Issue 92

GP S GRASKOP

PILGRIMS

SABIE

The right location to be @!

News .co.za

19 May 2017

Issue 92

15 April 2016 Issue 67

WHITE RIVER

HAZYVIEW

Tel: (013) 764 3127

FREE/GRATIS The Uplands Festival is proud to present the first ever performance of The South African Lipizzaners in the Lowveld. The show will be hosted at the beautiful Uplands equestrian centre at 7pm on Friday 26 May. The Uplands Festival takes place at Uplands school from 26 to 28 May 2017, with the an exciting line-up of theatre shows, including a multi-award winning South African dance comedy show, Big Boys the Third. You will love this show even more than their Big Boys Don’t Dance.

The hit show Au Revoir is a cirquecomedy dance extravaganza that will stimulate the senses, with hints of burlesque, a little steam-punk, sensual acrobatics, quirky dance bits, outrageous physical comedy and dynamic vocals.

It’s a carnival smorgasbord for adults. Escape reality for a night and enjoy this unique concoction of fun!

For the classical music fans, we have a breath-taking offering which includes the Charl du Plessis Trio and a condensed version of Mozart’s Requiem and Lowveld Community Orchestra.

Those who missed the school’s sold-out production Boo to the Moon will have another chance to see it.

The party animals are sorted with festive live music and the Super Rugby supporters can enjoy ice-cold beer on tap.

The kids have a wonderful play area in which they create lasting memories. There will be displays from the Dullstroom Birds of Prey as well as snake and spider displays to keep the young amused as the adults browse through the streets of art and craft, and delicious food.

Mountain Bike Challenge – on Sunday, featuring a 5km kids ride, a 15km fun ride, a 30km challenge and a 55km classic.

The Uplands Festival has something for everyone!

For more information on the Uplands Festival, call 076 702 3540 or visit www. uplandsfestival.co.za for a complete list of artists, entertainers, stage schedules, interactive arts activities and more.

Festival hours: Friday 4pm - late, Saturday 8am - late, Sunday 8am - 4pm Entry fee: R50 per car for a weekend pass.

With show jumping and dressage at the equestrian centre and a host of other things to keep everyone entertained, it’s guaranteed to be an exciting and busy weekend.

Through vision and leadership, the Uplands Festival supports local art and culture. We collaborate to bring artists, entertainers and crafts to the local community, providing a platform for families to enjoy a weekend of great entertainment, and raising funds for local charities.

Not just another festival, this year the Lowveld’s favourite outdoor event promises to be awesome!

2

GPS News Find us on:

From the Editor...

www.gpsnews.co.za given dreams we will encounter many storms. Some will be mild, others will be difficult. The life that we live on this earth is full of troubles.

When faced with troubles we need to remember what Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Most of the problems in our lives we bring on ourselves.

We are the greatest cause. When I’m going through a storm in my life how do I determine the cause? We must pray and seek the face of God. It is not always others. Seek within and ask the question: Is it me? Learn to talk to God about it.

Do not follow the world, the majority is often wrong. One of the phrases you hear “but everybody’s doing it”.

So what? Everybody can be wrong.

In the story of the children of Israel leaving Egypt and going to the Promised Land, the majority of them wanted to go back to Egypt.

They were wrong. We often get in to trouble because we follow the crowd.

Be your own unique person. Stand out and be the person God created you to be!

Why? Why will the troubles, trials and tribulations not end?

How much more must we as children of the most high God suffer?

We pray, we tithe, we try and walk on the right path, repent, forgive… but still, sometimes we get to a place where we say we had enough!

Violent strikes, racism, murder, hunger, hopelessness, disrespect and hatred are rife in the world.

When we reach the place where we want to let the “old” man rise up in us again, being negative like the rest of the world, it is a very dangerous place to be for our souls.

Do you think that is acceptable to God? In my heart I think He will understand, but it is not acceptable.

He is a God of compassion and love, was human and experienced all the emotions we have.

How unfair it is according to us, He still loves the sinner just as much as everyone else!

However, because He is an omnipotent God, being present in the past, future and now, He knew our journey of rebellion and anger.

You ask the question: how much is enough? How much more can we

tolerate before we go back to being negative like the rest of the world?

How do we stay true to His teachings?

The good news, there is hope! Another word for hope is Jesus.

The bad news is that it is your choice.

If we do not heed God’s word (bible) then we will complain, murmur, accuse, fight and judge. If we do not speak positive, do not hear the still voice condemning our being so negative, then we are just like the rest of the world, with NO hope!

Complaining has never changed anything. God tells us in His Word that the tongue has incredible power.

We can use our tongue to bring blessings and life, or curses and death.

Our tongues can be the most difficult thing to control and leave us with great regret if we use our words to hurt.

The Bible tells us that with the help of the Holy Spirit we can have power and control over our tongue.

God’s word can never go out and come back void. You speak life of death!

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”

1 Peter 3:10 While you and I pursue our God

Baie Dankie

A BIG AND VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU

Bennie Wessels (Voorsitter van die Sportraad) en Christo van Wyk Die Gr 7 Sportraad van Sabie Laerskool wil graag vir Christo van Wyk van Van Wyk Plumbing and Handyman Services bedank vir sy skenking van ‘n veelvuldige kraan-toestel.

Hierdie krane gaan verseker baie handig te pas kom tydens sportbyenkomste, waar daar gewoonlik ‘n tekort is aan waterpunte.

Hello GPS I would just like to thank you for arranging the competition in your newspaper.

I did receive the book and read it over the weekend.

Very interesting and a great read.

An eye opener into how some parents have an extremely hard time with bringing up their children and the decisions they have to make.

Some of us are very lucky and our children just grow up and seem to be well balanced adults. Thanks again.

- Janine Knox

We would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to the community of Graskop and Machadodorp for their generosity and kindness enabling us to give Sharon a funeral in Machadodorp where her son lives.

She loved the horses, even, taking Sassy to town with her on a few occasions. Her happy face and bubbly personality soon became well known in Graskop.

She passed away due to a massive heart attack on Tuesday 25 April; she died at the stables, where she was at her happiest, surrounded by the horses.

Our words cannot express our appreciation for all the kindness and support that the people of Graskop and Machadodorp gave us during this very sad time.

Rest in peace, Sharon. (Sha-na-na) Thank you all, again.

Grant, Irene, Murray and Hanna (Machadodorp).

Thank you to Sabie Country Club Jock Shellhole Moths would like to thank the Sabie Country Club team, Leanne, Jaco, Committee member Dylan and the Kitchen Staff for a wonderfully well organised golf day. The weather played along and all the golfers reported an enjoyable day. The funds raised exceeded our expectations. We intend assisting the Sabie Retirement Home with some of their expenses with the fund raised and painting the outside of the Moth Shellhole in Michael Street, Sabie.

Publisher

GPS News and Printing (013) 764 3127 060 386 6523

editor

Valerie Kemp Email: editor@gpsnews.co.za Cell: 083 5659 458

online editor

Lianda Naude (013) 737 6152 digitaleditor@gpsnews.co.za

Marketing adverts/ adMin / invoices Jackie Geldenhuys marketing@gpsnews.co.za 083 653 4926

Freelance Journalists sabie

Michele du Plessis 072 797 1487 duplessismichele6@gmail.com

sabie / graskoP

Kopano Dibakwane 079 471 6309 kopanokpdibakwane22@gmail.com

graskoP / other

Pamela Seipati 081 0463463 pamelaseipati@gmail.com

hazyview

Lianda Naude 072 197 8134 digitaleditor@gpsnews.co.za

PilgriMs rest

Frieda Paton 072 419 8905 frieda.p3@gmail.com

“Something different” Thank you to all who contributed to the day especially the golfers.

Thanks again to you and your staff.

To GPS News, especially Michele du Plessis as journalist. Thank you for your articles in the GPS as I am sure it helped encourage some players to join us on the day. I will keep you up to date with more upcoming Moth events.

On Friday the 26th May we are hoping to hold a Quiz night at the Sabie country Club. We have had a few requests to hold a Quiz night again. The last one in February was very successful.

- Arthur Knoesen(Moth Jock Shellhole)

“A view from the top like no other” Photo taken in Graskop at Panorama Ruskamp

GPS News

3 Treat for lovers of

Staal Burger - terug op radio!

Lianda Naudé Gedurende 1961 was Fanus Rautenbach nog ‘n jong omroeper by die destydse SAUK. Op ‘n dag het bekende Afrikaanse aktriese Anna Neethling-Pohl, hom gevra vir ‘n voorstel vir ‘n radiostorie met ‘n Afrikaanse held.

“Dit moet ‘n man van ’yster’ wees,” het Fanus gesê.

Maar Anna het gevoel dat yster nie ‘n naam is nie.

“Staal en sy van is Burger. Hy is die burger van die land,” antwoord Fanus toe.

Dis net daar wat Staal Burger bekend en geliefd geword het onder die Afrikaanse radio gehoor van daardie jare.

Die goeie nuus is dat die populêre Staal Burger na die radio terugkeer na 50 jaar!

Maroela Media gaan 26 halfuur episodes opneem wat landswyd op gemeenskapsradios uitgesaai sal word.

Die radio reeks sal ouer mense nostalgies laat terugdink terwyl dit jonger mense iets wonderliks laat ontdek in ‘n speelveld waar Afrikaans op sy oorspronklikste is.

In die oorspronklike reeks het Daan Retief die rol van Staal Burger vertolk.

In die nuwe reeks gaan sy jongste seun, André dit doen en hy klink glo net soos sy Pa! Bekende Radio Laeveld omroeper, Roelf van Jaarsveld, gaan ook sy bydrae lewer tot die nuwe Staal Burger.

Van Jaarsveld was destyds die

classical music

Roelf van Jaarsveld is slaggereed vir die komende Staal Burger reeks. klankman vir al die woeste vuishoue en ander byklanke.

“Dis ‘n groot voorreg wat my te beurt geval het, om as medeskrywer en regisseur op te tree in die nuwe reeks,” sê Van Jaarsveld.

“Uiteraard sal ek ook handgee met die verpakking asook die immer gewilde byklanke.

Ek sal ook karakters soos advokaat Gerrie Nel en verskeie ander rolle vir die Staal Burger reeks vertolk.”

“Ek is tans ook besig om ‘n vergete sepie van wyle Fanus Rautenbach te verwerk vir moontlike uitsending op Radio Laeveld.

Daar is ongeveer 400 X 15 minute

episodes. Ek beplan om net Laevelders te gebruik.

Terloops, daar’s ‘n aangename verassing vir Staal Burger se aanhangers: ‘n Baie bekende persoonlikheid gaan sy verskyning maak. Maar dis nog ‘n geheim. Of iets in dier voege….,” fluister Van Jaarsveld.

Martin Jansen sal die verteller vir die reeks wees terwyl bekendes soos Lochner de Kock, Karin Retief, André Stolz, Anton Dekker en Andreas Jordaan verskeie ander karakters sal vertolk.

Die reeks sal gedurende Agustus maand geloods word. Hou GPS Nuus dop vir datums nader aan die tyd.

The Lowveld Chamber Music Association will be performing two concerts at Uplands College in White River on May 27 and 28.

Both concerts will be conducted

by JoAnn Kulesza from the Peabody Conservatory in the United States.

Schubert’s most famous mass, the Mass in G major will be performed with a full orchestra on Saturday, May 27.

Songs such as The Habanera and Toreador from Carmen, Panis Angelicus, the Drinking song, will be sung by the soloists and the two Uplands Prep Choirs together with the orchestra.

The local Sempre Vino choir will be the main chorus and the soloists will be American soprano Kirsten Hutchinson, mezzo Linette van der Merwe, tenor Chris Mostert and baritone Daniel Verster.

The Fons Partita Choral Ensemble will perform Mozart’s Requiem on Sunday, May 28.

The Ensemble consists of twelve choral members from across the country.

During the second half of the program, the Charl du Plessis Trio accompanied by the orchestra will perform their own arrangement of classical favourites, like Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Girl from Ipanema.

Saturday’s concert starts at 15:00 at the Uplands Preparatory Hall and Sunday’s concert at 15:00 at the Uplands College Hall.

Tickets are available on the Uplands Festival website www.uplandsfestival. co.za or contact 076-702-3540.

SABIE TEL: (013) 764 1226

ST

SAVE the DATE !

P

THE Friday 26 May 2017 CLOCK The Official Relaunch of our New Store!!!

Management would like to invite for 30 Days of Winning! all talented Artists and Crafters to You stand a chance to get your entire basket of groceries for FREE!

Competition Dates: 18 MAY - 16 JUNE 2017

How to Enter: STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

Shop at the NEW SPAR Sabie

Que to pay for your purchases

Listen out for the SPAR Sabie Alarm Clock!

You stand a chance to win your groceries for FREE !

join on the Relaunch Day! Treat the Shoppers with your talent like singing, tricks ect. Come and sell your products let’s make it a day to remember!

Contact: Raymond or Adrian on (013) 764 1226 before 20 May to secure your slot!

See in-store for details!

Don’t miss out on the exciting specials and event!

4

GPS News

An out of Africa experience

Michele du Plessis Blue Mountain Lodge, in Kiepersol, Hazyview, was renovated and relaunched on April 7.

The lodge was established by Kobus and Velma Botha in 1992, and would have been a camping site with normal accommodation.

The Botha’s sold the lodge to Forever Resorts in 2002 that closed the lodge in 2011.

The Lefe Group (Netherlands) bought Blue Mountain Lodge in November 2016.

Set on 200 hectares of indigenous bush, forest and farmland, the lodge with its deep-set pillared verandas and white fans, is reminiscent of a luxurious ‘Out of Africa’ experience.

“Due to the lodge’s long closure there was some wear and tear in the last years.

Being a five star lodge we also wanted to upgrade the lodge to ensure luxury standards,” said Sylvia van Lenning, Owner. “Great care has been taken to create unique accommodation, embracing a standard comparable with some of the top hotels worldwide.

Every effort is made to match the beauty of the surroundings with friendly

and efficient service.

We are an all-inclusive lodge, pampering our guests is our motto.”

Blue Mountain Lodge promises an extraordinary culinary experience.

“We have fine dining.

The menu is like a French Brasserie fine dining.

A little bit of French cooking combined with some traditional dishes.

The wine cellar is stocked with South Africa wine, but also with top European wines.

We are open for dinner to outside guests, but they need to make a reservation.”

“Just staying one night is not enough to see all.

On the premises the guests can go hiking or ride a mountain bike.

We also have some hippos, but they are not fenced in.

Our chapel is also open for weddings.” concluded Van Lenning.

The lodge is close to the Kruger Park, Sabie, Pilgrims Rest and Graskop.

For more information, contact 013-5905030 or info@bluemountain-lodge.com or www.bluemountain-lodge.com

Photo credit: Artography

Elmarie Ferreira and Sylvia van Lenning, owners of Blue Mountain Lodge.

The cure within

Kopano Dibakwane Hannes Potgieter from Sabie developed epilepsy in 2001 after he fell down stairs at work.

He was also diagnosed with cancer in the same year, but the cancer was cleared completely through medical treatment. His epilepsy, however remained a part of his life, something which took Potgieter seven years to accept.

He made a mind shift and learnt as much as he could about living a normal life as an epileptic.

He also implemented positive thinking which motivated him to write poetry. He has already published two books entitled; Uit die hart/From the heart and My walk through darkness to light.

“I try to motivate other people who suffer from the disease through my poetry,” explained Potgieter.

“I started writing poetry in 2007 during my mother’s illness.

The very first poem that I wrote was for her on Mother’s Day; it was just a month before her death.

She made me promise that I will publish my poetry.”

“I also make bead jewellery, bake

cakes and play Sudoku.

This helps me to keep my mind occupied with positive things, but the biggest part at the moment is poetry.

I gave the proceeds of my first book to five welfare organisations in the country.

The second book is out now and I am making it available for fund raising projects.

I will give my book to such a project which they can then sell and keep 50% of the profits raised.”

Potgieter is currently working with an American organisation which provides vital information for epilepsy sufferers.

“There are so many people in South Africa who don’t understand epilepsy which is officially classified as a disability. What concerns me is the minimal attention paid to Epilepsy awareness in South Africa.

Countries such as the United States dedicate a whole month teaching the citizens about the disease, but South Africa only offers one week which I feel is not enough, concludes Potgieter.

Should anyone suffer from epilepsy, especially those living in Sabie, please connect with Potgieter via email at jlpotgieter@vodamail.co.za.

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The site layout for the proposed TGME Mining Project.

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LiandaSabieNaudé Points Sabie Return Water Pump was Column point Lourina Botes appointed Sabie Waste Storage Area Chairman of the White River SPCA on Rietfontein Haul Roads April 19.

Sabie Aerial Ropeway Sabie originally Dewatering Tunnel Botes became involved with Sabie Main Roads the White River SPCA after one of their Sabie Mine Roads committee members asked if she would Sabie Optional Road Sabie Return Water Columnthe animal welfare join and help inPumprun Sabie Tailings Pipelines branch.

Sabie Rivers “It came at just the right time.

Sabie Railways SabieaAreas I had bad car accident and endured LAYER a long recovery during which time I Cond Centre ph2 realised Mine that I needed a purpose in area my lifeMined other than my profession as a Plant teacher” said Botes.

Return Water Dam TSF is ecstatic about her Botes Waste Storage appointment.

“I want to make a New_Mining_right_application_area contribution to the SPCA, the team that Exclude_these_areas keeps it running and to the welfare of Date: 2017/04/10 Coordinate System: GCS WGS 1984 animals.

Datum: WGS 1984 Units: Degree My vision is to get the community to become more involved in the White River SPCA and vice versa.

The most important aspect for me is education.

To teach kids and youngsters that animals are more than just a thing.

They must be taught how to look after and care for animals.

Teaching kids results in them telling their parents and other children how to look after pets or animals.”

One of the biggest challenges White River SPCA faces is to attend to the trust areas surrounding White River.

“These are such large areas and there are just too many animals for us to house

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Michele du Plessis After eight years of prospecting, Transvaal Gold Mining Estates Limited (TGME) is applying to rework the historic mines in the Sabie and Pilgrims Rest area.

This application is in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002. Pre-mined resources (PMR), as well as hard rock mining, is part of the TGME Mine Development Project.

This is part of the Life of Mine Plan where a rapid build-up of tons could sustain the development for the first five years.

Globesight (Pty) Ltd was appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner and Batho Earth Social and Environmental Consultants, as the Public Participation Consultants for the project.

Recent sampling and analysis of the mines in the Sabie area determined that a significant grade residue remains in the pre-mined residue and virgin hard rock, as well as other mineral reserves.

The new mining rights applied for is listed in the TGME Draft Scoping Report. Printed copies of the Draft Scoping Report are available at Sabie Public Library and can be downloaded from www.bathoearth.co.za.

TGME plans to open the mines at the old entrances and exploit the PMR gold resources of the historic mines.

This would lead the way to continue with hard rock mining on the reef exploiting the reserves in the virgin ground. The minerals that TGME will mine for is gold and silver ore, stone aggregate, copper ore, zinc, bismuth, iron ore, and arsenic.

The lifespan for the individual mines varies from 11 months to 7 years.

Presently there is no definite timeline available on the proposed TGME project.

“Unfortunately, we do not have this information available, as the project is still in the planning phase,” said Diana Verster, MA Geography and Environmental Management and Certified Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP), Batho Earth.

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GPS News

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All available documents are in the public domain.

However, as part of the EIA phase (which is the next step), all this needs to be determined and we will inform the public once it is available.”

At peak production of 2 205 tons per day, a two shift cycle of 10 hours and a 20 minute cycle time is planned to deliver monthly ore volumes.

The surface ore transport contractor, SPH, will use 15m³ tipper trucks accounting to 82 trips daily ensuring maximum production rate.

The mines will operate three 8-hour shifts per day with a fourth shift rostered off to allow for a 7 day week of operations.

However, all this is only in the planning stages, as various legal processes which are part of the Mining Rights application, needs to be completed before commencing mining activities.

The Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed mining activities will include biodiversity, hydrology and geohydrology, wetland and river ecology, air quality, noise emissions, archaeological, cultural and heritage impacts and socio-economic issues.

The EIA’s main purpose is to inform decision makers of the likely impacts of a proposal, identify key issues and to protect the environment before a decision is made or approval for the project is granted.

The Public Participation Process (PPP) is a legal requirement and forms part of the EIA. This process is important to ensure that stakeholders are thoroughly consulted and afforded the opportunity to raise concerns and make suggestions regarding the project.

Any party who has in interest in the project or is affected by said project is invited to actively participate in the process.

For public participation queries, contact Ingrid Snyman on 082-779-2750 or ingrid@bathoearth.co.za or Diana Verster on 073-157-7362 or dianav@lantic.net

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at our kennels in White River.

It would require an enormous amount of resources to services those areas.

We also only have one vehicle.

We do undertake outreach projects at times, where we administer rabies shots and deworming for free to the community.

We attend to complaints of animal cruelty cases and investigate them,” concluded Botes.

White River SPCA will have a stall daily at the Uplands Festival at the end of May. Their stall will be where the horses are located. Their stall will also be open on the night of the Lipizzaner performance at the Festival.

Their regular car boot sale will take place at Casterbridge, White River, on June 24.

During June they will also have a PopUp Charity Shop and this date will be announced in the near future.

For more information contact Lourina Botes on 076-981-1416 or White River SPCA on 013-750-0240.

6

Alternatiewe Anna

Ek het nog altyd myself gesien as ‘n eco-warrior.

Iemand wat haarself ewe dramaties voor ‘n stootskraper of kragsaag kan inwerp om die vernietiging van ons natuurlike erfenis te red.

Nou kyk, ek het nog nooit rerig so ver gekom om dit te probeer nie.

Ek vertel nou die dag vir Old Man River dat ek nou my inner activist gaan begin channel en iets doen vir Moeder Natuur want dit is duidelik sy wen elke rondte hands down.

Hy val amper van sy stoel af soos hy lag. “Anna, jy gaan jouself nooit aan ‘n boom kan vasketting nie.

Of op ‘n rubber duck saam met Green Peace op ‘n woeste see rond jaag om hengse groot skepe te keer om visse te vang nie.

Jy gaan in elke geval so dramaties seesiek word dat jy gered sal moet word, anders gaan jy die visse voer.” En hy hou aan lag.

Net daar besluit ek, ek gaan hom wys ek kan dit doen.

Vroeg die volgende oggend nadat hy gery het, kry ek al my goed bymekaar.

Die ou ketting wat net mooi om die boom en my lyf sal pas, sunscreen, bottels water en ‘n broodjie in my pers kosblikkie.

Sit alles mooi netjies by die ou boom neer, smeer sonbrand laat dit klap en ketting myself aan die boom vas. Met

GPS News

die sleutels aan hulle soft-toy houertjie binne reik afstand.

Nege uur word ek dors en kry die water beet. Half tien is ek honger en kry die broodjies beet. Tien uur nog water en so gaan ek aan. Half elf tref die eerste drama my.

Die verdomde Toontjies kom aangedraf, sien die sleutels en dink dis ‘n nuwe speelding.

Daar gryp sy dit en laat spat. Ek gil op die verdomde hond, maar sy wil niks weet nie.

Toe tref die res van die gevare my.

Ek sweet en kry warm en wil die toilet besoek, maar geen Toontjies is in die omtrek nie.

Nou kyk, ek kon nog knyp, maar waaragtig, toe die eerste miere teen my been begin oploop, toe gil ek. Lank en aanhoudend.

Die bure se honde blaf eers en begin dan howl asof hulle gemartel word.

Ag nie lank nie, toe hoor ek ‘n kar met skreeuende bande voor die huis stop.

Ag dankie tog, dink ek, die polisie het my kom red.

Maar nee, geen polisie bars deur die deur nie. Net een erg bedonderde Old Man River.

En hy steek vierkantig vas en pluk sy selfoon uit.

Soos wat hy nader kom, hou hy die foon gevestig op my. Toe gil ek maar weer...

Na wat soos ‘n ewigheid gevoel het, het hy die sleutels gevind waar Toontjies besig was om dit te begrawe.

Toe my kettings val, storm ek die huis binne, net mooi betyds.

Daarna moet ek verduidelik wat nou eintlik gebeur het, want die buurvrou het hom gesê ek word wreedaardig aangerand en is aan ‘n boom vasgeketting.

Dis hoekom hy so vreeslik kwaad was, vertel hy.

Wel, nodeloos om te sê, ek het maar my innerlike aktivis te ruste gelê.

Daar onder die boom langs die vreeslike kettings en miere.

Green Peace, julle het ‘n dapper kryger verloor...

Inside story Lianda Naudé South African’s started their week with the news that five lions had escaped from the Kruger National Park (KNP) during the early hours of Monday, May 8.

This news had social media buzzing with interest from both local and international audiences. Spectators keen to get photos of the lions, flocked to the sugar cane farm near Komatipoort where the lions were found. Rey Thakhuli (Spokesperson, SANParks) gave regular updates on radio and other news platforms on the progress of the search and recapture of the lions.

At day’s end on Tuesday, May 9, four lions had been recaptured and transported back to Kruger. The lions weighed around 180kgs and were all healthy.

To get the inside story of the rescue mission, GPS News spoke to Ike Phaahla (Media Specialist, SANParks).

“The cost of the search operation is estimated at around R250 000 but we regard it as priceless since we recovered almost all of them without any casualties and harm to the lions,” said Phaahla.

“On site we had six rangers, two vets, two helicopter pilots and five rangers from Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Association (MTPA).

Wing support was provided by SANParks. It took the ground team nine hours to locate the predators with the chopper being airborne for seven hours.

To keep people away from the site, the SAPS secured the area so that the rangers could do their work.”

The vets, Dr. Markus Hofmeyer (GM, Veterinary Wildlife Department, SANParks) and Dr. Peter Buss (SANParks) darted the lions.

Darting takes effect after about 20 minutes and is only effective for an hour at the most.

Our Ranger bakkies transported them back to KNP. During the transportation

A darted and sedated lion being prepared for transportation back to Kruger. Photo Credit: SANParks

a vet accompanied the lions to monitor their vital signs. Once in the Park the vet had to reverse the sedation before the lions could be released.”

There is still one male lion unaccounted for. “Our experts think that this lion might have back tracked into Kruger as the river was low. The lion is still being tracked by MTPA rangers with the support of famers and communities in the area.”

“We hope that the lions will not re-escape and that they will be able to establish their own territory in KNP. The trauma that these lions experienced during their escape will have warned them to steer clear of farms as they actually don’t like being around people,” concluded Phaahla.

An escaped lion looking up at the chopper which was airborne for most part of the search.

Photo Credit: SANParks

GPS News

7

World Hypertension Day Round Table donates – Know your numbers to charities

Frieda Paton Are you one of the more than 6 million people in South Africa with hypertension, also known as high blood pressure? May 17 is World Hypertension Day with the theme of Know your Numbers, aimed at creating awareness of hypertension and encouraging people to have their blood pressure checked regularly. Hypertension is known as the silent killer because mostly it does not have any symptoms and the majority of people with high blood pressure are not aware of it.

This puts them at a long-term risk for a stroke, heart attack, as well as heart or kidney failure.

According to a report released by Statistics South Africa this year, these conditions are all in the top ten causes of death in the country.

Cerebrovascular diseases, which include strokes, are the third leading cause of death.

A recent international study found that South Africa has the highest rate of hypertension in people over 50 in the world.

“About 20% -30 % of our daily consultations are for medication for hypertension,” said Sr. Gail Charles who is in charge of the Pilgrim’s Rest Clinic.

“The incidence is definitely increasing with the main reasons being diet and social problems.”

Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year at a clinic, a pharmacy or with their medical practitioner.

It is a simple, non-painful test where a cuff placed around your arm is inflated and the air slowly released to measure the pressure in your blood vessels when the heart is pumping and when the heart is at rest.

If your blood pressure is raised the health care practitioner will advise you on the best course of treatment and this advice should be taken seriously if you want to avoid future life-threatening consequences.

“The big problem is that a lot of patients default on their treatment because they do not believe that it is a real disease,” explained Charles.

Adopting healthy habits in your lifestyle also addresses many of the risk factors associated with hypertension and can contribute a lot towards avoiding or reducing hypertension.

This includes reducing salt intake, maintaining a normal weight, daily exercise and relaxation, and avoiding smoking and excessive use of alcohol.

Michele du Plessis Round Table White River 64 made their annual donations to Sabie Charities, with the proceeds generated from the Sabie Tube Race.

Eight charities each received the amount of R8 000.

Warwick John Barltrop (Round Table Chairperson) and Gerhard van der Westhuizen (Round Table Treasurer) presented the funds to local charities.

The charities are: Three divisions of Sabie Chamber of Commerce and Tourism: Mandela Day Project, managed by Gwilym Rees (Chairman, COC).

The money will be used on a specific community project on Mandela Day. Sabie Pride Project managed by Joy Comley to keep Sabie clean, Sabie Cares Project managed by Christopher Georgiades. Funds go towards an annual Christmas party for 100 underprivileged Sabie children, Ubuntu Community Care Centre, Simile: managed by Vicky and Myriam Bryant, the center feeds 70 children every day and is also an aftercare center.

Fifty gogo’s are also supported with food parcels and daily meals, Home of Hope Orphanage, Harmony Hill managed by Pastor Phil Robson (Living Waters Church).

Pro-Life Pet Rescue, Sabie managed by Debbie Moller.

Pro-Life pet rescue, Nelspruit, cares for more than 100 dogs.

Sabie has a division that helps raise funds and tries to tackle the animal problem in Sabie, Mountain of the Lord Ministries Feeding Scheme, Harmony Hill managed

by Pastor Roy Roach.

More than 100 children receive sandwiches daily, Woodlands Preparatory School, Sabie managed by Nicole Brummer. All the charities that received the generous donations from Round Table White River 64, were very grateful.

“A huge thank you to Round Table White River 64 for the donations to the Sabie Chamber to be used in the Mandela day project, the Pride Project and The Sabie Cares division.” Gwilym Rees said.

Pictured from left to right is The Round Table Chairperson -Warwick John Barltrop, Sabie Chamber Chairman - Gwilym Rees, Pride Project Manager - Joy Comley, Christopher Georghiades - Sabie Cares division & The Round Table Treasurer - Gerhard van der Westhuizen at the official donation handover which took place by the Sabie River.

8

GPS News

Middelvlei Wine Competition 5

Lianda Naudé Middelvlei Wine Estate and GPS News congratulate Claudia van Aswegen from Sabie, Madine Tyson and Christopher Duminy both from Johannesburg on wining a box of Middelvlei wines each.

You will all three receive a box containing six bottles of the Rooster range wines.

This is the second last Middelvlei Wine Competition.

So hurry and enter by reading the article on Middelvlei in this edition GPS News.

Then answer the simple question below; When did Stiljan Momberg become the sole owner of Middelvlei wine

Estate?

Submit your entry by no later than 12:00 on Tuesday, May 23 to stand a chance to win a box of Middelvlei wines.

Answers must be mailed to digitaleditor@gpsnews.co.za.

Your entry must include the following information to qualify for the competition: name, contact numbers, suburb and the town/city in which you reside.

For more information on Middelvlei wines or to order their wines contact 021-883-2565 or mail info@middelvlei. co.za Follow the estate on Twitter @ Middelvlei_wine or visit their website at www.middelvlei.co.za

Middelvlei offers a range of specialist wines

Lianda Naudé Two brothers, Tinnie and Niels Momberg, bought Middelvlei in 1919.

At that time the farm only had four hectares of vineyards producing Steen and Hermitage grapes.

Mostly the farm produced pears and vegetables.

Grootvlei, Dwars in die Weg and Bonfoi were the only other wine farms in the surrounding area.

The brother’s two sons, Stil Jan and his cousin, also Jan but called Jan Bek inherited the farm in 1960.

It was then that Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Steen, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay was planted.

In 1963 Stil Jan bought his cousin’s half share in the farm, to become sole proprietor.

Jan Bek went on to buy nearby Neethlingshof Estate and subsequently entered politics.

When Stil Jan took over the farm, his vision was to produce good quality wine that the normal man on the street could afford.

He also planted Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Steen, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vineyards on the farm.

“Some of the biggest challenges which I faced during those years was the fact that we were not farmers or marketers and had a lot to learn,” said Stil Jan. “Nature also presented us with many challenges in producing our wines.

In 1972 Middelvlei joined Die Bergkelder group to extend our marketing arm into the USA and

Europe.

Bergkelder also took over the maturation, bottling and marketing of our red wines.

“The first Pinotage from Middelvlei was produced in 1973 and Cabernet Sauvignon in 1981.

KWV and Verdun were our biggest competitors at that stage.

I upgraded the vineyards during 1992 consisting mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz and Chardonnay.

Shiraz followed and in 1997 which resulted in Middelvlei winning the sought after General Jan Smuts Trophy for the best young wine in South Africa,” concluded Stil Jan. By 1989 the younger generation of Mombergs, brothers Tinnie and Ben became involved in Middelvlei. They also took over all the functions previously managed by the Bergkelder. Tinnie and Ben have a strong sense of tradition and have blended modern winemaking and viticultural techniques with tried-andtested methods.

Ever since Stiljan handed over the running of the farm to them in 1995, Middelvlei’s pioneering Pinotage Merlot blend made its first appearance in 1995.

This was one year after the release of the only white, a unoaked Chardonnay.

For more information on Middelvlei’s new Rooster range of wines or to order their wines contact 021-883-2565 or mail info@middelvlei.co.za Follow the estate on Twitter @Middelvlei_wine or visit their website at www.middelvlei.co.za

From left: Tinnie, Stiljan and Ben with all the future generations of young Mombergs.

GPS News ANGRY OWL Goes Swimming Lianda Naudé South African author Kerryn Ponter created a series of delightful stories about an Angry Owl. The book caters for children in the age group of two to five years. The books are vividly illustrated to stimulate young imaginations.

Each storyline has a subtle message about friendship and its value.

Ponter choose the main character for her books when she came across an owl photo which she found humorous as the owl looked genuinely angry.

“I just had to paint it. Halfway through the painting, I was unhappy with the way it was turning out.

I was about to crumple it up, but fortunately I didn’t as that painting inspired the series and can be found on the first page of my first book Angry Owl,” explained Ponter.“The first book happened in a short space of time.

Before my eldest son was even in school and both of the kids were napping at the same time.

I decided to use the time to write them a story. I wrote the first book and roughly sketched out all the pages in that time.

Once it was done, I loved the character so much that I didn’t want to stop there. I also needed to see what Angry Owl looked like in a little red Speedo!” As a mother to young children Ponter had to learn to both illustrate and write her books as quickly as possible.

“I was pregnant with my third son at the time I was illustrating, whilst also looking after a busy toddler at home.

I would drop the eldest at school, then get the toddler to nap and then write or illustrate as fast as I could for an hour or two each day. It took

Spotties in full swing

me about three months to complete,” concluded Ponter.

In the Angry Owl goes swimming, the owl is determined that it should be the greatest swimming day ever as it is such a hot day! However, things don’t always go according to plan and, with some funny situations along the way, he has to learn a few lessons before he has a wonderful day.

The full colour illustrations for this book are charming and witty bringing the story to life. The book is also available in Afrikaans as: Kwaai Uil Gaan Swem. Ponter is a freelance artist with a degree in Fine Art from Rhodes University. Angry Owl Goes Swimming is her second book.

The first book in the series went under the title of Angry Owl and is also available from Penguin Random House.

For information on other books published

by Penguin Random House email marketing@penguinrandomhouse.co.za or visit www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za

Penguin Random House Book Competition 8 Lianda Naudé Dinosaurs, Diamonds & Democracy (Third edition) written by Francis Wilson was the prize in Penguin Random House Book Competition 7.

Congratulations to Bev Joubert from Uplands College in White River on winning the book!

In this week’s competition Penguin Random House is offering yet another delightful children’s book entitled: Angry Owl goes swimming. The book is the second in a series written by Kerryn Ponter. To win a copy of this beautifully illustrated book read the review on the book in this edition of GPS News.

9

Then answer the simple question below: For which age group does this book cater for?

Entries must be mailed to digitaleditor@gpsnews.co.za by no later than 12:00 on Tuesday, May 23.

Please include your name, street address, suburb, town or city and contact number. Penguin Random House will deliver the winning entry’s book by courier. For information on other books published by Penguin Random House email marketing@penguinrandomhouse.co.za or visit www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za

Lianda Naudé South Africa’s large Spotted Eagle Owls are entering their mating season during the coming autumn and winter months.

This is a very active period for these owls and they become more noticeable in our surroundings.

They will also be seen more frequently sitting on fence posts or any high point.

A pair of Spotties, as they are commonly referred to, will mate numerous times throughout the coming months and the males will regulary patrol his territory guarding it against other male Spotties.

During this period one can often hear them hooting as they announce their presence and stake their territorial claim and warding off any potential competitors.

The call of the Spotted Eagle Owl is the well known hoot.

To identify whether you are hearing a male or female calling, here is an easy tip: The male has two notes in his hoot meaning the sound is Hoo Hoo. The female actually uses three hoots with the middle hoot being distinctly higher than the other two.

Should a single roaming male enter an established territory of an existing male, a fair amount of hooting and mock attacks will take place.

In general owls will avoid an actual physical fight as this may result in serious injuries from their razor sharp, strong claws which may result in death.

The eggs are usually laid towards the end of July and during August, so that

Spotted Eagle Owl with owlet in nest. the owlets hatch as spring arrives when food is more abundant. However, some Spotties lay their eggs as late as October with their clutch size being anything from two to five eggs.

Should you be fortunate to have an owl nest near to where you live, please do be careful around their nest when they are breeding.

Give the nesting site a wide berth so as to avoid being attacked. In the nonbreeding months Spotties are far more laid back, but during their breeding season they won’t hesitate to attack if they perceive you as a threat.

If you are under attack the best is to bow your head and protect your eyes at all cost and move away as fast as possible.

Should you come a across an injured owl or orphaned owlet over the ensuing months please phone 072-197-8134 for advice on where to take the owl for treatment or rehabilitation.

10

GPS News Some of the children that received gifts from children in America.

Rich coinage from Pilgrim’s Rest

Frieda Paton A Veldpond with its extraordinary history connected to Pilgrim’s Rest and the Anglo-Boer War, was sold on auction for R520 000 earlier this year.

Each unique Veldpond was handmade from practically pure gold.

These coins are regarded worldwide as among the most beautiful and highest financially performing coins on the market.

It all started towards the end of the Anglo-Boer war when the Boers needed cash desperately as few suppliers would accept the bank notes they produced.

In February 1902 the Republican Government gave permission for official coins to be made. Pilgrim’s Rest, where a number of Boer Commandoes were stationed, was regarded as the ideal place because it was situated in a protected valley and free of constant active fighting.

A ‘State Mint in the Field’ was established and a Mint Commission was

appointed to oversee the production of the coins.

The process entailed considerable inventive trial and error, using tools and adapting equipment available in the TGME mine workshop.

The dyes used were hand-engraved and a hand press was adjusted to manufacture the coins using a screwand-press method.

Most of the gold used was recovered from the James tables’ plates in the TGME Central Reduction Works, and then smelted and rolled into sheets for pressing.

ZAR 1902 appears on one side of the coin and the words Een Pond (one pound) on the other.

It was reported in the 1920’s that 986 Veldponde were produced but more recent research seems to point to around 530 coins.

The Veldponde, of which each one is slightly different, became collector’s items almost as soon they were produced.

Children’s gifts from abroad Kopano Dibakwane A special ceremony for underprivileged children was held at the Mountain of the Lord Ministries in Harmony Hill, Sabie, on April 29.

The event revealed an act of compassion conveyed by young people in America who donated gifts for the children.

Vinolia Mokoena (Principal, Harmony Hill Primary) also attended the ceremony.

Church leader, Pastor Roy Roach and his wife Linda regarded the ceremony as a symbol of God’s power which can never be measured in size nor limited by distance.

The event’s theme was; the biggest gift you can receive is Christ.

“We have young children in America filling shoe boxes with gifts (stationery, toiletries and toys) for kids around the world,” said Pastor Roach.

“Each gift is individually prepared by an America child for another child in Africa.

It carries the name of the sender and a little message of hope to the receiver.

The gifts are received in the country by Operation Church Child and Samaritans Purse.

This is the first time that the gifts are distributed in Mpumalanga. We work together with other pastors from different areas such as Dintjie.

In the last three months we have handed out over sixteen thousand boxes to deserving children.”

Pastor Roach thanked the church members for coming out to assist with preparing for the event and also handing the gifts.

He added that more children will be reached as the program continues to gain momentum.

Co-incidentally, one of the kids whose name is Isaac Mashabane, received a gift sent by Isaac in America. This was a joyous moment which Pastor Roach believes that is signalled the Lord’s presence in the event.

Chamber of Commerce Golf Day Michele du Plessis Sabie Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will be hosting their annual golf day on June 10 at the Sabie Country Club.

It will take the form of an IPS Competition over 18 holes in the day and/or nine holes at night. There will be a shotgun start for both fields and lots of fun on the golf course.

The golf day is always a huge success, and this year’s golf day promises to be even better than previous ones.

All funds raised will be used for the upliftment of Sabie town and sponsorships will be much appreciated.

The following sponsorships are available: 18 holes day field: Shotgun Tee-off at 11:00 – R260pp includes dinner, Nine holes night field: Shotgun Tee-off

at 18:00 – R270pp includes a night ball and dinner, Corporate Sponsors: R4 000 per hole.

Includes a four ball for day or night field and dinner.

You would need to be available from 10:00 to 21:00 at your hole on the day and branding and marketing material are allowed.

Please feel free to give out goodies or drinks at your hole. Please assist us with quality prizes, vouchers or cash for our golfers, or a unique item which can be auctioned off as part of the prize giving during the evening.

For more information contact Joy Comley on 082-493-3814 or Nicole Brummer on 072-230-1086.

Golf bookings contact Nicole Brummer on 072-230- 1086 or mail accounts@soapreme.co.za

GPS News

Message for the Kids

Kopano Dibakwane Pastor Danie Van Niekerk (Escarpment Church Leaders Fraternal) recently delivered a religious lesson to Grades R and three learners from Glory Hill Primary in Graskop.

The lively presentation was a spiritual treat which delved into the origins of Easter, primarily emphasising the ultimate sacrifice by Jesus Christ.

“Jesus died for all of us; somebody had to pay for our sins,” said van Niekerk.

“He did everything right and God was very happy.

God is favourable to us.

He wants us to grow in obedience.

We must have faith in Jesus Christ.

It is necessary to plant a seed of faith in the minds of children.

Instilling good morals in children is a good way to guarantee a good

upbringing, guided by the respect for others and a fear of God.” Thembi Mzimba (Grade three teacher) commented that the message of Jesus Christ is a timeless reality which can’t be relegated to a fable.

“The kids really enjoyed the lesson because they can now understand that there’s more to Easter than just the chocolate eggs and the bunny,” said Mzimba. “It’s important for the kids to know the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for the whole world, and also to know that God is with us all the time.”

Van Niekerk works closely with other church leaders within Thaba Chweu Local Municipality.

He stated that the Church Leaders Fraternity visits local institutions such as, schools, police stations and hospital to provide spiritual guidance.

11

Servimate Catering, your partner in hosting a successful event Kopano Dibakwane Guests and critics rate a function based on the food, drinks, decorations and user-friendly facilities.

These expectations require professionals with tried and tested expertise in the catering business.

Servimate Catering is the right name to keep in mind when faced with the task of hosting a function regardless of location or size.

Servimate handles catering and decorations for functions, ranging from corporate, private weddings to funerals.

In fact, Servimate boasts the required capacity to satisfy any demand from a host.Owner, Marvin Pillay, singlehandedly established Servimate in 2009; this follows many years of working in prestigious hospitality establishments, such as Sun International Resorts.

The experience he gained provided the courage to forge ahead with Servimate.

“Our services include private chef hire, spit braai, we provide all the equipment,” said Pillay.

“We also provide an equal amount of service to our clients, whether the function is fancy or simple.

I do all the cooking and decorations.

We give one on one service and options for our clients such as, our package deal where you pay for the food but get the decoration for free.

You get a service from one company and there’s no room for error.”

“We are there a day before the functions to do the decorations. Our food is always the best quality and our prices are affordable.

I’ve acquired knowledge in the hospitality industry of all the different types of menus from Chinese, Taiwanese,

Sabie Stationers

Tel: (013) 764 2249 / Fax: (013) 764 3094 E-mail: sabiestat@mweb.co.za • Copies Black & Colour up to A3 • Enlarging & Reducing • Laminating, Ring Binding & Faxing • Wool & Material

European, South American, Indian styles of cooking, to mention a few.

I can basically do any type of meal.

I’ll be serving a group of Italian guests this coming weekend and later in December Servimate will be catering for a Batswana wedding.”

Servimate has acquired an impressive resume, which includes catering for five thousand people at the Thulamahashe stadium, Coronation of Chief Mogane in Matibidi, a staff party at Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Game Reserve.

Not forgetting a wedding ceremony for award-winning musician, J Something from the group Micasa.

The event was held at Engine Court in Bushbuckridge.

Servimate has six staff members and casuals who are called to provide extra hands in preparation for a function.

Pillay said that it took some time for the business to gain recognition.

“It took a year and a half for the business to get its first catering job, but our food has made a name for Servimate.

Most of our clients use our services repeatedly recommend Servimate to oters.

We also post live pictures on Instagram and Facebook to give potential clients a chance to see our services.

We believe we are different because we prepare everything on site; we are very flexible, regardless of the location.

I drive to the client to demonstrate and discuss table settings beforehand, this is part of the preparations,” concluded Pillay.

Servimate Catering can be contacted on 073-668-9074/013-767-1551, also check out Servimate on Facebook and Instagram for more details.

12

GPS News

ABSA warns about FICA scam Lianda Naudé The latest scam by fraudster is to mail ABSA customers a FICA request.

The email looks as though it has been sent by ABSA and is designed to get people to enter their login detail in order for them to renew their FICA details.

GPS News spoke to Zintle Letlaka (Manager: Group Media Relations, Marketing and Corporate Relations) at ABSA about the scam.

“This is a phishing scam which asks you for your login or account details.

ABSA will NEVER send their clients a FICA request via email,” explained Letlaka.

“Should your FICA details need updating you will get a notification popup when you log into your account.

If you receive a scam email like this, don’t open any of its attachments or click on the links.

Instead forward the email immediately to secmon@absa.co.za and delete it from your inbox afterwards.”

Letlaka suggested that ABSA customers do the following five point check: ABSA will never address you as Dear Client/Customer but always by your name,The URL (web address) must start with https. This indicates that it is a secure website, ABSA will never ask their clients to enter their entire password on their secure website. You will be asked to enter three random characters of your password,

Be suspicious if the process to conduct a transaction differs from the normal process, Read your RVN, TVN and SureCheck messages in detail when you receive them.

Cyber-criminals employ increasingly sophisticated methods to access customer internet banking information through email phishing, sim swaps and other methods. Letlaka also explained how ABSA’s online security system works.

“The security of our systems does not provide anyone inside the bank the ability to ascertain what a customer’s internet banking login information is.

Equally bank staff is not able to see the system-generated SureCheck™ notification sent to a customer’s mobile phone which requires a customer to accept or reject sensitive transactions by indicating their choice on their mobile phone.”

“Customers receive a logon SMS alert when logging into Absa Online. Transaction notifications are also sent via e-mail/sms to customers registered for NotifyMe informing them of activity on their accounts. We never ask our customers to provide their account login information either electronically or telephonically. We regularly advise our customers to ignore such requests and immediately call our Fraud Hotline on 0860- 557-557,” concluded Letlaka.

Op pad...

Lieze Loots In mis... in reën... in slegte weer... in storms... sukkel ons om te sien. Kan ons nie die son sien nie.

Kan ons nie die lig sien. Is dis koud.

En voel die lewe maar mistroostig en donker... En alleen... sonder uitkoms, sonder hoop. En in ons diepste binneste, in ons eerlikste binneste... voel ons veral God-verlate.

Sien ons nie veel om ons nie. Net stryd op stryd. Sien ons net berg op berg.

Die een hoër en moeiliker as die volgende... Ons sien net vraagtekens en onsekerheid en eindeloosheid... en geloofloos voel dit of ons wil ingee... opgee...

Maar dan val ‘n herfsblaar saggies, geruisloos, onverwags in jou skoot... en deur die mis en wolke sien jy die sonstrale deurbreek... Lig en warmte oor jou lyf en in jou hart...

En kan jy dit weer sien... Geskenke van oorvloed genade en oorvloed liefde

wat oor jou pad gestrooi lê... Herfsblaarhope... Te veel om op te tel. Te veel om bymekaar te vee.

Herfsblare van vrede wat verstand en rede en denke oortref. Tekens van God se getrouheid ten spyte van jou opgeeongeloof-oomblikke. Hernude herfsblaarvertroue in ‘n God wat almagtig en ewig is. God wat die onmoontlike in die moontlike verander. God wat onveranderbaar is.

God wat reeds die toekoms weet en versorg.

En dan kan ons bly vashou aan dié herfsblaar-wete... sekerheid van lig en hoop en warmte... Sekerheid van uitkoms en koestering... juis, en veral in die middel van ons storm- en alleenvoeloomblikke.

“Prys die Here wat ons dag na dag in sy arms dra. Hy is die God van ons verlossing.”

Psalm 68:20 NLV

Miss Graskop 2017

Kopano Dibakwane Miss Graskop 2017 was held at God’s Window restaurant on April 8.

As expected, the annual ceremony lived up to expectations from the organisors, contestants and parents.

“The show went well.

Once again we saw new faces coming out to take part, which was very encouraging for the team and I,” said Jean Mohlala, event organiser.

“We had different categories according to age and gender.

I would like to thank Barbara Ndlovu (owner, God’s Window restaurant), our judges, participants and parents for allowing their kids to compete.

Our ambassador and MC, Sanele Khoza, did a wonderful job.”

Mohlala added that the event was made possible by people such as Smash Mashinini, Xolisile Khanyile and Thlokomelo Mashile, who all worked behind the scenes to ensure a successful show.

Graskop town hall, which has been the venue of choice since the pageant was introduced in 2015, was unavailable this time.

The change of venue was a nerveracking moment for Mohlala and the Jeanies Trading staff members, but she never allowed any disappointment to blur her vision.

“I would still host the pageant even if only three kids entered, as long as I have a date set up we will continue.

It doesn’t really matter when you face challenges, but when you do something you love and you are passionate about it, it really doesn’t matter.

Young girls and boys must take every

opportunity that brings them closer to their dreams,” concluded Mohlala.

The winners were; Miss Graskop: Danielle Beck, Toddlers: Keabetswe Moropane, Pre-teens: Bontle Ndlovu, Teens: Chantelle Maluleka, Mr Graskop: Philemon Serashi.

Miss Graskop, Danielle Beck.

GPS News

13

Creating entrepreneurs

The Nganga Sewing Group selling their products at the recent Easter Market in Sabie.

Hooglied feesnaweek in Nelspruit Jesus die hemelse Bruidegom en die gereedmaak van die ware kerk as Sy bruid, is waarop die Heilige Gees in hierdie dae fokus. Hy verlang dat Sy bruid die moeilike pad na geestelike volwassenheid sal begryp en aangryp en dat sy haar outoriteit as ‘n dogter van die allerhoogste God sal opneem.

Het jy daardie Bruidsliefde vir Jesus?

Verlang jy na ‘n verhouding van intimiteit met Hom? Hy met jou ook!

Hoor jy Sy stem? Ken jy Sy geur?

Daar is meer!!

Weet jy hoe vreeslik lief Jesus jou het?

Hy sê Hy wil jou stem hoor en jou gesig sien!

Weet jy hoe groot jou erfenis as Sy bruid is?

Weet jy dat die bruid ‘n Wegbereider soos Johannes die Doper is en waarom?

Keer terug na jou Eerste Liefde en Hy neem jou saam met Hom na die nasies!

Kom vind antwoorde op hierdie vrae en ontdek die liefdesbrief van die Bruidegom aan Sy bruid deur ‘n versvir-vers studie van die boek Hooglied.

Ervaar ‘n praktiese toepassing daarvan.

Luister na Sy lied, gaan die berg op saam met Hom en sit aan by Sy Feesmaaltafel!

Wanneer: 2-4 Junie 2017 Waar: Nelspruit Bushveld Lodge Kontak: Petro-Nel Davey sel: 082 575 2999 of epos: petronel@sabiefitment.co.za Koste: R870 per persoon (sluit in verblyf, alle etes en kursusmateriaal).

Michele du Plessis York Timbers facilitated and sponsored the Nganga workshop in Warburton, during October 2016 as part of their Rural Development Programme.

The project aims to empower individuals to ensure the growth and social development of the communities in which York operates, thereby alleviating poverty.

York invests in projects aimed at job creation through skills development, funding infrastructure and encourages entrepreneurship through business skills development.

Unemployed women were taught the necessary skills to sew bags, aprons, tracksuits and a variety of small gift items such as covered coat hangers, Christmas decorations, trimmed guest towels, etc. These are easy to make and

could be sold.

“York will helped the ladies set up their business and they used their community center as a base with electricity and water.

All sewing was completed and a discussion on costing and selling was initiated,” said Ansie Cilliers, Community Development Officer, York Timbers.

A group of the women recently sold their first products at the Easter Market in Sabie.

“This is such an amazing story,” said Carol Pittendrigh, Owner, Sew, Darling and instructor Warburton sewing workshop).

“The ladies are so keen to sew.

Well just look at them now! Well done to them and to the community for your generosity.”

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GPS News

Penryn swimmer collects medals

Van links: Zanté Bensch, Franzel Theron en Lee Buys.

Robbies skutters is tops Nuuskantoor Drie leerlinge van Rob Ferreira Hoërskool in Witrivier het aan die Nasionale kleingeweer kampioenskappe in Bloemfontein vanaf 10 tot 13 April deelgeneem.

Franzel Theron, Zanté Bensch en Lee Buys het in vyf kompetisies gedurende die kampioenskappe deelgeneem en uitstekend gevaar.

Theron het in die C-klas deelgeneem wat skutters met tellings tussen 90% en 95% insluit.

Sy het as die algehele wenner vir die C-klas weggeloop. Verder het sy ook met ‘n gemiddeld van 95,73% in derde

posisie in die dames afdeling geeïndig.

Bensch en Buys het vir die eerste keer hierdie jaar aan die sport begin deelneem.

Gedurende die kampioenskappe het hulle in die D-klas geskiet wat skuttters met ‘n gemiddeld van onder 90% insluit.

Bensch is as die algehele wenner in die beginners afdeling met ‘n gemiddeld van 90,57% aangekondig.

Lee het die derde plek met 88,3% gehaal.

Beide Theron en Bensch word in die junior span opgeneem wat in Augustus in Bisley, Engeland aan die junior kampioenskappe gaan deelneem.

In the photo is talented swimmer Jordyn Minifie.

Cyclists as they set off at the start of the Sabie Experience MTB.

Sabie Experience Results Some of the receiving blankets that Cathy Rees made for Sabie Hospital’s maternity ward.

Baby blankets for Sabie Hospital Michele du Plessis Cathy Rees, a Sabie resident recently became aware of the fact that some new mothers left the Sabie Hospital maternity ward with their babies wrapped in newspaper or old towels, as they did not have the means to provide basic essentials for their babies.

Rees decided to make blankets for the new born babies, a project which fits in well with the current Anglican Church blanket drive.

“I bought the fabric in Johannesburg and cut them and over-locked the edges myself,” said Rees.

“My husband, Gwilym, and I paid for the material. So far, I have made 80 receiving blankets.

News Desk Penryn College scholar, Jordyn Minifie competed in several swimming events during the recent school holidays.

Minifie is only 15 and as a result takes part is two different swimming age groups; Girls 15 years and Women 15 to 18 yrs.

She competed in the SA Junior National Age Group Championships in Durban and fared well.

She also competed in the SA National Aquatics Championships and SA Schools Swimming Championships which were held in Polokwane.

During these competitions Minifie was awarded with four gold, two silver and one bronze medal.

I give these to Muke van Maanen (nutritionist, Sabie Hospital) as I have dealt with her from the beginning.”

There is a great need for basic items for mothers leaving the maternity ward.

“Beanies would be awesome as a baby looses most of their body heat through their head,” continued Rees.

“There are many ways in which Sabie residents could help without having to spend a fortune.

Affordable nappies is sold locally and collecting those would also be a great help.

There is much to be done” If anyone wants to donate items to this worthwhile project, donations can be dropped off at GPS News offices.

Michele du Plessis Since the inaugural event in 2004, and despite a lack of Title Sponsor for 2017, the Sabie Experience continued to provide the mountain biking fraternity with an affordable long weekend event.

“Big climbs, thrilling single tracks and technical enough to challenge you.

It is one of the best MTB races I have done so far,” said Adolf Wolmarans, Team Sani Prep.

This year’s Sabie Experience MTB saw many well-known cyclists competing.

In the team challenge, Team Philliam, consisting of William Mokgopo and Phillimon Sebona won with a time of 08:58:21, earning them the first place overall.

Paul Theron and Igna de Villiers (Team LGE Midas / Slender Wonder) were first in their category open veteran / masters and second overall with a time of 09:11:27.

Max Knox and Dirk Lourens (Team Dirk Lourens Cycles / LV) were second in their open men team category,

and ended third overall in the team challenge.

In the team lite category, Nathan Kurensky and Constant Furstenburg (Team Kona Boys) in the open men division, ended first overall with a time of 07:22:20.

Second overall in the team lite category, and first in the open mixed team lite, was Zandri Strydom and Matteo Damilano (Team Valencia Newbies) with a time of 07:49:52. Second in the team lite open men and third overall in the team lite division, was Team Rookie (Dad with Estian and Hennie Schoeman).

In the final day Time Trial, over 42km, Samantha Sanders won the ladies solo challenge with a time of 02:03:32. Second was Mone Pieterse.

In the men solo challenge category, local rider Heine Engelbrecht won with a time of 01:49:51, after winning the solo challenge overall for the three days.

He was closely followed by Alan Gordon.

GPS News

Uplands hosts matric farewell News Desk The Uplands College in white River held their annual matric dance on April 26. This year they choose the fairy tale theme of Neverland which was inspired by the classical tale Finding Neverland.

“Uplands College school hall was completely transformed into a magical world for their Grade 12 learners for their Matric Dance,” said Devin Möller, Head of Culture and Founders Boarding.

“The theme took the learners into the magical world of Finding Neverland and Peter Pan. With an enchanted forest and magical fairies, the students were reminded to enjoy their youth, and not to wish their days as children away.

The students looked exquisite, with a wide variety of dresses and suites on offer, they really looked extremely smart.

The dance is a night to celebrate the Class of 2017, and to reminisce their time at Uplands together. Some students would have spent 13 years at Uplands, and this event is a way to bring their time at Uplands to a special close.”

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Sharon van Reenen (Teacher).

A delicious three course meal was prepared for the matrics. Executive Headmaster Gary Sim and Alex Gitlin

(Deputy Head: Pastoral Care, Discipline and Boarding) opened the farewell event with speeches.

Tshiamo Phaahla (Head Boy) and Lauren Mason (Head Girl) encourage the final year learner’s to work hard and encouraged them to work hard and finish the year on a high note.

15

Laerskool Sabie Primary Bennie Wessels (Voorsitter, Sportraad, Laerskool Sabie) het inisiatief aan die dag gelê om meerdoelige krane daar te stel om ‘n hele rugbyspan van genoeg water te voorsien. Die krane was deur Christo van Wyk (Van Wyk Plumming) geskenk.

Baie geluk aan Sydney Mandelkorn, Jethro Blackburn, Thando Nkosi en Lwandile Ndluli wat dit na die tweede rondte van die Mpumalanga rugby proewe deurgemaak het. Blackburn en Ndluli, het dit ook na die semi-finale Mpumalanga proewe deurgemaak. “Die kompetisie en talent van die seuns wat aan hierdie proewe deelneem, is baie groot.

Ons ding mee teen groot skole, soos byvoorbeeld Nelspruit. Vir ons rugby seuns, om dit tot hier te gemaak het, is uitstekend. Ons is baie trots op hulle,” sê Johan Kruger (Hoof).

Sabie Primary had a mini rugby and netball day at Lydenburg on May 6.

“The children have improved greatly over the last few weeks and played excellent rugby and netball today.

Congratulations to all our teams, you have made us proud today.

Thank you to every coach that helps to build the future of our children,” said Johan Kruger, Principal.

The school celebrated Freedom Day on April 26 by hosting a Nature Freedom Day. “Looking at nature around us and being thankful to God for a school,” said Thato Mathebula. “Our Father in heaven trusted us with His earth and everything in it.

Nature is a source of life to all. As Sabie Primary’s Eco Council we hold hands and say let us be educated about our trees and protect them.”

The Best Dressed female student was Vumi Dludlu.

Sport Derby News Desk The Uplands Penryn Derby was held on the weekend of May 6 and 7at Penryn sports grounds.

Several hockey, rugby and netball matches were played.

The fierce competition between the schools was clearly evident on the playing field and all games were toughly contested.

In the photo is Uplands student Tony Ferreira.

Classifieds

To Advertise Call: 013 764 3127 / 083 653 4926

16

GPS News

Learners visit Klipkraal Nursery

Michele du Plessis Woodlands School, Sabie, recently took their Grade two and three learners for an educational field trip to York Timber’s Klipkraal Nursery.

The pupils saw where seedlings are produced before being transplanted and becoming the plantations surrounding Sabie.

“We were given an informative tour by

Provincial Mixed Pairs Final

Lizette de Waal and Kariena Mol from York Timbers and had a lovely picnic at the dam,” said Michelle Strydom, Woodlands School.

“Odette van Staden was very helpful in organising our tour.

We owe a huge thanks to the three of them, as well as York Timbers for allowing us a tour of their nursery.

The kids loved it!”

Woodlands learners visiting Klipkraal Nursery.

From left: Sakkie Mokwena, Phina Setswalo, Dean Paiva and Beryl Biggs.

Michele du Plessis The Mpumalanga Provincial Mixed Pairs Lawn Bowls competition took place recently at Matumi Golf Course, Nelspruit.

Only two matches remained with Piet and Marina Smith (Malelane) playing for third place and David and Anneke Roos (Groblersdal Bowls Club) for fourth.

Dean Paiva and Beryl Biggs (White River) contested the final with Sakkie Mokwena and Phina Setswalo (Witbank Golf Bowls Club).

“Play began with both the visiting

teams scoring a four on the very first end, and both the Lowveld teams responded by scoring five shots on the third end to take lead.

In the play off for third place, the Smith’s lead was cut to a single shot with five ends to play, but then they pulled away, to run out winners by 21 shots to 14,” said Chris Colverd.

Paiva and Biggs were 18 shots to seven ahead at half way, but the Witbank pair came back very strongly. However, Paiva and Biggs came out the winners by a narrow margin of 23 shots to 21.

MTB Riders at the start of the 70 km race.

My Spar Forest2Falls MTB Race Michele du Plessis The My Spar Forest 2 Falls MTB race moved back to the traditional routes in Graskop and started at the Graskop Holiday Resort on May 6.

“As always all proceeds from the race will go to the Shalom Christian school in Graskop.”

Max Knox, SA’s number one MTB champion said.

There were three stages to choose from – the 70 km race for the professional or very fit riders through the Blyde River region; the 34 km race for the more relaxed riders, but a still challenging enough route to test their skills and the 15 km fun ride for the younger future champions.

“When the riders lined up at the starting line, we saw an obvious increase of young entrants in comparison to previous years.” Chris van der Burgh, administrator of Shalom Christian School and co-organizer of the Forest 2 Falls race said.

“The F2F is Shalom Christian School’s biggest annual fundraising event. We were once again humbled by the generosity of the Graskop, Sabie and Hazyview businesses, lodges and community members.

As the main sponsor, Spar must once again be commended for their support and great goody bags. Max Knox once

again volunteered to assist Shalom in organizing this very popular annual event.

What a pleasure working with him and his very capable team.” Van der Burgh said.

“Thanks to our event sponsors for making the twentieth edition of this iconic mountain bike race possible.

I’m very humbled and grateful for the amazing support and encouragement from you guys.

Thanks, Spar Lowveld DC and Valencia - The Home Of VBike.” Max Knox said.

“As organizers, we would like to extend special thanks to York Timber and Komatiland for assisting with water trucks when the water supply to the venue and a part of town was down.

To all the other sponsors, big and small, thank you for your commitment and support.” Van der Burgh continued.

The winners of the three stages are: 70 km 1. Jan Montshioa 02:46:32 2. Declan Sidey 02:47:31 3. Heine Engelbrecht 02:52:46 First women rider - 70 km Samantha Sanders 03:07:45 35 km Armand Lombard 01:20:44 15 km Luan Snyman (Sprog) 00:44:31