The Bulletin Newspaper - 26 April 2019

ISSUE 221 - FREE

26 APRIL 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST

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

2215 streetlights could have been fixed At least 2215 streetlights could have been fixed with the money that was spent on the recent strategic session held at Badplaas.

According to one of the local electrical suppliers, a Sylvania Mercury Lamp (High Pressure Standard) 250W is selling at a cost of R75,47 inclusive of VAT. The actual costs for the strategic session held at Badplaas amounted to R167 170. It is unclear if this amount includes VAT. The costs are set to be far higher than the conference costs alone as there would have been costs added for facilitators, overtime for drivers etc.

The letter that was circulated and The Bulletin reported on, indicates fiftytwo staff members and politicians that attended the strategic session. The guests that made use of the sleeping arrangements amounted to 60 and the conference delegation totalled 62.

In a response to the media reports, Mr Benzi Ka-Soko, Chief of Staff, Govan Mbeki Municipality wrote: “We have noted the media interest in the GMM Strategic Planning Session. This media interest seems to cast aspersions on this Strategic Planning Session as if the leadership of the municipality has committed a crime by organising this Session. For starters, it should be categorically stated that there is no crime committed in organising the Strategic Planning Session. We want to place it on record that the Strategic Planning Session is a very serious important business in the Local Government sphere. It is through the StratPlan that we must produce possible workable solutions that are bedevilling the municipality. It is through the StratPlan that we must provide both the prognosis and diagnosis of the

challenges and eventually the roadmap that will finally extricate the institution from these stubborn challenges.

We are therefore executing this assignment with diligence, commitment and professionalism befitting its fundamentality. We are not going to be bogged down by the criticism that is aimed at distracting our attention from the task at hand.” He continued, “History has placed us in this epoch in order to turn the municipality around for the better.”

Michael Holenstein, OUTA Local’s Regional Manager, says: “This is unacceptable for a municipality which was placed under a mandatory intervention a few months ago and which can’t pay its Eskom and Rand Water bills.”

Govan Mbeki is one of five municipalities in which the Mpumalanga Provincial Government intervened in October 2018, in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act. The expected cost to the municipality is in the region of R1 500 per person per day, excluding any other costs such as facilitators, transport and beverages. The bill, which the community will have to pay, is expected to be more than R250 000.

“This is very irresponsible and totally unacceptable in a bankrupt municipality. This municipality is unable to provide basic services to residents and cannot pay creditors such as Eskom and Rand Water. Where is the Provincial Executive in all of this?” says Holenstein.

“OUTA calls on the Provincial Executive to place the municipality under administration – a much stronger form of intervention – by invoking Section 139(1)(c) of the Constitution.

This involves dissolving the municipal council and appointing an administrator.”

The issue continues to be a burning issue within the Govan Mbeki Municipality. The question as to who will be footing the bill has not been addressed yet.

The following comments were received on the Bulletin’s original Facebook post: Sanette Henning: Spend Spend Spend!!!! Waste taxpayers money for a free holiday. Why not use the municipality boardroom. Just wonder if kids and spouses also joined the Badplaas trip?

Kick this mayor out!!!!!!!!

Mjebha Afrotainment Mtsweni Members of Embalenhle community (Govern Mbeki Municipality forum) were arrested by SAPS for getting into drug dealer›s apartments, taking all the drugs and sending them to the cops together with the drug dealers. The GMM forum started this anti-corruption & anti-crime movement because the very same local government and SAPS are failing them.

And today members of the forum are getting arrested while the drug dealers are freed by the cops.

Entlik I’m speechless. This is very sad..this it’s involve the premier Mis Mtsweni and the Evendar police station commander Mr Mhlanga...and Anc it’s involve.....its funny because they are trying to create a case against them...... they should be dealing with this case rather than spending our tax money....

Thandi Ngxonono mayor... Wake up...

Tlou H Tlou Wasting money that they can›t even generate. We are all doomed. What are they strategising??

On how to spend without thinking about the community?

Sekudie, the squirrel and Secunda Mall mascot with Ashlee Redelinghuys enjoying the Easter weekend at the Secunda Mall.

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Crime

snippets ALLEGED FRAUD FUGITIVE REMANDED IN CUSTODY A 56-year-old suspect Micheal Chimazi, formerly sought by the Hawks, has been remanded in custody by the Nelspruit Regional Court on Wednesday 17 April after he appeared for a bail application. Chimazi handed himself over at the Hawks’ provincial offices in Mpumalanga last week Thursday, 18 April.

Chimazi was circulated as sought through the media the previous week, for alleged fraud and money laundering offenses committed from 2013 to 2014 whereby Eskom allegedly incurred losses of almost R1.3 Million. The case has been postponed to Tuesday, 2 May for a formal bail application.

Hawks’ investigations linked Chimazi to four other accused in this case, David Mthethwa (71) and wife Boniswa Mthethwa (54), who are suppliers and two former Eskom employees, Mwabisa Ngxoba (35) as well as Cenderella Moropane (37).

It is alleged that from 2013 to 2014 Chimazi and the Eskom employees worked in cahoots with the suppliers (the Mthethwas) whose authorisation certificate had apparently expired, they submitted fraudulent invoices to Eskom for fabricated services.

The money paid into the suppliers’ account was then transferred in a series of unlawful transactions into the syndicate’s different accounts including that of their family members.

The initial arrests were affected in January and the group were charged accordingly. The four suspects are out on R5 000.00 bail each and their case is expected to resume on 10 June.

EIGHT MEN ROBBED OK GROCERY

NEWS

26 April 2019

STORE

21 and 37 were arrested, hence their expected appearance at the Komatipoort Periodical Court.

In the second incident, two men believed to be from Mozambique, aged 46 and 26, were arrested on the N4 between Wonderfontein and Alzu PetroPort, near Belfast.

The duo were travelling towards Middelburg when the car they were travelling in was stopped by the Middelburg Flying Squard members performing routine stop and search.

Upon searching it, the police found a set of rhino horns stashed in the car.

The duo were arrested and are also expected to appear at the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on 22 April. All the suspects are facing charges of possession of rhino horns and additional charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence, on the first trio.

The Provincial Commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma appreciated the good work by the men and women in blue and urged them to strengthen their efforts on road policing in order to claim back our roads from criminals.

Apparently, the complainant alleged that he was on duty Thursday, 18 April, when eight men armed with rifles, with their faces covered with balaclavas and entered the store at about 19h30 and instructed everyone to lay down and demanded cash in the tills from the cashiers.

The suspects only managed to take R 6 000.00 from the remaining cashiers who were still operating and before fleeing the scene, they shot at the police bakkie which was parked outside with no one injured.

The police are investigating one case of business robbery and of attempted murder.

The police therefore request anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects involved to contact them on 017 647 9929/30 NINE SUSPECTS RELEASED ON FREE BAIL TODAY Members of Govan Mbeki Gorilla forum were released on free bail today.

All suspects are expected to appear in court on 30 April.

FIREARM COLLECTION Police appealing to community members to collect their firearm licenses. We have a number of licenses that has not been collected.

Inquiries can be made to Sgt Dudu Nkaki at Evander police station (017 -6322322) QUINTUPLE TO APPEAR FOR POSSESSION OF RHINO HORNS Four men and a woman are expected to appear in two different courts on 23 April for possession of rhino horns, in two separate incidents.

In the first incident that took place at Komatipoort on 18 April, in the afternoon, police intercepted a vehicle with two men and a woman.

Upon searching the vehicle, they discovered a set of rhino horns and an unlicensed firearm with four rounds of ammunition. The trio aged between

Easter roadblock

SAPS and Provincial Traffic manned the Easter weekend roadblock near Leandra.

The Bulletin visited the roadblock and handed out Easter eggs as a gesture of good will.

Const. Makwe, Const, Nthimkhulu, Const. Smith, Const. Jiyane and Const. Kgwajane

NEWS

26 April 2019

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Councillor’s close encounter

Democratic Alliance Councillor Banele Nkabinde had a close encounter in Lebohang the past few days.

While working in his room he discovered a Full Metal Bullet that looked like it has been fired from a 9mm Pistol. On further investigation Banele discovered a hole in the roof that were clearly made by the bullet.

When the Bulletin spoke to Cllr Nkabinde he said, “My life as well as that of my family are not safe in Lebohang. But I will fight for the truth until the Democratic Alliance takes over the country.”

Banele is a very active politician in the Lebohang area and is well known amongst the residents. He is also Deputy Chairperson of the Govan Mbeki Constituency.

Cllr Nkabinde reported the incident to the Police and they are now investigating the incident.

Groot planne vir wieleskou 2019 Die jaarlikse Wieleskou word op 25 Mei gehou en daar is groot planne in die pyplyn. Drie Rock Crawlers word ingevoer na Graceland en ‘n spesiale baan word gebou vir die groot 4x4 voertuie wat op nog moeiliker terrein as gewone 4-trekvoertuie kan ry.

Onderhandelinge is aan die gang vir Monster trucks…. Skougangers kan saam met Nick en sy span inklim en op hierdie ruwe roetes ry!

Op die Wieleskou Facebook bladsy is daar ‘n voorsmakie wat insluit ‘n SpinAthon met bekende fietsryers soos Brand du Plessis, Jaco van Vuuren en Janika Smit wat groot name is in die fietsry wêreld. Proconics bring ‘n stewige span om te kom help trap en daar sal geleentheid wees vir aspirant fietsryers en gesoute ryers om saam te trap onder die tent op die spinfietse!

Vir die wat ‘n huis vol goeters het – bring dit na die CAR BOOT SALE en maak ‘n paar rand! Koste beloop R200 vir ‘n kattebak te koop! Kom loer deur die juwele en klerestalletjies in ‘n tent en gee kans vir die kinders om op groot springkastele te jol.

On the day there will be a Charity Challenge through Secunda where, hopefully, veteran motors will be in action. The by now usual wheelchair race will be in action with teams showing off their skills on these very unique wheels. The SAAWF is hosting an Arm Wrestling Competition and for enthusiast there will be a Mobile Dyno Challenge and Sound competition.

If you need food – what about the TACO VAN…. and stopping at the special coffee breweries? Different food stalls will supply the festival with mouth watering food. This will be an outstanding entertaining event – with lots to do and see and eat! 25 May, 8:00 until 16:00 will be a day to mark on your calendar – come early - it will be buzzing with activities! Follow Wieleskou on F for more details or keep an eye on the Bulletin.

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Photo: Archives Come and challenge the Bulletin at this year’s Wieleskou in the wheelchair race!

It will be a race to remember!

NEWS

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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

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COMMUNITY NEWS ORIGINAL ACCURATE FIRST WE SET THE TREND OTHERS FOLLOW

26 April 2019

Ds Marius Britz Stefan Zweig skryf in sy beroemde boek Sternstunden der Menschheit oor sekere ingrypende gebeure, boeke en musiek wat die geskiedenis van die mensdom beinvloed en gevorm het, soos Napoleon se nederlaag by Waterloo, die teregstelling van Fyodor Dostoyevsky, die oorwinning van die Ottomaanse ryk oor Konstantinopel, die komposisie van GF Handel se Messias, en die boek The light shines in the dark van Leo Tolstoy. Die vraag word gevra hoe anders die geskiedenis van die wêreld en die kunste wat mense se lewens vorm sou gelyk het as hierdie dinge nie gebeur het nie. Dit is asteriskoomblikke, gebeure wat met ‘n sterretjie gemerk word om dit te beklemtoon as keerpunte in die sleurgang van geskiedenis. Soos ook die Paasgebeure.

Ek meen dit is ‘n waardevolle insig ook in jou eie lewe. Dit laat jou diep nadink oor jou persoonlike geskiedenis. Wat het daar gebeur wat die verloop van jou lewe verander het? Baie mense se lewensverhale toon groot ooreenkomstes in goeie en slegte ervarings. Min van ons kan nie ‘n insident uit ons kinderjare onthou wat ons van een of ander minderwaardigheid van onsself oortuig het nie. Daar waar ons behoorlik vertel is dat ons darem nie aan die verwagtinge voldoen nie. Die keer toe jy nie gekies is vir die rugby- of netbalspan nie, of toe jy nie aan die skoolkonsert kon deelneem nie. Terwyl jy gemeen het jy sou ‘n briljante klip kon wees in die operette. Of die meneer voor almal in die klas aan jou gesê het jy beter jou sokkies optrek, of jy gaan volgende jaar weer in standerd drie sit. Dit kan jou later jare dryf om oorkrities op jouself te wees, onvergenoegd, perfeksionisties.

Om altyd die foutlose te verwag, nie net van jouself nie, maar ook van die mense rondom jou.

Aan die ander kant was daar

vir ons elkeen oomblikke wat ons diep binnekant koester.

Dit is nie noodwendig iets wat andere sal onthou nie, of iets skouspelagtig nie, maar iets wat jou laat voel het dat jou lewe die moeite werd is om geleef te word. Soos daardie keer toe die juffrou vir jóu gevra het om iets in haar kar te gaan haal.

Net vir jóu vertrou het met haar sleutel. Asterisk-oomblikke is die momente in jou lewe wat jou laat terugonthou met ‘n gevoel van vreugde, ongelukkig ook met hartseer.

Met die wysheid van die ouderdom kom al hoe meer sterretjie-oomblikke terug na jou toe. Daardie keer toe die skoolboelie jou wiggie-kaas wat jou ma spesiaal gekoop het omdat jy baie daarvan hou, gegryp het uit jou kosblik speeltyd, en jou gevra het: “Wat gaan jy doen, hû, wat gaan jy doen?” Maar ‘n ander asteriskoomblik is daardie keer toe jy jou broodjies gedeel het met Sappi, die arm, verstote seuntjie wat pouse vir jou gesê het hy is baie honger. Wie kan nog onthou toe jy vir die eerste keer dáái een op wie jy in die geheim lank verlief was, se hand vasgehou het? Ek het haar naam vergeet, maar die gevoel in my borskas toe ons een aand ná die atletiekbyeenkoms terugloop van PAM- Brink stadium in Springs huis toe, en hand om die lyf geloop het, dít sal ek nooit vergeet nie. Of daardie meisie op universiteit wat jou onverwags, na die roomysetery by Japies se kafee, saggies en vol op die mond soen. My pasaangeëer raak nou nog wild buite beheer as ek net daaraan dink. Asteriskoomblikke is die kaggelkole in jou kop wat in die lang, alleenure jou onthou warm hou. Jou troudag, toe jou bruid vir jou die mooiste vrou op aarde was toe sy aan haar pa se arm die gangetjie in die kerk afgestap gekom het. Dit was lank voor die tyd van ekslusiewe trouvenues, en jy kon sweer die vier soet- en vier sout-versnaperinge, saam met die aanmaakkoeldrank wat die vrouediens bedien het, sjampanjeloos, was die grootste feesmaaltyd in jou lewe.

Of daardie keer toe jou kind gebore is, en met ‘n geskreeu die wêreld gegroet het, dit bly jou persoonlike sterretjieoomblik.

Of daardie keer toe jy en jou

vriende af Kaap toe is in ‘n ou, flenter kombi, en Koos agter by die enjin moes sit met ‘n kan olie deur die snikhete karoo. Elke keer as die olieliggie aangaan, dan skree jy: “Olie!” En Koos gooi. Dis sterretjieoomblikke.

Ook daardie dag, jare daarna, toe Koos my dringend wou sien. “Ek kry swaar”, het hy gesê. Ek was dringend op pad vergadering toe. Scott Mackenzie se San Fancisco het in die restaurant gespeel. “Ek kan nie nou praat nie, ek bel jou later”, het ek beloof. Ek het nie daarby uitgekom nie. Koos het sy eie lewe net daarna geneem.

Die troue waar jy jou koshuismaat en sy bruid in die huwelik bevestig, en jy en jou maats en julle metgeselle lekker laf en vol

grappe is. En ‘n paar maande later lei jy sy begrafnisdiens. Jy maak ‘n sterretjie by die keer toe ‘n jong egpaar wat verplaas is Kaap toe, in ‘n motorongeluk was in die karoo. En jy as predikant toestemming moes kry by die landdros om die drie-maande oue babatjie wat gesterf het in die ongeluk, se kissie in BeaufortWes te gaan haal. Hulle het nie polisse of geld gehad nie. Elke keer as jy daarna in die Opel geklim het, is die asterisk weer gemerk deur die reuk in die motor, wat soos ‘n nagedagte bly draal het. Soos jy ouer en wyser word, hoop jy Koos Doep se woorde word waar: “Mettertyd het alles uitgerafel, maar was die leed was, het ons jare terug vergeet.”

Tannie Poppie se: Vinnige Malvalekkers 375 ml strooisuiker 125 ml koue water 20 ml gelatienpoeier 125 ml kookwater 5 ml vanieljegeursel Klapper 1. Klits die strooisuiker en koue water 3-4 minute lank saam 2. Los die gelatienpoeier in die

kookwater op 3. Voeg die gelatien by die suikermengsel en klits tot dik en wit 4. Roer die vanieljegeursel by 5. Skep in ‘n vierkantige bak en laat stol 6. Rooster die klapper 7. Sny die lekkers in vierkante en rol in die klapper

Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee

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26 April 2019

SPORT NEWS

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Die Boekspens: a book lovers’ sanctuary

Mirna Steyn and Lorraine Janse van Rensburg inside Die Boekspens.

“Used books,” as if someone else has had the best of them and you get the sere husk, or the lees, as if a book isn’t the one thing, the one product, that is forever new. There’s no such thing as a used book. Or there’s no such thing as a book if it’s not being used.”

- Deborah Meyler, The Bookstore Everyone who grew up in Pierneef Street heard the piano playing in the street when you came back from school in the afternoon. The sounds of Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin and many others filled the streets and brought a calm over everyone. This was the music played by Mirna Steyn.

Mirna studied B. Mus (Bachelor of Music) with English Literature at the North West University. She was a teacher for many years and inspired many of her students. Last year, 2018, after having collecting books for many years and starting a book club, Mirna decided it was time to share her love of books with others. Books always brought joy to Mirna’s life and it was her way to relax. “Just like people, the right book always crosses your path at the right time,” says Mirna. Once the idea of collecting books and sharing them with others came to her, she could not leave it. And if you know Mirna, she is not someone who does anything halfway. She advertised and asked people to drop all their unwanted books at her house. The active participation and the number of books that were dropped at her house shocked Mirna. She had never expected such an amazing response!

She applied for a business licence to operate from home and it was approved faster than she thought it would. She was granted the licence last year in March already. Mirna and her husband, Johan, connected their garage to the house and after the building was completed, the Boekspens was born. The reason she decided to start the Boekspens at her house is because a second hand bookstore is not as profitable as one might hope nowadays and also a

bookstore is a place to relax and has to be a place of peace and quiet.

The shelves went up and the store was ready to be filled with books. Mirna and Lorraine, a close friend, started sorting through the books. They had so many books they had to store some on a farm. They sorted through so many books that they had lost count of the number of books they were going through: children’s books, religious books, autobiographies and biographies and the list goes on. Each book was marked and read into the computer system, barcoded. Now the time came to sort the bookstore into the different categories. On what shelf should which genre go? Once that was sorted, these two women were rearing to go! The soft opening of the Boekspens was on Wednesday, 17 April. The opening was attended

Mirna Steyn and Lorraine Janse van Rensburg

by the community, close friends and neighbours. Everyone was absolutely flabbergasted at what they saw. The sheer beauty of so many well looked after second hand books. “This is a business that grows from the community, but more importantly this bookstore is FOR the community,” says Mirna. The Boekspens is at 17 Pierneef Street. They prefer cards and have the facilities to accommodate you. Go have a peek, you will not regret it! – Ané Prinsloo

NEWS

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26 April 2019

Arrive Alive: The Unsung Heroes

As the Easter weekend approached, the unsung heroes of Secunda were busy setting up for the Arrive Alive Campaign being hosted by Sasol Secunda Junxion on Thursday, 18 April.

It was an early morning for all involved. A mock accident scene was set up by GTR and JTR. Langamed Services South was out in force with their Rapid Response vehicle and an ambulance on standby at Sasol Junxion and responding to scenes as they were needed.

Delta1 Rescue Diving was also available on the day to explain what their role in our community is. The GMM traffic department was out in force on the day and

it was truly fantastic to see them supporting this initiative. JTR towing, Afriforum and Chaplain Brad Blake (Chaplain to both EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and the Secunda Community) also joined in on the day. Coca Cola provided their sound truck and was playing lively music throughout the day. There were free giveaways from Sasol Junxion during the day. There was a pancake and boerewors roll stand available to the people that were feeling hungry or maybe just wanted a sweet bite. Thank you to all that were involved in this event and being there to raise community awareness. The day was enjoyed by all. – Ané Prinsloo

Graceland Hotel reduces its footprint with new solar power plant

Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club recently completed work on a new solar power plant on its Mpumalanga-based property, set to produce enough energy to power 155 South African homes for an entire year.

The plant covers an area of over 2,300 square metres and is approximately 395kW in size, consisting of 1196 330W PV Modules and seven inverters.

It is expected to produce 610 MWh of energy in its first year, having already commenced operation in October 2018.

“Solar energy is a clean source of power and produces no greenhouse

gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity. In this way, we will reduce our footprint by 595 tons of CO2 emissions annually, thereby reducing Graceland’s annual fossil fuel energy consumption by almost fifteen percent,” says Pieter de Villiers, acting General Manager at Graceland. “It makes us proud to be part of the solution and we are excited to continue working on finding other clean energy avenues.”

In addition, Graceland completed the installation of solar water heating systems across the property in December 2018.

26 April 2019

SPORT NEWS

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Visiting History: SR Shell hole in Greylingstad

Mukumbura Shell hole members who enjoyed the outing to visit history The yearly tour to the historical British campsite of the Scottish Rifles was once more arranged by the SR Shell hole in Greylingstad.

This annual event is certainly one of the must-see Boer War sites to any person interested in South Africa’s history during the time this war was being fought.

Several members of the Mukumbura Shell hole, Secunda, attended this tour of the historical camp site on Saturday.

Greylingstad lies about an hour and a half southeast of Johannesburg, between Balfour and Standerton on the R23. One could easily name this quiet rural town a Ghost Town, was it not for the rich history that is bonded in the Boer War. During the Boer War the Scottish Rifles built several small forts overlooking the town and the farms beyond the hills. The Scottish Rifles laid out the initials “SR” on the hill overlooking the town and it was always clearly visible from the main street of Greylingstad.

If you climb the steep koppie (hill) you will enter a unique portal into the past - the ruins of a British Army fortified campsite that was built and occupied between July 1900 and June 1902. The ruins of the fortifications clearly mark the gun pits, tent lines, stables and even the parade ground are all in pristine

condition - only the tents, equipment and soldiers are missing.

The Scottish Rifles laid out the initials “SR”, a series of whitewashed stones arranged in the letters “SR”, on the slope of the hill overlooking the town.

It is told that this camp site used to accommodate as many as 800 men.

One of the stories being told is that there were two cannons strategically placed on the hill, one on either side of the camp. The crux of the matter was, however, that there was only one round for these cannons at the fortification.

The Boers had an Observation Post (OP) not far from the hill and used to spy on the SR’s movements during the day.

This of course irate the British to no end and it was decided that they would use this one precious round to teach the Boers a lesson.

They positioned the cannon on the correct co-ordinates, barrel at the correct elevation and the correct amount of projectile accelerant to reach the OP. Fortunately, for the Boers, the OP was not occupied during this onloading of the cannon, legend has it that a lone donkey was the only casualty.

One of the reasons for occupying this steep hill is the fact that this was one of the highest spots where the heliograph could be used with great

effect and along extended distances to communicate between the different army positions.

Communication by heliograph provided the mobile element in the British service and was even more important to the Boers communications.

To the Boer's, the heliograph must have been essential. How else could General Louis Botha have monitored Colonel Benson’s movements, coordinated the movements of the Bethal, Middelburg and Pretoria commandos.

The heliograph was and became the most practical and the fastest way of getting information, intelligence and orders across.

A system of sites for heliographs has been built to accommodate this traffic and this is where some speculation is necessary towards the distances it could be used to communicate.

An account from that time describes that the heliograph used on the hill by the SR could send signals as far as Newcastle on a day with perfect conditions to employ the instrument.

The two critical requisites for the heliograph to work is first and foremost the sun and second was the placement of transmitting stations on a direct line of sight. This made the camp site on the hill indispensable to the war being fought. - Aart Reedijk

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26 April 2019

Janelle Huis Kinders Getrakteer Die kinders van die Janelle huis in Evander was Saterdag, 20 April, getrakteer deur Langamed en Sektor 1 Kosmos van die SAWV. Langamed het die kinders verwen met suigstokkies, pakkies “chips” en ander snoepgoed wat natuurlik vreugde verskaf het.

Sektor 1 Kosmos het die kinders ook verder onthaal met “doughnuts” en die gesiggies was gou dik besmeer met die kleure waarmee die “doughnuts” versier was. Die klein kinderhandjies het dan ook aan alles vasgeplak na die hantering van die lekkernye.

Die hoogtepunt van die kuier was vir seker die Langamed ambulans wat met flitsende rooi ligte en loeiende sirene by die huis

aangekom het. ’n Vreemde omgewing vir die kinders was waarskynlik die binnekant van die ambulans wat hulle nog nooit gesien het nie.

Na ’n bietjie huiwering het die kinders die stouteskoene aangetrek en die ambulans se binnekant met groot ogies bekyk.

Sinethemba van Langamed het die kinders vertel oor wat hulle werk as ambulanspersoneel is en ‘n klomp vrae beantwoord wat gevra was.

Voorwaar ’n baie vreugdevolle geleentheid vir die kinders van Janelle huis wat dan ook hulle dank uitgespreek het aan die span van Langamed en Sektor 1 vir die kuier en die al die snoep- en eetgoed.

- Aart Reedijk

Sinethemba Butani, Frik Janse van Vuuren en Shayne van der Heever

2019 Sop en Kombersprojek Die afgelope 6 jaar het bejaardes en minder bevoorregte mense komberse en sopbestanddele ontvang. Die barmhartige samaritane staan onder leiding van Michelle en Hennie Rademeyer.

Die gedagte is om weekliks of dan tweeweekliks sopbestanddele aan mense te kan verskaf om te help deur die wintermaande.

Hulle maak baie staat op lede van die publiek om te help met die komberse en bestanddele vir sop. Indien mense wil help met bydraes kan hulle vir Hennie en Michelle skakel by 060 491 7038 of 076 531 3587 Indien daar mense is wat graag hul name op die lys wil plaas of as iemand op die lys geplaas moet word

kan julle ook die nommers skakel.

Die volgende bestanddele word benodig: Bone, lensies, groente, pasta,

vleis, soppoeier, brood ens.

Komberse en/of klere is ook in aanvraag.

Mpumalanga skeerkampioenskappe lewer top gehalte skeerders Die plaas Roodewal in die Ermelo omgewing en tuiste van Mpumalanga voorsitter Japie Celliers Jnr. het ‘n baie geslaagde skeerkampioenskap gehuisves met nagenoeg 60 deelnemers in wolhantering en masjienskeer. Japie Jnr. en sy Pa, Japie Snr. boer sedert 1990 in ‘n vennootskap op Roodewal.

In die wolhanteringskomponent van die kompetisie, het die beginnerkategorie 4 deelnemers en die Ope, 11 deelnemers opgelewer. Die 3 verskillende masjienskeerkategorieë het groot aanslag gevind en het die ope se wenner Nkosifikile Bonelo ook die beste punte in kwaliteitskeer behaal.

Die naaswenner was Sebongile Mezeile met Nkosenathe Joseph Faltene in die derde plek en Botoabolo Tomoso in die vierde plek en het hulle uitgestaan tussen die 26 skeerders wat deelgeneem het.

Van die 8 skeerders wie in die Junior afdeling deelgeneem het, het Cloete Oosthuizen uitgestyg as wenner en beste kwaliteitskeerder terwyl Makotoko Qobotoane tweedeplek, Welesele die derde plek en Wzweli Iliwe die

vierde plekke behaal het.

Huidige SA kampioen, Zandisile Fickson, was die enigste deelnemer in die handskeer afdeling en het hy 2 skape as demonstrasie geskeer.

Die plaaslike boere is bedank vir hul teenwoordigheid en beoordeling en was dit lekker om ouer boere soos Japie Snr. en Juba Celliers daar te kon hê wat ‘n wakende oog oor dag se

aktiwiteite kon hou.

Die reëling van so ‘n dag is nie moontlik sonder die betrokkenheid van borge soos BKB en Molatek nie. Groot waardering is verder uitgespreek teenoor die borgskap van Hinterveld en aan Tabitha van der Westhuizen en Jacques van den Berg wie die maatskappy verteenwoordig en pryse uitgedeel het.

SPORT NEWS

26 April 2019

Konica Minolta South Africa celebrates Earth Day by planting more trees International Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on 22 April. To mark this significant occasion, Konica Minolta Highveld* joined Konica Minolta South Africa’s tree-planting initiative in full support of this year’s theme: “Protect our species”.

Konica Minolta South Africa, a division of Bidvest Office (Pty) Ltd, has an 11year partnership with Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), planting trees across South Africa.

On 16 April, Konica Minolta Highveld joined the team to plant 50 fruit trees at Basizeni Special School in Embalenhle, Secunda. School principal Mirriam Rampai said; “I am so excited that I don’t even know what to say!”

Basizeni deputy principal JJ van Wyk delivered a wonderful vote of thanks and especially thanked Konica Minolta Highveld, FTFA, and the school’s environmental group and ground staff for: “making their school look beautiful and keeping it environmentally friendly”.

A further 1 440 trees will be planted in communities across Secunda, offsetting an estimated 5 549.8 tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent).

FTFA is an organisation dedicated to addressing food security and environmental sustainability, while also emphasising education and skills training.

“Earth Day is an opportunity to raise awareness around the challenges regarding the welfare of the planet,” said FTFA trees and carbon programme manager Emily Jones.

“It is also a chance to publicise the accelerating rate of extinction of millions of species, as outlined in this year’s Earth Day campaign goals.”

Other goals are to achieve policy victories that protect broad groups of species as well as individual species and their habitats; to build and activate a global movement that embraces nature and its values; and to encourage individual actions such as adopting a plant-based diet and stopping pesticide and herbicide use.1 “We are leveraging our resources to

create a culture that understands the importance of respecting the Earth and its ecosystems, which provide us with life and sustenance,” said Ritchi Smith, national marketing co-ordinator for Konica Minolta South Africa. “Planting fruit trees will go a long way to increasing food security and improving the environment in the affected communities.”

A total of 45 198 trees have been planted since the start of the Konica Minolta initiative in 2008, including 4 600 bamboo and 124 tree-equivalent spekboom plants. The planting has offset an estimated 16 678 tons of CO2e, enabling Konica Minolta to achieve carbon-neutral status, mitigating global warming and improving air quality, in line with its broader commitment to sustainable business practices.

Konica Minolta South Africa’s ongoing tree donation has reached 887 beneficiary organisations, including 847 schools and 40 community centres, as well as 11 639 homes.

With the programme’s focus on sustainability, 129 community educators have been trained through the tree-planting activities and are now empowered to take the initiative forward across the country.

Morné showing his love for trees

Lake Umuzi Waterfront bied aan “Klassieke Sondae” Geniet die fyner dinge van die lewe met Klassieke Sondae, maandeliks by Lake Umuzi.

Al ooit gewonder wat om Sondae na kerk te doen…

Klassieke Sondae word so ingeruim dat Kerkgangers eers die Eredienste by hul onderskeie gemeentes kan bywoon en voor middagete die keur van Afrikaanse Klassieke sang kan geniet.

Boonop is daar tyd vir die inwoners van die omliggende omgewing, soos Standerton, Ermelo, Bethal en Evander om deur te ry vir die Sondag laat oggend vermaak.

Suid-Afrika se eie Pavarotti, Kevin Leo is eerste aan die beurt op Sondag, 5 Mei om 11h00, gevolg deur die geliefde tenoor, Jannie Moolman op Sondag, 2 Junie. Liedjieskrywer, sangeres en aktriese Anna Davel, is Sondag, 30 Junie op die verhoog. Voormalige lid van Romanz en Gospel sanger, Adam

Barnard, bring hoop vir die nuwe seisoen op Sondag, 1 September en op Sondag, 17 November sluit die Portugeuse legende Manuel Escorcio, 2019 af.

Die vertonings vind plaas op die onderste dek by Lake Umuzi tussen Eish!!, Dros en Ocean Basket met Bosveld Lapa net ‘n paar tree verder.

Musiekliefhebbers hoef nie te vrees nie, Lake Umuzi het besluit om die tradisionele borgskap van die Umuzi Week van Feeste oor die jaar te versprei, om die musiekkultuur van Secunda en omgewing te versterk. Klassieke Sondae se vertonings is dus gratis en almal is welkom.

Klassieke Sondae is die ideale tyd om Moeders af te gee en om bietjie met die familie uit te kom. Met restaurante om van te kies en keur, is daar geen rede om tuis te bly en kla dat daar niks in Secunda te doen is nie. - Rolin Booysen

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10

SCHOOL

26 April 2019

Die volgende dogters is tydens die dorpsproewe, wat plaasgevind het op 8 en 15 April, gekies vir die Gert Sibandespan. Hulle neem deel aan die MSN (Mpumalanga Schools Netball) -proewe op Saterdag, 27 April by Hoërskool Standerton. Voor: Amelia Brummer, Elri Kruger, Micaela Berman, Lea Goosen Agter: Jamie-Lee van Rooyen, Kayla Hurter, Elri Jacobs

Die volgende Laerskool Kruinpark leerders het deurgedring na die Gert Sibande Rugbyproewe wat in Ermelo gehou gaan word. CJ Viljoen, Jean J v Nieuwenhuisen, JC Oosthuizen, Nardus de Wet, Jayden Guy, Edwin Smit, Jordan Webb en Divan Mulder (afwesig).

Die volgende leerders het Laerskool Trichardt by die ATKV Redenaars verteenwoordig op 16 April in Ermelo. Mia van Deventer, Jan-Hendrik Jansen van Vuuren en Anja Strydom.

Zeldi van Zyl, Maruchelle du Toit, Roelof Myburgh, Donaé van der Walt, Klarissa van Eeden, Eagan Opperman, Wilmien Myburgh en Maggie Louwrens.

Die volgende 7 dogters van Laerskool Trichardt is verkies tot die Gert Sibande 0/12 en 0/13 netbalspan wat die streek by die Mpumalanga proewe gaan verteenwoordig in Standerton op 27 April. Tatijana Kruger, Hope Rakgalakane, Jean-Marie van Schalkwyk , Ava Steyn, Saskia Smith, Danél Fourie en Sanaé Nel.

Die volgende Laerskool Kruinpark leerders dring deur na die semi-finale proewe in Middelburg. MC Vosloo, Nathan Erasmus en Rico Schoeman.

Simone Stemmet, Ninette Grobler, Marelize van Niekerk en Bianca Alberts van Laerskool Kruinpark het deurgedring na die Streekproewe wat 27 April gaan plaasvind by HS Standerton!

Laerskool Hoëveld leerlinge blink uit

Toriq Schambreel and Sameer Yar participated in the Gert Sibande U/12 Rugby Trials. Toriq progressed to the semi finals.

On 16 April, TP Stratten played netball against HM Swart, Bethal, on home turf. All matches were played in a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. In the photo Ayanda Mahlangu and Thando Mabizela are busy defending and trying to get the ball to their own goals. Mr Marcus Mdlalose, student teacher, is as always supporting the school's teams.

Me. Lizanne Breed en Me. Rochelle Laas het 100 % behaal tydens die Netbal Vlak 1 Afrigtingskursus.

Die volgende leerlinge van Laerskool Hoëveld het aan die ATKV redenaars deelgeneem op 15 April by Hoërskool Ermelo. Hanelda Pienaar; Charleze Steyn; Tanisha Mouton; Stephan Pienaar; Zack Oosthuizen.

The following girls participated during the Netball trials on 15 April at Curro Secunda. U/12; Tyra Newman; Petunia Mpangane and Gizelle Botes (absent) as well as U/13 Mokgadi Rapotapi and Tumi Mashinini

The following boys reached the U/13 Gert Sibande rugby trails. Nkanyiso Mashiteng; Murendeni Muneri and Cebo Hlope. Ronaldo de Oliveira was absent when the photo was taken.

SPORT

26 April 2019

11

GS Trophy Qualifier is coming to town South Africa has a proud history with GS riding and the GS Trophy roots can be found 15 years ago with the first event in Amersfoort.

This tradition will continue in 2019.

One-day Regional qualifiers will take place from February to April, where individual riders will compete to be

selected to be the best in their region – the top 3 to continue to the national events.

Female riders can take part in the regional events – from which the best will be selected to participate in the national event.

The national GS Trophy 2019 will be

held in September, at a venue to be confirmed, where riders from around the country will gather to enjoy the GS lifestyle.

At this event, the regional winners will compete as teams and as individuals, for the title of GS Trophy Regional Champions and to be selected for the South African team and International Female team respectively to attend the 2020 International GS Trophy.

The Regional Qualifiers will take place on different days in different regions, not all on the same day.

Multiple parties have been included in the organising of these, including BMW dealers, BMW Clubs and the Rider Trainers from around the country.

These organisers have full responsibility for the event and the aim is for all parties to work together.

Venues have been selected to make the events more spectator friendly – this may include other activities as well as food and drinks.

One National event will be held for both team and individual honours. This is being done to optimise time and costs for the participants, as well as provide more spectator support at the event.

An independent adjudication panel has been asked to oversee the events

NASP promotes archery in Mpumalanga The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a non-profit organisation with an aim to promote Archery with children. They provide sporting opportunities to all children. Physically challenged individuals can also participate in their competitions.

At the beginning of 2018 NASP SA started an initiative called Adult Archery Group (AAG) to include adults to ensure that instructors and parents can also get involved. This assists in developing their skills to train the children better.

During the 2018 Inter Provincial and National Championships held in

Rustenburg, three teams were selected to represent South Africa at the NASP African Tournament to be held over the period 2 – 4 May at Mistico Equestrian Estate in Paarl. Countries participating are South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

There are a Junior National Team, National Development Team and the National AAG Team.

Mpumalanga have only two persons representing the province and Mr Hardus Pieters of Bethal is one of the AAG Team members.

There are currently 15 active schools or units in the province. The National Championships will be

Mr Hardus Pieters from Bethal. One of the AAG Team members hosted in Witbank during the September school Holidays.

The next competition will be held in Kriel at Laerskool Krielpark on 11 May.

Mpumalanga Premier Mtshweni congratulates TS GALAXY FC on reaching 2019 Nedbank finals Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni has expressed deep pride when congratulating a Mpumalanga-based TS Galaxy for reaching the finals of the 2019 Nedbank Cup. Speaking following the team’s 3-1 victory over Golden Arrows at the Sugar Xulu Stadium in Claremont on Saturday (20 April 2019), Premier Mtshweni congratulated the team on a valiant victory against a quality PSL team.

The Premier expressed that this was a victory for the people of Mpumalanga Province.

“After only being in the NFD since May 2018, TS Galaxy has shown, with great resiliency, the indomitable spirit of the Mpumalanga Province. Their performance yesterday laid bare the potential of the Mpumalanga Province,” said Premier Mtshweni

The Premier further thanked the Chairman of TS Galaxy, Mr Tim Sukazi, for his faith in choosing to plough back to the Mpumalanga Province that has raised him.

“That the Chairman chose the Province of Mpumalanga as the platform through which he shall give back by investing in the development of football is indicative of the fact that he embodies the principle that a person must be the change he wishes to see in the world.

“We wish the team well in their Herculean task of winning the 2019 Nedbank Cup. In our eyes, you are already winners. That you have already defeated Ajax Cape Town, Umvoti, Jomo Cosmos, Cape Umoya United and of course Golden Arrows is indicative that you have what it takes

to be crowned Champions,” said Mtshweni.

The Premier added that she hoped TS Galaxy shall participate in the PSL in the not-so-distant future.

“The quality of football that TS Galaxy have displayed consistently this season belies their ranking in the second tier of South African Football. Also, a precedence was set by Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2008.If I am to be guided by this precedence, I will be happy to see TS Galaxy participating in the PSL similar to the feat achieved by Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2013,” she said.

She further urged the people of the Province of Mpumalanga to rally behind TS Galaxy in the Nedbank cup final that is scheduled to be played on the 18th of May 2019.

– this will include coordination, judging and the exercises. This will be done in conjunction with the local event organisers Participants will be tested on riding skill and technique, based on intermediate to advanced level off road riding courses.

Skills tests are based on the International GS Trophy qualifying rules and regulations.

Tests will include the display of riding skill and technique, navigation, fitness, mental capability, mechanical skill and teamwork.

Pinnacle Motorrad invites everyone to come and see how riders fare against the obstacle course.

Only GS models with a capacity of 650cc or more can be used, excluding X-challenge models.

VACANCIES

VAKATURES

26 APRIL

2019

Bulletin

Photo: Susan Vacy-Lyle

Sabie to host 2nd leg of NRC

The second round of the South African Rally season, formerly known as the Sasol Rally and the York Rally, will be held as the Rally of South Africa this year. The rally takes place next weekend on Friday and Saturday.

The organising club, SAM, announced that the rally has not been able to find a title sponsor and will therefore run without a title sponsor.

The event is a round of the African Rally Championship and a round of the South African Rally season and will still be held in Sabie in Mpumulanga.

The rally will consist of 14 stages with a total distance of 205 km. The stages will include two super special tar

stages and three town stages on tar.

It will start at 10:00 next Friday and after an overnight stop in Sabie, finish there again on Saturday at 16:00.

Competitors can enter five classes while a historic rally conforming to the historic regulations of the FIA and Motorsport South Africa. Regional cars will also compete. Rally enthusiasts will be keen to see the new class R4 Toyota Etios of Hergen Fekken and Pierre Arries in action. It will be the first appearance of a class R4 car in South Africa.

So what is R4?

The R4-Kit is a single FIA approved set of components and parts that

can be fitted to several types of cars, converting a production vehicle to a four-wheel drive 1.6 litre turbo rally car. The concept paves the way for potentially more cars and brands to compete on a regional and national level and importantly, at a low cost.

This new R4 car is fully compliant with the FIA’s safety specifications and has a performance level set below that of an R5 car. The kit includes the engine and all its associated components, transmission, axles, the braking and fuel systems and chassis parts as well as the build and service manuals. As such, all the expensive components usually requiring development for

safety, performance and reliability are included within the homologated kit and have a fixed specification.

“Our intention was to create another low cost option within the rally pyramid, and to offer competitors a car with a high level of safety. The important thing is that the running costs are low and for a competitor there are no development costs. At the same time, competitors will know that all R4 specification cars are identical, providing a level playing field within this new category,” said FIA Technical Director, Bernard Niclot - Rallystar Motorsport News - Andries van der Walt