The Bulletin Newspaper - 25 October 2019

ISSUE 246 - FREE

25

OCTOBER 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST

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

Smart Meter Confusion

S

mart Meters are becoming a bigger and bigger problem for Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM).

Smart Meters (SM) are designed to curb meter tampering and fraud. SMs are also a smart way of controlling your expenditure. It provides a platform for self-management regarding energy usage at home. GMM received various proposals regarding the supply of electricity and the billing thereof. Council refused to approve several of these proposals. One proposal was approved for the eMbalenhle target but the eMbalenhle residents refused the meters and chased the installations teams out of Emba. The next plan was to use those meters in Secunda instead of eMbalenhle. This was also met with stiff reluctance but GMM pushed ahead regardless.

Several meters were installed.

The installations started with the replacement of prepaid meters before embarking on the next stage of replacing meters for normal users.

Several different meters were used namely; Taurus, Actaris, Medupi Powercom and the last ones were Vodacom meters.

The Vodacom meters had sim cards installed. The council was assured that the sim card costs would be carried by the supplier. Opposition parties opposed the proposal on the grounds that the sim card costs would have to be recovered from somewhere and that would have to be the consumer. “It was not clear how the costs would be recovered,” said DA Cllr Mariaan Chamberlain. “The proposal was vague and incomplete, but the ANC used their majority to push it through.”

Residents are expected to pay for their smart meters, but it stays the property of GMM. Once the Vodacom meters were installed the following

problems surfaced; 241 were offline, 854 had no accounts allocated and 1494 were not billed. Macrocom was approached by GMM and contracted to work hand in hand with GMM energy section to rectify the process. Of the 241 offline meters 126 were rectified and are now ready for billing. 397 of the 854 meters with no accounts are now ready to be billed and 959 of the 1494 that were not billed are now billed. GMM has a shortage of meters that hampers the rectification process. The unfinished Medupi Powercom project causes voltage dips that lasts up to 5 seconds. This, together with low and even zero purchases from residents causes problems with the expected revenue income for GMM. Internal Teams as well as residents have now resorted to doing straight connections as the smart meter shortages continue. This further impacts the revenue losses of GMM. Some residents have complained that they have already paid their meters in full but have been waiting for three years for the installation. On 23 October it would be exactly three years that people have complained to The Bulletin and are still waiting for their meters.

“It is fraud to billed for items that are not delivered. Poor financial management by GMM, political interference and poor supply chain management are at the root of these problems.”

“The smart meter projects have been plagued with problems since its inception,” continued Mariaan, “it would appear that these Smart Meter projects were pushed beyond proper reasoning, begging the question of: were there personal interests in these projects?”

The Smart Meters will continue to be a thorn that has to be dealt with by GMM. At the time of going to press, no answer was received from GMM.

NEWS

2 Police looking for armed robbery suspects

Crime

snippets TO ADVERTISE CALL

Mariëtte 083 476 2860

Members of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga are looking for six men who allegedly disarmed Security Guards of their firearms and hijacked a truck on the N12 between Blesbokfontein and Kendal off-ramp at Phola, near Witbank, in the early hours of Thursday morning, 17 October.

Information at police disposal revealed that two vehicles from G4S Security, were escorting the truck from Benoni when they noticed two white Audi Sedans with unknown registration numbers. The occupants suddenly opened fire towards the guards. One of the security vehicles was shot on the rear right wheel tyre where after it came to a standstill. Four men armed with rifles appeared and disarmed the Guards of their pistols. They also took their cell phones as well as a camera before proceeding chasing the other Guards’ vehicle and the truck.

The suspects continued firing shots towards the other security vehicle until it came to a halt. The suspects

disarmed one of the guards. It is alleged that the driver of the second escort vehicle managed to flee the scene on foot but was later found dead in the bushes not far from the scene, having sustained a gunshot wound. The truck was also forced to a halt where both the truck driver and the passenger were forced into the suspects’ vehicles, where they drove with them for a while and later dropped them off along the road. It is alleged that the truck was carrying silver containers with boxes of cell phones and was abandoned just before the N4 road. Two containers were cut opened and emptied and a third one opened but only half the load was taken. A case docket for armed robbery has been opened but no arrest has been made so far.

Anyone with information that may assist police in tracing the suspects is urged to contact the Phola Branch Commander, Captain Akim Mbewe on 082 318 9873 or the SAPS Crime Stop number, 08600 10111.

Teacher appears for sexual assault A 56-year-old man appeared at the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 17 October, on a charge of sexual assault. The man, who is a teacher at a local school is alleged to have sexually assaulted eight grade seven learners, 7 boys and a girl from the said school.

It is reported that the teacher had been violating the learners from March 2019 until he was exposed in September.

He would allegedly call them over to his desk during class, show them pornographic videos as well as images and lure them individually to a storeroom to commit his evil deeds. The suspect was arrested on 16 October after a lengthy investigation into the matter. He was granted R 2000 bail and is expected to appear at the same court on 20 January 2020. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma has condemned the callous act of the teacher who targeted and preyed on innocent and defenceless school children, more so as he was entrusted to mentor, support and care for them.

Additional suspect arrested for R 11.5 million alleged fraud Kerry Anne Avent (31) was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit on Tuesday, 15 October, for fraud and theft. The latest arrest follows that of Carol Ann Event (46) and four coaccused, Lucy Andrea Du Preez (50), John Avent (53), Piet Albertus Meintjies (36) and Maria Antoinette Le Roux (49), who were arrested two weeks ago in connection with over R11-million that was allegedly stolen from a Nelspruit based entity from 2010 to 2016, through fictitious transactions initiated

by Carol, a former bookkeeper at the said entity. Carol was arrested in 2016 and charged on 1150 counts of fraud, she was subsequently released on a R5000 bail. Hawks’ investigation revealed that she apparently diverted the funds to her family members’ accounts. Carol is yet to be sentenced after she was found guilty as charged in December 2018.

All additional accused have been released on R3000.00 bail each by the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court and the matter is expected back on the court roll on 5 November.

Grade 12 lovers up for defeating the ends of justice A couple, both aged 20, appeared at

25 October 2019 the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 October, for defeating the ends of justice by demanding a one-million-rand ransom.

Information at police disposal revealed that on 10 October a case of kidnapping was opened at Bushbuckridge Police Station, where one of the suspects, a 20-year-old Grade 12 learner was reported as missing. After a missing person’s report was filed with the police, it was reported that her mother received a cell phone message demanding the above-mentioned ransom. The police closed in on the boyfriend. It is alleged that he colluded with the girlfriend and they used the girl’s cell phone with a different sim card to send the message to her mother. On 17 October police received information about the duo being seen together since her disappearance and they followed it up. They were both found at the boyfriend’s friend place and were arrested. The sim card used to send the message was also found in the possession of the boyfriend.

Police management discouraged the reporting of false cases and warned on the serious repercussions it has on one’s future prospects.

Police looking for kidnapped woman Police in Mpumalanga are looking for a 53-year-old woman, Guhabali Samzi, a Mozambique citizen, who was last seen on 15 October. It is alleged that on 15 October at about 14:30, the victim left her residential place, Elawini Lifestyle Estate in Nelspruit and went to the Crossing Shopping Centre. She was supposed to fetch her child from school later but did not. Her husband became worried after he repeatedly tried to get hold of her with no luck.

As a result a case of a missing person was registered at Nelspruit Police Station. During the investigation, her car was found at Cairn, in the outskirts of Nelspruit, with the driver’s window having been smashed, her belongings were also found inside the car. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a gold Chevrolet with registration number HCX 568 MP picking her up, upon circulation it transpired that it was mounted with a false registration number. On the day of her disappearance, the victim was wearing a blue striped blouse and dark blue pants, she has black hair and dark brown eyes. Anyone with information on the man’s identity and whereabouts is hereby urged to contact, Warrant Officer Mike Lusiba at 082 535 1839 or the SAPS Crime Stop number, 08600 10111.

Charl Cilliers SAPS needs your help!

On Sunday, 17 March, in the early hours of the morning, around 03h00, a pedestrian was hit by a coal truck on R546 near Charl Cilliers.

The pedestrian was declared dead on the scene by the paramedics.

The deceased was an unknown African male and estimated to be in his late 30’s. At the time of the accident he was wearing a white t-shirt and khaki trousers.

He was taken to Evander pathology.

We are requesting the members of the public to come forward and identify if they have a missing relative.

A case of culpable homicide was opened at Charl Cilliers SAPS. The Police can be contacted on 017 640 0234 or the investigating officer D/Cst Mkhwanazi on 072 856 9040.

For more inquiries contact Cst Mqoco on 0797166835

NEWS

25 October 2019

3

National Health Insurance Bill affecting us all

MEC for Health SJ Manzini

TO ADVERTISE CALL The Democratic Alliance in the Gert Sibande District is concerned with the manner in which consultations for the National Health Insurance Bill has ensued in the district last week.

Cllr Ciska Jordaan, the Chairperson of the Trichardt Clinic Committee was invited, at the very last minute, to attend the consultation that was held on 15 October at Graceland.

This consultation was apparently intended for health workers and Clinic Committee Chairpersons in the district before the commencement of public participation on the National Health Insurance Bill.

Upon arrival at the event, besides being baffled that the occasion was not advertised and the media had not been invited in preparation for the upcoming public hearings, there was an air of confusion as to what the purpose of this meeting was as a large number of people were seen wearing their ANC regalia, singing songs and praising their leadership. The MEC for Health SJ Manzini and a number of Executive Mayors, Mayors and MMCs in Mpumalanga included in the abovementioned sing along.

One assumed that this was going to be a deliberation on a bill out of which much controversy and fear has risen but it turned out to be an ANC rally aimed at promoting the NHI instead of consulting experts and workers in the health industry on its feasibility.

While universal healthcare was made to seem like a wonderful idea, the presentation of MEC Manzini cited only a single academic study that was done by the University of Nairobi and she responded suspiciously with what seemed to be opinions to apprehensions that have been raised by ongoing DA petitions which do not support the NHI, instead of citing research studies that have been conducted locally pertaining to the risks or impacts it may have on, for example: The economy: since personal taxes would be raised, medical aid companies would close down and medical practitioners are expected to be driven out of the country in search of greener pastures. The track record with which the governing party has led almost every single corruption riddled state enterprise into debt and despair does not encourage confidence in what appears to be the nationalisation of the health industry in South Africa.

This will also cause people to lose their jobs which will in turn impact local and national economies.

“What is most disconcerting, is that the details of public hearings – one of which is said to take place on 28

October in Govan Mbeki – have not at all been made known to the public as of yet. This, unfortunately, leads one to the assumption that much like the disappointing outcome of IDP consultations in Mpumalanga, public

participation in terms of the NHI bill is merely done for compliance sake so that the ANC could return to the NHI committee of enquiry with a favourable outcome, instead of sincerely consulting with the public and acting in accordance,” said DA Cllr Ciska Jordaan.

“It is against the constitutional rights

of every South African to have the opportunity to be consulted on matters such as the NHI Bill, which could lead to hospitals refusing life-saving treatment when budgets are depleted!”

Continued Ciska.

“The Democratic Alliance would like to encourage the public to put effort into determining when the public hearings for the National Health Insurance bill would take place and attend these crucial hearings in communities. Furthermore, we would like to encourage residents to submit their written objections before 29 November. This can be done via the DA’s website www.da.org.za,” concluded DA Cllr Ciska Jordaan.

– Ané Prinsloo

Annalie 082 906 0546

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 Ané Prinsloo 082 576 8279 ane@thebulletin.co.za news@thebulletin.co.za Sandile Mkhwanazi 072 182 0142 eMbalenhle News

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

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Ds Marius Britz Die bruid is presies 39 minute laat. Dominee sit op die kansel en kook omdat hy die eerste helfte van die Springbokke se wedstryd teen die All Blacks misloop, die orrelis het uit noodweer verskillende variasies van “Tant Koek se hoenderhaan” uit haar kop gespeel, en oorweeg ernstig om oor te slaan na “Vat jou goed en trek Ferreira” in D-minieur, omdat sy haar hele repertoire deurgewerk het in die lang, dog blye verwagting op die bruid se aankoms, die blommemeisies het op hulle mammas se skote aan die slaap geraak, die strooijonkers het ‘n vinnige sigaretjie gaan rook, die strooimeisies het gaan piepie.

Die bruidegom is doodbleek, wieg op sy bene en kyk stip na iets teen die dak. Steeds geen bruid nie. Dan kom die bruid aan, “You raise me up” speel, en alles is honkie-dorie. Dominee praat so mooi oor die liefde, die vrouens pink trane weg, en die mans knik hulle koppe plegtig.

Alles loop soos stroop, soos ons wat in Springs gewortel is, sal sê.

“Ek verklaar dan nou dat Gieljam en Gertruida regtens getroud is” sê die dominee. Daarmee is die seremonie in die kerk afgehandel.

Nou kan hulle bruilof hou, kuier en dans, lag vir stuitige grappies, en ruikers gooi om te sien wie trou volgende.

Maar Maandag begin Dominee se persoonlike Via Dolorosa.

Hy moet nou daadwerklik daad by die woord voeg oor die verklaarde wettigheid van die paartjie se huwelik, en hierdie tweetjies se troue voor die wet geregistreer kry by Binnetraanse Sake. Fluit-fluit kom hy vroegoggend by die kantore aan, om tot sy verbystering te sien dat die ry al reeds sewe blokke ver strek. Geboortes, ID’s, sterftes en ‘n hele klomp ander sake moet ook geregistreer word.

Almal net so belangrik soos Gieljam en Gertruida se troue s’n. Aangesien Dominee nie die wag by die hek ken nie, en te

arm is om hom om te koop, moet hy maar in die tou inval met die stapeltjie dokumente onder sy arm vasgeknyp. Voor hom, agter hom en langs hom is mense met ‘n ingebore talent vir toustaan en beurt afwag, die een talent wat dominee nie mee geseënd is nie.

Babas word gevoed, broodjies word uitgeruil, en daar word kliphard gepraat en oor en weer geskinder oral om hom. ‘n Paar tel selfs stry op. Oorverdowende kakofonie. Gaandeweg verander sy gemoedstoestand van sonnig na bewolk, en sy binneste transformeer na ‘n hoogs plofbare kruitvat. Die presiese oomblik toe hy homself geroepe voel om ‘n individu wat ooglopend twee blokke verder in die tou indruk, ernstig broederlik te vermaan in al elf landstale, hoor hy iemand vrolik agter hom roep: “More, dominee!” Daar en dan besluit hy om eerder te mediteer oor die katarsis in die latere werk van Van Wyk Louw, en sy huidige ondermaanse in ‘n tipe van ‘n filosofies-meditatiewe luim te verdoof.

Drie ure, op die rand van fatale sonsteek en dergelike natuurblootstellings, is dit Dominee se beurt om voor die toonbank te staan. Die individu by die toonbank reageer nie op sy hartlike groet nie, steek slegs haar hand uit om die stapeltjie dokumente te ontvang. Na ‘n lang stilte en getuur na die papiere word hy gevra om homself te identifiseer. “Aaidie numba?” Dominee is nou oorbluf, verbouereerd en ontdaan van alle selfvertroue. Begin sy ID-nommer nou met ‘n 61 of ‘n 16?, wonder hy. Die amptenaar vertolk sy huiwering as die moontlike identifikasie van ‘n vals profeet, waarvan daar ongelukkig baie deesdae in die huweliksbedryf is.

Sonder aarseling verwys sy hom na toonbank 5. Hier staan hy gelukkig net 38 minute voordat sy beurt kom. Die eerste vraag is: “What is you aaidie numba?”

Weereens sit dominee se tong aan sy verhemelte vas, sy ore suis en sy visie raak bietjie versteurd.

Die eise van sy loopbaan as huweliksbevestiger raak net te veel op daardie spesifieke oomblik.

Hy word vanweë sy huiwering om flink te antwoord op die eenvoudige vraag sonder omhaal verwys na toonbank 32, in die

gebou oorkant die straat, op die tweede vloer. Amptenaar kyk hom skeef aan oor sy skynbare onvermoë om die logika van hierdie opdrag te verstaan.

Daar oorkant is alreeds ‘n groter skare as wat Saterdae op Loftus is deesdae wanneer die Bulle speel. Hy herken baie van hulle wat ook in die ry buite was. Na ‘n verdere 2 uur en 47 minute verloop het, is Dominee weer voor in die tou. Hy verduidelik sy saak so goed as moontlik, en leef in die volle vertroue dat die kommunikasieproses redelik effektief afgeloop het. Nog ‘n strenger, meer stug amptenaar gee aan hom ‘n lang vraelys wat ingevul moet word. Hy soek verbouereerd na ‘n plekkie om te skryf, want rondom hom is daar sowat 60 of 70 mense wat ywerig besig is om dieselfde lyste in te vul, en staanplek is skaars.

Volle naam en geboortedatum.

Plek van geboorte. Gewig by geboorte. Ouers en grootouers se volle name en geboortedatums.

Is jou mangels en blindederm verwyder, en indien wel, hoekom, deur wie, waar en wanneer? Dieselfde inligting word in drukskrif verlang oor die dokter wat joune verwyder het s’n. Dieselfde tipe van vrae volg oor jou skoolopleiding, plekke waar jy werksaam was, of jy lewenspolisse het, by wie, en wanneer opbetaalbaar. Die laaste vraag, op bladsy 19 van die lys, is ID Nr? As die son sak in die weste en die hemel so ‘n oranjerooi tint kry, sluip Dominee verwese by die kantore van Binnetraanse Sake uit.

Ek verklaar dan nou dat Gieljam en Gertruida regtens getroud is, prewel hy verslane en verslae vir homself.

Tannie Poppie se: Tjopkasserol 6 tjops (eie keuse) Sout en peper Koekmeel 250ml water 75ml tamatiesous 25ml Worchestersouse 25ml asyn 5ml suiker Metode 1. Smeer oondkasserol met deksel.

1. Oil n oven casserol with lid.

2. Geur tjops met sout en peper en rol in koekmeel.

2. Season chops with salt and peper and rol in cakeflour.

3. Plaas hulle langs mekaar in die

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

25 October 2019

Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee

kasserol.

3. Place next to each other in casserol.

4. Meng die water, tamatiesous, worchestersous en asyn saam.

Gooi oor tjops.

4. Mix water, tamatosouse,worchestersouse and vinegar together. Throw over chops.

5. Strooi suiker bo oor.

5. Throw sugar on top.

6. Sit die deksek op en bak tjops 1 tot 1 1/2 uur. Op 180°.

6. Put lid on and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hour. On 180° BEDIEN MET LEKKER RYS EN GEBAKTE GROENTE.

25 October 2019

SPORT NEWS

5

Zander – Defender of the people Zander is a short form of Alexander.

Alexander is the Latin form of the Greek name “Alexandros”. The name’s meaning is interpreted from “alexein” which means “to defend” plus “andros” which translates to “man warrior” in a relationship or possessive form. The meaning of the name Zander is thus: “Defender of the people.”

That is exactly what Zander de Swardt is. When he was Gr. 1, he said that all he ever wanted to do was to be a lawyer. He attended hotel school in Austria for two years but returned to South Africa and is now a candidate attorney. He lights up and said that those were the best two years of his life. “If I have children one day, I hope I can afford them the opportunity I have had to experience the different cultures from the many different countries I have visited.”

When looking at Zander from across the table, he looks extremely confident and honest. He started talking without me having to ask any questions. “I was more of an introvert at school, but later on in life I realised how important it is to come out of your shell and open up to other people.” Zander attended Laerskool Goedehoop and Highschool Oosterland but decided to attend Hoërskool Secunda from Gr. 9.

“In the last few years I have really learned how to fit into my own skin, how to stay true to my beliefs and it is not always easy with peer pressure.

You have to decide and take that step and say to yourself that the people I am associating myself with are not

necessarily the people I want to have around me in 10 years. It might be a lonely road ahead but if you know what you are working toward it is essential to keep you on your path.”

Today, he is a candidate attorney at Streicher - de Swardt Incorporated. He laughed and said that it is not always easy to work with family but he is the one that puts the most pressure on himself. There is a joke about a cheat book on how to be a lawyer from his father but Zander confidently just said: “I have just always understood the law and was born to do what I do.”

His love for the law extends into a few aspects of the law. “I have a passion for contracts, medical malpractice and land expropriation. These laws change almost every day. You have to keep up and keep yourself sharp in order to stay on top.”

I asked him about taking over the family’s firm. “I want to continue with my parent’s legacy. I have a dream of turning the firm into an all women owned business. I also want to ensure that the legacy of my parents and what they have built will stand for many years to come. The firm was started about 27 years ago and to be able to take on this feat and turn it into something bigger than myself and build on the foundation that has already been laid, is a challenge I welcome!”

Zander has a dazzling future ahead of him and with his sharp wit he is definitely the person the firm can count on. For the ladies… he is still single…

- Ané Prinsloo

Zander and his father, Marius de Swardt, on the golf course

Zander and his mother, Jacoleen de Swardt, in Austria

Zander de Swardt

NEWS

6

25 October 2019

CAT: The poor man’s cocaine

CAT is the shortened name for the psychoactive stimulant drug Methcathinone. It is also better known as the “poor man’s coke.”

This drug can be snorted or inhaled.

This highly addictive drug stimulates the brain into a euphoria and after a bender leaves the user at an extreme low or an extreme depression.

Methcathinone is derived from a naturally occurred stimulant drug Cathinone found in the plant “Khat” or Cathula Edulis. This plant is native to the Southern Arabian Peninsula and the horn of Africa.

I spoke to some users and ex-users and they all said the same thing: “After a bender your emotions are

multiplied by 1000 times negatively.

It takes so much strength to get the positive serotonin, the brain’s happy natural endorphin, back.

Without pills like Xanax or Alzam it can take you up to 14 days to recover. By that time, you have used again.

When you’re working and using at the same time it is HELL because you need proper sleep in order to cancel it all out.

For example: if you used the Wednesday, you would be on a bender and have stayed up until at least the Saturday or Sunday with NO sleep. This means that by Sunday or Monday you would need a night of SOLID DEAD sleep to be semi normal

on the next day.

During the “recovery” you hate your life (the negativity mentioned before) and especially the people closest to you. You push those closest to away, you are irritated and you are brutal in the sense that you don’t care what you say to anyone.

You always regret it afterwards, but then it is too late.

There is no excuse for this as you are fully aware of what you are doing at all times. You take out your irritation and frustration on the ones closest to you because you know that we, the users, won’t cut them off.

If you get cut off by them, you just start using again and the drug becomes your constant.

CAT is easy to hide, because you just become hyper and can go on for days.

99% of users act the same way. There isn’t really a thing of it affects different people in different ways.”

Dr Leon Pelser, MD, gave the following insights: What are the affects anatomically?

The brain, limbs, heart and the blood vessel system are affected. Users become paranoid and later extremely depressed and psychotic. The eyes and limbs shiver almost like they have Parkinson’s Disease. The user’s blood

pressure and heart speed increases and that could lead to a stroke. The users do not feel hungry or thirsty and that could lead to dehydration.

How does it affect the chemicals in the brain?

The effect on the brain is elevated dopamine and ephedrine levels.

How long does it stay in your system?

The drug will last about 4 – 6 hours but can be picked up in the user’s urine after a week.

How does the detox work?

No home detox is recommended. It is recommended that the user goes to a rehabilitation facility.

Why can some people stop and use now and again?

Most users are on more than one drug. In other words, CAT plus pills for example. The amount of CAT that is used by the user will play a role in the rehabilitation of the user.

Barbara Aucamp, Senior Social Worker at Tutela Family Care Secunda, added the following: “Addiction to this drug lead to problems at work, including decreased productivity AND mainly job loss. It also creates a financial burden that may cause families to lose their home or have difficulty providing just to the basic needs such as food.

It also leads to destroying family relationships. Addiction to CAT can cause users to become paranoid about their relationships, like thinking that their family are turning against them. They may become aggressive and violent toward family members.

For the above reasons CAT can destroy family relationships.

Living with a loved one who uses this drug has a huge impact on the whole family and they are emotionally affected in so many ways. That is why Tutela Family Care Secunda highlights especially the need for family support, develop best practises AND enable families to find support. We as a welfare organisation know support for family members can reduce and mitigate these effects and improve wellbeing so families can get back a sense of control over their lives.”

The amount of information that I received was overwhelming regarding CAT. It seems that a follow up article is a definite must. Keep an eye out as The Bulletin might just surprise you yet again!

– Ané Prinsloo

25 October 2019

SPORT NEWS

7

Decorated artist, David Johnson, visits Secunda David Johnson, decorated artist, presented a pastel workshop last week and local artists in Secunda had the opportunity to learn from him.

David is not only an artist but also a published writer. He was published in May/June 2012 and May/June 2017 by S.A. ART TIMES. He wrote about pastel demonstrations of his work. His clientele is from South Africa and 27 other countries. He has been commissioned by Gaborone Sun Hotel; Engen Oil Co., London; Premier Diamond Mine, Cullinan; Auto & General Insurance Co. and numerous other companies. Since 2007, he has been commissioned to paint the trophy portrait of the winning bull of the annual Performance Test Class Competition.

He has also been invited to numerous

Evander Gold Mine handed over two mobile libraries

Evander Gold Mine handed over two mobile libraries to Muzimuhle Primary.

Livhuwani Ramuedezisi, HR Manager Evander Gold Mines, handed over the libraries to Violet Modise, Principal of Muzimuhle Primary.

Afriforum planted trees

Afriforum visited various schools and taught the children the importance of planting trees.

exhibitions and special exhibitions. He is a self-taught artist and he’s referred medium is soft pastels and oils.

The three-day course he presented in Secunda was attended by local artists. The artists were schooled in the medium of pastel. They all had to paint a lion. When walking into the studio, the atmosphere was one of laughing… mostly at me as I stood in front of an open door for about 15 minutes.

Louis Trichardt, one of the attendees said the following: “David said that whether you think can or you think can’t you are right. This was very important to hear for me, because it is so easy to say that I am not capable.

It is in everyone’s capability to do anything!”

– Ané Prinsloo

NEWS/SCHOOL

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25 October 2019

SERVICES Highveld Photoclub winners TO ADVERTISE CALL: 017 631 1903 017 631 1845 MARIËTTE 083 476 2860 Danie Smit - Haar gebed sal verhoor word - Senior winner

ANNALIE 082 906 0546

Jackie Minnie Mad Hatters Tea - Junior winner

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Pierre Jordaan - Cowboy - Set subject winner

A21 Walk For Freedom against human trafficking

On Saturday, 19 October, Secunda joined 500+ locations form 50 countries in a global walk against Human trafficking, bringing awareness in the community. More than 70 people took to the streets of Secunda starting a 5km walk from Kruik Gemeente towards the Secunda CBD, walking in a silent single file line with signage saying: “Human

trafficking happens here, 99%of victims are never rescued, Abolish slavery with each step.” Human trafficking is modern-day slavery! A-team Secunda wants to thank every participant on behalf of A21 for taking their steps for freedom. Your steps matter for every victim still trapped. Your steps were there voice.

This is the reason we walked. This is our Freedom declaration: Slavery still exists in the 21st Century.

People like you and I, bought and sold as commodities. People like you and I, in this city and in this nation. But you and I, are here today. We refuse to just talk about injustice; to simply post about it. Instead, we’re here together in strength and numbers. We have the power to change the statistics. And we’re changing them right now. This is our A21 Walk For Freedom. A walk for justice and human dignity. A walk for hope and restoration. From Australia to Ghana, India to Brazil. All over the world, we will abolish slavery with each step. Let’s never forget that we don’t just say it – we believe it. A world without slavery is possible. While human trafficking is destroying lives, we know that freedom will have the final word.

That’s why we exist. That’s why we’re here. For Freedom.

If you suspect trafficking happening in your area notify the human trafficking hotline at 0800 222 777.

Secunda Mall’s big weekend The past weekend there were pop-up aerobics classes a car show and the big event was the meet and greet with Find us Ilan on Facebook Biggy, and Easy B! - The Bulletin -

Some of the cars that were on display at the Secunda Mall

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Danelle van der Watt, Secunda Mall Marketing Manager, with Ilan, Easy B and Biggy.

25 October 2019

SPORT SCHOOL

9

TP Stratten bedank Afriforum opreg TP Stratten het opregte waardering vir die bemoeienis wat Afriforum teenoor die skole en die omgewing wys. Mnr Jan du Plessis, in samewerking met ander lede van die organisasie, het

Laerskool Secunda se WENNER Annika de Vries het 21 September 2019 aan die Western Mounted Games deelgeneem vir perdry.

op Vrydag, 18 Oktober, 3 bome by TP Stratten afgelewer en die leerders gehelp om dit te plant. Leiding is ook gegee ten opsigte van die versorging van die bome in die toekoms.

Laerskool Secunda se leerder Jarred Davies het n 5de plek behaal by die Hoeveldrifkampioenskappe met golf.

Hy gaan dan deur na die Mpumalanga golf proewe.

Op die foto kyk mnr Jan du Plessis hoe Tidoh Lubisi en Lebohang Letuba, Gr 7, die afrondingswerk doen.

Goedehoop se Bybelvasvraspan eindig 3de in die land tydens die Bybelvasvra Nasionaal Finale Rondte wat plaasgevind het op Vrydag, 18 Oktober te Hartenbos. Foto: Bybelvasvra Nasionaal Me. Philia Jansen, Kayla Hurter, Calene Grobler, Marelise de Jager, Cayla Rossouw, Me. Sonja Theron

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SCHOOL/SPORT

10

25 October 2019

Sasol Cricket Club - Results Saturday Promotion League Sasol Griffons played against Standerton 2 Sasol managed a total of 116 all out in their 20 overs. Gert Swanepoel Senior made 56 runs. Standerton managed to reach the target in the 18th over and won the match with 7 wickets. Gert Swanepoel junior took 2 for 25 in his 4 overs.

On Sunday Sasol Cricket Club hosted the Gert Sibande T20 Premier league playoffs. In the first semi final Sasol 2 played against Piet Retief 1. Sasol scored 188/2 in their 20 overs. Nicus Boshoff scored 84 runs. Piet Retief reached the target in the 19th over and won the high scoring match with 8 wickets.

In the second semi final Sasol 1 played

VACANCIES

VAKATURES

against Ermelo 1. Sasol scored 198/3 in their 20 overs.

George Louw scored 69 and Johan van Antwerpen scored 67 not out.

Sasol restricted Ermelo to 122/6 and won the match with 76 runs. Colin van Staden and Dodds van Zyl each took 2 wickets. he final saw Sasol 1 taking on Piet Retief.

Sasol lost the toss and was send in to bat first. Sasol scored 166/6. George Louw scored 61 runs.

Sasol bowled out Piet Retief for 73 runs. Ignus Koekemoer, George Louw and Ruhan Delport each took 3 wickets.

Sasol won the final with 93 runs.

Sasol 1 will now try and defend their Mpumalanga T20 Title against Nelspruit and Witbank Snipers in Nelspruit this Sunday.

Hoërskool Oosterland wen Mpumalanga finaal

Oosterland wen Hs Piet Retief in die Mpumalanga finaal met 46 lopies om die 2de jaar agtereenvolgend liga kampioene te wees.

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Kruinpark se sport sterre

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LEGAL NOTICE

PROPERTIES EIENDOMME

Caitlin Emslie, Graad 7 leerder van Laerskool Kruinpark het die 19 Oktober aan die O/15 Hoëveld Tennisproewe deelgeneem. Sy het 3de beste by die O/15 geëindig en is deel van die Hoëveldspan wat in Augustus 2020 haar streek gaan verteenwoordig!

Jordan Webb, Graad 7 leerder van Laerskool Kruinpark is gekies vir die Glenwood O/13 Uitnodiging Rugbyspan. Die span bestaan uit seuns en afrigters vanuit verskeie laerskole in die land en gaan hulle van 2 - 10 Desember na Dubai toer.

SPORT/SCHOOL

25 October 2019

11

Kagiso School of Excellence on high track Kagiso Sport School of Excellence has decided to visit Mpumalanga to host trials to select the best players from the Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge teams. The selected players will be formally addressed on the day of the trials and will also be invited to Kempton Park for a second round of trials.

The teams will take part in the trials and the selected players will be based in Kempton Park as this is closer to the Kagiso School of Excellence. Players from different areas and surrounding provinces will be present at the trials. This will be the first-time teams from Mpumalanga are invited.

Kagiso School of Excellence is a development organisation helping disadvantaged youth to realise

their dreams and to assist them to reach their full potential. The school assists children in football but also encourages them to perform academically. They have a great relationship with the Vaal University of Northwest. Most of their players attend this university after completing Grade 12.

After winning the Lake Umuzi Soccer

Challenge, the team has been invited to play in the CR 7 Tournament in Portugal. This tournament is hosted by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The principal of Kagiso School of Excellence, Mr Kagiso Nkoana said the following: “I believe this is the type of success environment. The opportunity is not for any special person but for everyone who has the

potential and the willingness.”

The trials will be on 2 – 3 November at the Kinross Sasol Club at 08:00 am.

– Jacob Khayeli

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25 OCTOBER

2019

Bulletin

The team infront of the N17 Sasol Garage in Kinross

Dad’s cycling again Most people dread sitting in a car for three hours to get to your destination.

Imagine doing that on a bicycle and that is just to get to the first

stop! But not the DADS (Dedicated Ambassadors Delivering Support to Children in Need) Cycle Group! They decided to change the group’s name to an acronym as not only dads are cycling but also women and children.

They are taking on the arduous road to Durban from Johannesburg via Standerton and New Castle. Once close to Durban, the group will stop at Fulton School for the Deaf in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, where they will have a tea party with the children and teach them how to ride a bike.

To ride a bike as a deaf individual is already challenging because the part of the inner ear responsible for balancing is the part that is absent in deafness. To balance on a bicycle is a huge achievement for these kids.

The group has been in existence for 15 years and has been growing steadily since its inception. It started with a group of dads who saw friends who needed support with their special needs children. They were all having a cup of… let’s just call it tea. The first ever journey was decided upon and they would all get on their bicycles and get sponsors. There were not enough sponsors and they all pitched in.

Now, 15 years later, many millions have been raised for various charities.

They have also inspired local businesses wherever they stop over, to give back to their local community.

All the charities are focused around children. All monies raised have been given to charities involving children as that has always been the main goal since the group started.

Sasol N17 Fillingstation, Steers and Debonairs has been sponsoring them with food and drinks and has been giving back to local charities, which has had a ripple effect on the DADS charity.

This years saw a huge increase in riders, double the amount to be precise. 30 riders pedalled the route.

Riders are expected to raise funds and several schools benefit from their involvement. The following charities benefit: Kids Haven Kids Haven opened in 1992 to serve the homeless (street) children and children in crisis in the Ekurhuleni region, South Africa. Everything they do is focused on protecting these children and giving them a future through the three main pillars of care, viz. (i) pre-care, (ii) in-care, and (iii) after-care Fulton School for the Deaf The Fulton School for the Deaf is one of the very few schools catering for children with hearing disabilities in the Province of Kwa Zulu-Natal. Due to the lack of funding and government curtailment, the school finds itself having to lean heavily on outside assistance.

CHOC (Childhood cancer foundation) The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation is a country wide voluntary organisation bringing together the parents of children who suffer from all varieties of cancer or life threatening blood disorders.

DSAG (Down Syndrome Association of Gauteng) The Gauteng Down Syndrome Association, established in 1980, is run by parents of Down Syndrome children on a voluntary basis. The DSAG explores ways of improving the lives of those with Down Syndrome and runs numerous outreach programmes for young families with Down Syndrome children.

Kidneybeanz Trust Children with life-threatening kidney disease often experience great difficulty in living normal lives due to the tremendous impact that their illness has on them and their families. The Kidney Beanz Trust was established to provide comprehensive support services to these children and their families. – Ané Prinsloo