spesiale gaste, die ABS-produksiespan, vir die Kleuterzone-program op die kykNET Nou! kanaal.

Die gehoor het die kleuters met warm lag gesteun, en met elke opvoering

is 'n geskenk gegee aan 'n uitstaande kunstenaar van elke groep.

Die verskillende klasse is georganiseer deur kleur temas en geklee daarvolgens.

Dit was amusant om die kinders te sien aantrek soos vlinders, feetjies, ballerinas en selfs rugbyspelers.

Aan die einde van die aand het die Graad R-seuns 'n pragtige vertoning gelewer om die nag af te rond, hulle het ‘n staande ovasie ontvang terwyl die gordyne gesluit word.

25 May

2018

Bulletin

Basizeni Special School golf day On Saturday 19 May, 57 golfers teed off with a shot gun start at Graceland Country Club to participate in the fourth Basizeni Special School fundraising golf day.

Renera van Wyk of Basizeni Special School and Sandra Hanekom welcomed the players at the registration table and presented each with the rules for the day and score cards.

Cool weather, thick cloud cover and temperatures hovering around 13

degrees and no wind to speak of, it promised to be perfect playing conditions. The course still looked in very fine condition for this time of the year.

The competition format was two ball better ball scramble drive with the best score of the pair counting on all par four and five holes and both scores to count on the short par three holes. Several novelty prizes were up for grabs for nearest to the pin on the par three holes

and nearest to the pin in two strokes at number 18.

The competition was won by Pine Pienaar and Andrè Kok with a score of 57 better ball points and they had the first choice of the prizes on the table.

Second were Martin and Pieter and third were Theo and Sonja, the only lady in the field.

During the prize giving, Jan van Wyk, club captain of Graceland Country Club and organiser of the day, announced that Willem van Rooyen,

manager of Graceland, donated all the playing fees of the day to Basizeni Special School as well as sponsoring the halfway house refreshments. Mis Mirriam Rampai, Basizeni Special School head mistress, thanked Willem for the donation and the use of the venue. She also thanked all their sponsors for making the day so successful.

Sponsors were: Graceland Country Club, Proconics, Megchem, WBHO, Cincinatti and Prima Stationary.

Jan van Wyk (Club Captain), Theo van Niekerk, Mirriam Rampai (Headmistress) and Sonja van Niekerk

Winners of the day Pine Pienaar (left) and AndrĂŠ Kok (3rd) with Jan van Wyk (Club Captain) and Mirriam Rampai (Headmistress)

Johan Hanekom putting from the seam

Sonja van Niekerk putting for Par