www.newshorn.co.za
For the Community, by the Community
26 October 2016
Community News
News to know
Trevor Manuel
kap regering oor
die omgewing
Setting the record straight culling in Marloth Park
5
12
Mpumalanga
Corruption: R22m
Pretdag by Vlammies
Die einde van die jaar en die eksamens snel nou vining nader en die Bergvlam leerlinge
het so ‘n laaste bietjie pret gehad voor die groot leer gebeur. Hier is (bo) Raquel Barreto en
Noni Mabuza en (onder, van links na regs) Heather Strukmeyer, Yvonne Grobler, Julia Wolff
en Julia Roberts soos hulle eie ouers hulle nog nooit gesien het nie! (Fotos verskaf.)
More than R22 million is still unaccounted
for and has not been recovered from
provincial Mpumalanga departments, said
the Public Service Commission (PSC)
in its latest report to legislature.
Members of the Provincial
Legislature from both the DA and
the EFF expressed their displeasure
at the amount and also said that the
supposed drop in cases of financial
misconduct from 16 in 2013/2014
to 10 in 2014/2015 was no cause for
celebration.
“Maybe it’s time for the PSC to buy
some teeth to bite,” said the provincial
head of the DA, James Masango.
The EFF’s provincial leader Collen
Sedibe also disputed the figures, citing
unfinished business to the amount
of hundreds of millions of Rand.
According to him the numbers of cases
reported in the department were too
low and not accurate.
“I know of many cases which would
make those numbers increase. Some
of the cases I have brought forward in the
past few years and I still haven’t received a
response - such as the irregular expenditure
of over R36 million by MEGA (Mpumalanga
Economic Growth Agency) in 2014 and
R300 million in the Human Settlements
Department in 2014. Mpumalanga has very
serious issues of fraud and corruption,” he
said.
Sedibe said these issues had been filtered
and “are not mentioned here today”.
He told legislature that the reports did
not give sufficient detail, such as in cases of
abuse of power involving only one member
of the province. “I want to know who that
member is, and what the findings were,” he
demanded.
The PSC found six cases of financial
mismanagement, three cases of fraud and
one case of theft across all departments,
involving a total figure of R22 192 343
unrecovered for 2014/2015.
The commission had earlier attempted
to allay concerns, saying it was working to
change the lax attitude towards oversight.
“Departments think that when they are
investigated and some employees are
suspended, it is official and the recovery
of the money is no longer a priority. We
are working to change that,” said Advocate
Cameron Jacobs, the Provincial Director of
the PSC.
Jacobs said that recommendations made
to departments included a demand that
departments follow through.
- African Eye News Service.
(Edited - Alex Rose-Innes.)
2
Community Information
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Nelspruit court sentences
poachers to 26 years behind bars
Mpumalanga Business Directory
Two rhino poachers were granted
leave to appeal their 26- year
sentences in the Nelspruit Regional
Court. Bhuti Mashego (56) from
Pienaar Trust outside Mbombela
were found guilty on 13 different
counts as was his co-accused,
Michael Sithole (53) a herbalist
from Clau Clau Trust.
Mashego, a former SANDF
soldier was earlier assisted by
a private lawyer, but has now
requested legal assistance from the
state.
Photo: Sourced
Mashego’s defence that he went
into the Park to search for his stray
operation,” said Erwee.
cows failed to save him from a long
Geldenhuys confirmed that despite
prison sentence.
Mashego having a licence for his .303 rifle,
Magistrate André Geldenhuys said
he faced charges of illegal possession of a
testimonies by rangers showed that there
firearm relating to the one found on Sithole,
was a hole in the fence which Mashego
as they had acted with common purpose.
used to enter the Park.
His co-accused, Sithole told the court
He also rejected Sithole’s defence that he
that he had called his family to assist him
was digging for muti outside the Park and
in getting a private lawyer, but was now
that the rifle found lying next to him was
requesting legal aid.
planted by the rangers.
Geldenhuys said the court would grant
State Prosecutor Advocate Isabet Erwee
them the chance to lodge their appeal.
said the sentences should fit the crimes
The two were arrested after a shootout
committed as the number of rhino being
involving rangers in the Bristol area of the
killed was increasing.
Kruger Park. Mashego was wounded in his
“The operation was well planned.
shoulder during the incident.
Firearms and ammunition were organised
They faced 23 counts for killing and
and Mashego even wore his SANDF
dehorning six rhinos, illegal activities in
uniform and an army bag was used in
the game reserve, carrying out a restricted
carrying the horns,” said Erwee.
activity involving a threatened species,
She said it was obvious the two were
possession of an illegal firearm and
brutal in the way they shot the animals.
ammunition and failing to report a stolen
“They fired their rifles multiple times,
firearm.
with little regard for what happened to
the animals. As a result of the continuous
- African Eye News Agency.
poaching, security and patrols have been
(Edited - Alex Rose-Innes.)
increased in the Parks in order to hear the
shootings from a distance. It is a costly
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News
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
3
Is this the only solar-powered
shack in South Africa?
Unemployed young
man’s bright idea
Disappointment has
turned to opportunity
and innovation for an
young unemployed
graduate in
Bushbuckridge and is
ensuring a sustainable
income for him.
Instead of waiting
around to find a job,
this young man made
a plan.
After his
municipal job was
terminated and he
sent out a stream
of unsuccessful job
applications, Moses
Moses Macheke in front of his solar powered internet cafe.
Macheke (26) found
a way to get back on
his feet. An old car
It is situated near Home Affairs
battery and a PC was all he needed
and Social Development offices,
to get started.
making it accessible for people
Moses now runs an internet cafe
needing photocopies, to print, fax or
in a shack and is a shining example
even scanning services.
to unemployed youth in the country.
“I didn’t want to waste my
What is unique and
admin skills which I had
remarkable about his
acquired while doing
shack start-up business
He supplies
an HR course in
is that it is solar
varsity by waiting
almost
everything
powered.
for employment,”
The business
internet cafés
Macheke told AENS.
provides his
“After the
provide, except on
community with
termination of my
easily accessible,
cloudy or
contract and having
affordable internet
applied
to various
rainy days
services without using
companies with no
electricity in Thulamahashe
response, I decided to put
just outside Bushbuckridge in
into practice the skills I have.
Mpumalanga.
“I used an old car battery and a PC
Macheke’s shack is just a make-do
I had bought while working for the
building of cardboard boxes
municipality at that time and opened
and nets.
my business,” he said.
Photo: Sourced.
Loss of skills detrimental
to water management
Alex Rose-Innes
What makes Macheke’s intenet café
extra special, is that it is totally off
the grid. He uses the sun to charge
the car battery and an inverter to run
his PC.
He supplies almost everything
internet cafés provide, except on
cloudy or rainy days, he admits. “On
days which are cloudy I have to close
my business, which in turn results in
loss of customers,” Macheke said.
Macheke says he has plans to
expand.
He expressed the wish that young
people could venture into their own
businesses and stop smoking drugs
and committing crimes by focusing
on building themselves.
With the loss of engineering
expertise to manage South
Africa’s water resources,
the devastating drought
experienced in the country
cannot be managed properly.
So says the Department of
Water and Sanitation’s Fikile
Gama.
“Previously, we relied a
lot on engineering expertise.
However, the way in which we
manage water has changed.”
According to Gama,
management has been brought
to the lowest possible level
and there is a range of other
skills required to manage water
resources effectively.
Scientists and industry
leaders have for a long time
warned about the loss of
management skills in water
resourcing and the government
is now looking to corporate
buy-in to train future water
custodians.
The drought that has been
ravaging the country has also
hit sugar cane farmers in
Mpumalanga, where a revenue
loss of about R600 million
has been reported. TSB sugar
mill outside Malalane is of the
opinion that farmers in the
area will not be able to break
even this season. Especially
small scale farmers have been
adversely affected.
Subsequent water restrictions
in Nkomazi to ensure enough
for human consumption, have
also worsened the situation
with farming irrigation only
allowed three hours, three
times per week as opposed
to 12 hours per day during
normal rain season.
The current sugar cane
harvesting season will end next
month.
- African Eye News Service.
(Edited by Alex Rose-Innes)
Beauty with heart
Adel Nel, one of the finalists for this year’s Mrs Mpumalana, took time to visit patients at Rob Ferreira Hospital to thank the
Operation Smile team for their selfless contribution to patients. She also handed out teddies to the patients who have already
received their new smiles. Operation Smile South Africa provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial
deformities for children around the globe. (Photo supplied.)
NewsHorn - We tell your story
For advertising contact: Cindy Robinson on 082-907-9285 or [email protected]
4
Community News
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Advertorial
Buco ondersteun die gemeenskap
Skilpad “rally”
Waar daar in die gemeenksap
borgskap of ondersteuning nodig is,
kan die inwoners van die Onderberg
maar weet, Buco Malalane se bekende
oranje kenteken sal daar te sien wees.
Met Wimpie van der Schyff aan die
hoof, is die vriendelike en behulpsame
personeel van hierdie tak altyd bereid
om ‘n handjie te verleen.
So was dit ook gedurende die
afgelope naweek se Skilpadresies. Die
spanne wat op TenBosch aan hierdie
gewilde geleentheid deelgeneem het,
moes ook by die Buco stalletjie hulle
hamer-en-spykertalente toon.
Met die kleinste moontlike hamertjie
moes ‘n groot spyker ingeslaan word.
Maar Buco se manne het gesorg dat
die kele in die versengende hitte, nat
bly.
Photo: Supplied
Your rights at a roadblock
Borg van Onderberg se rugbyster
Buco Malalane het dan ook vir
Rob Ferreira se Milo Ferreira wat as
lid van die Danie Rossouw se O/19rugbyspan gekies is en die afgelope
skoolvakansie in Italië deelgeneem
het, finansiëel ondersteun.
Met die ruim borgskap van Buco,
kon hierdie talentvolle jong speler
van Mpumalanga die reis meemaak.
Aan Buco, baie dankie en aan Milo,
baie geluk!
• Gather as much evidence as you can if
you believe traffic officers are violating your
rights or abusing their authority.
• You have the right to know and write
We may hate them but roadblocks exist
down both the officer’s badge number and
to ensure the safety and well-being of all
the vehicle number (found on the side of
road users, especially during peak traffic
their patrol car/bakkie).
hours, holiday periods and over weekends.
• Phone 10111 to report the incident
Knowing your rights as a road user as well
and make sure you identify the officer(s).
as the best approach to dealing with the
Throughout the process remain calm and act
situation is critical in SA.
lawfully to protect yourself. Although with
Johan Jonck from Arrive Alive says;
most SAPS station in SA not connected to
“Roadblocks should not be seen as merely
10111, it may be better to report it personally
a fine collection or a money-generating
at a police station in the town/city where this
exercise, but as something that is important
took place.
for the safety of all road users.”
Do remember than uniformed
Jonck also highlights the two
officers have the right to stop any
different types of roadblocks Roadblocks
vehicle.
informal and a provincial- or
The officer may thoroughly
national approved roadblock.
should be seen
check
your vehicle - inside
At these, known as K78’s,
as something that
and out - and may request
is an official roadblock and
is important for the personal information of all
police officers can legally
passengers.
search vehicles and even
safety of all
• You have the right to film
conduct full body searches if
road users
the police in SA - this is not
required.Jonck was quoted,
illegal. In 2014 it was clearly stated
“Crime is a significant threat
that “we live in a free and democratic
to the safety of road users - not only
society and the arrest of a citizen for filming
the reckless and lawless driving by motorists
an officer committing a crime can and must
- but also when vehicles are used in the
never be tolerated.”
process of committing crimes. Effective
Local SAPS in Malalane have been known
roadblocks are the best way to arrest some of
to stop the media from taking photos at an
the drug traffickers and also stop unlicensed
accident scene.
drivers and non-licensed vehicles.”
Alex Rose-Innes
Buco se watergat by die Skilpadrally.
Van links - Martin Oberholzer Takbestuurder Buco Komatiepoort, Milo
Ferreira en Wimpie van der Schyff, Bestuurder in Malalane. (Foto verskaf.)
Arrive Alive shares the 8 important
points you should know in dealing with
a roadblock in South Africa:
• Follow the directions of traffic officers,
pull over and present your driver’s licence or
ID book if requested;
• You have the right to verify the
roadblock by requesting to see the written
authorisation certificate signed by the
National or Provincial Police Commissioner.
• Know what you can be arrested for - if
you resist a breathalyser test, the police have
the right to detain you and have your blood
tested or if your blood alcohol level is found
to be over the legal limit of 0.05g per 100ml.
You can be arrested for unpaid fines BUT
ONLY IF a warrant has been issued and the
officers on duty can present you with a valid
copy of the warrant;
• If your car is not road worthy and you
will not be allowed to drive it any further;
According to SAPS standing Order 156:
An officer cannot stop you from taking
a photo or video and may not cannot
seize/damage your equipment. An officer
cannot force you to delete footage.
Remember:
Arrive Alive: “You cannot be arrested
for being rude. If however your rudeness
escalates to verbally abusing an officer,
you will be committing a crime in the
form of crimen injuria - the intentional
and unlawful infringement of the dignity
of the officer. You could be arrested.
An example would be the use of
obscene and/or racially offensive
language or gestures. If you obstruct the
officer from performing his or her duties
it will also be considered criminal.”
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Community News
5
Setting the record straight - culling in Marloth Park
Tony Hayman, chairperson of MPPOA
There are many rumours and stories
doing the rounds in Marloth Park which are
stirring property owner’s fears that all wild
animals are being removed from Marloth
Park.
The Marloth Park Property Owners
Association (MPPOA), together with the
Forum members, Marlothi Conservancy, The
Wildlife Fund and the Honorary Rangers
wish to place on public record that there is
a structured Game Reduction Plan in place
which the Nkomazi Municipality are using
to drastically reduce our wild game numbers
in Marloth Park.
We wish to place on record that we as
Forum members support the Nkomazi
Municipality’s attempts so that we can start
to rehabilitate Marloth Park’s veldt.
In 2015, Rhengu Environmental Services
was contracted by
MPPOA and funded
by the community
of Marloth Park
to perform an
environmental
management
assessment and to
recommend remedies to make Marloth Park
a viable game conservancy for the immediate
and mid- to- long term future.
The complete Environmental Management
Plan (EMP) prepared by Ralf Kalwa of
Rhengu was presented by MPPOA to
Nkomazi Municipality as a viable strategy for
the future of Marloth Park.
The glaring facts presented in the EMP are
summed up in Kalwa’s own words, where he
reported that in his 30 years of environment
management he had never seen an
environment in such bad condition.
This is mainly due to overgrazing and
over- browsing, as well as bad practices of
veld management by the municipality, home
owners and contractors.
The EMP classifies the state of Marloth
Park as “Critical”. Marloth Park is
further described in the report as having
“degradation of veldt caused by severe
overgrazing/browsing” and “many areas of
bush encroachment and bush densification”.
The stocking capacity of Marloth Park in
2015 was considered as “Critically Low” at
that time which was before our low rainfall
last year. The area has absolutely no natural
food left in the veldt and cannot support
any grazers naturally.
The EMP report recommends that the
game in Marloth Park should be drastically
reduced immediately, before any of the
recommended veldt management and
rehabilitation plans
can be implemented.
This means that we
have to capture, cull
and sell off many of
Marloth Park’s beloved
animals to ensure the
future of Marloth Park
as a game conservancy.
The initial game count figures used in
the assessment which were provided by
the municipality have proved to be quite
inaccurate.
During two game reduction operations
in 2015 and again in 2016 we removed far
more impala and warthog than anticipated
originally.
The Honorary Rangers have recently
completed a drive-through game count and
Nkomazi Municipality commissioned an
overhead count by helicopter.
Preliminary numbers indicate that there
are still too many impala, warthog and
kudu in Marloth Park.
This has been a bitter pill to swallow for
all concerned, but if we are to succeed with
the recommended rehabilitation in Marloth
Park and thereby ensure that the veldt
can be rehabilitated and managed for the
future, then we must press on and achieve
the desired minimum numbers of game.
There are many opinions and rumours
of what the numbers will be and should be,
but the Forum members all agree that the
EMP recommendations should be our goal.
The actual game numbers left in Marloth
Park will obviously be higher than desired,
because counted figures are always about
30% less than reality.
Currently the Forum members, donors
and Nkomazi contractors have spent an
estimated R750k on supplementary feed
during the past six months and will have
to raise and spend a similar amount in
the next few months just to guarantee the
survival of game that is left.
There is obviously no proper way to
estimate how much money is spent every
day by property owners and visitors on
supplementary feed, which also helps to
keep the remaining animals fed.
Supplementary feeding, while not ideal,
is the only way our remaining animals will
survive, but indications are that as soon as
it rains and grass starts to grow the animals
will start eating their natural food and
when that happens we cannot have too
many animals left in Marloth Park, so we
can start rehabilitating to our veldt.
We have to complete the course of
These are the animals to be culled.
(Photos sourced.)
action we have started on if we are to have
any chance of rehabilitating Marloth Park
and ensure the future of our beloved game
conservancy. The medicine unfortunately
is very bitter but it will ensure a speedy
recovery our veldt. For further information
or enquiries please contact Alison Fitzgerald.
New road claims life after official opening
What was meant to be a
celebration of the opening of
a new road and bridge turned
into a tragedy when one of the
community members at the
party was killed by a car on the
new bridge.
MEC for Public Works,
Roads and Transport, Sasekani
Manzini called for drivers “no
to turn our service delivery
into something negative
when it’s meant to benefit the
community.”
The tragedy occurred at
Mgcobaneni outside Nelspruit
during the launch of October as
Transport Month.
The motorist rushed to the
nearest police station after he
realised he had hit someone
and emergency personnel were
called to the scene,’’ said Joseph
Mabuza, spokesperson for the
Department of Community
Safety, Security and Liaison.
The incident occurred
directly right after the MEC had
officially opened a tar road and
a case of culpable homicide was
opened.
The MEC warned the
community and motorists
to be cautious using the new
road, saying that the tar road
was an improvement that now
encouraged speeding, whereas
before the bridge was built
For news contact: Daluxolo (Dex) Sibiya on 071-418-9770
people drove slowly. The bridge
cost R47 million and will make
travelling between Mazini and
Mgcobaneni villages easier.
At the same event, more than
400 bicycles were also donated
to learners in the area.
“These bicycles are donated
to learners travelling more than
three kilometres and less than
six kilometres.
“It will help because most
of them have to walk a great
distance and get to school late
and tired,’’ Manzini said.
- African Eye News Service.
(Edited by Alex Rose-Innes.)
6
Community News
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Local learner wins big
at Science Expo
Johan to represent SA internationally
Graad 8F se bydraes tot die projek het hul blikkie die vetste laat bult. (Foto verskaf.)
Solidariteit se projek vat VLAM by skool
Alex Rose-Innes
Solidariteit Nelspruit se koffers het ‘n
hupsstoot gekry met die Sente vir Studenteprojek wat met groot entoesiasme by
Vlammies aangepak is.
Elke registeronderwysers is van ‘n blikkie
voorsien om met kleingeld te vul en die
klasse het mekaar die stryd aangesê om te
sien wie die meeste geld kan insamel.
Die Graad 8F klas van Marinda
Vermeulen het die diepste in hulle sakke
gedelf en is as wenners van die uitdaging
met gratis koeldrank bederf.
Elsabé Aylward van die Nelspruit tak
van Solidariteit het Mandy Barnard,
Hoërskool Bergvlam se skakelbeampte
gekontak om hulp vir hierdie verdienstelike
projek.
At the national finals of the Eskom
Expo for young scientists, ISF
(International Science Fair) a Nelspruit
learner representing Ehlanzeni district,
along with 20 other students from
various schools in the district, won the
category for Energy Efficiency.
Johann Naduvileparambil from
Hoërskool Bergvlam’s project “The
Powerless Shack Cooler”, earned him
not only the first prize of a laptop and
money, but he also received a gold
medal and the Hendrik Johannes van
der Bijl Award for raising awareness
about a serious problem and providing a
solution thereto.
The Powerless Shack Cooler is a cooler
made from recyclable materials which
reduces the temperature in a room over
time. It is electricity free.
This ingenious invention led to
Johan winning the senior sector of the
category and also being selected as the
overall winner of the category.
Johann has been nominated
Johann Naduvileparambil. (Photo supplied.)
to represent South Africa at the
International Science expo in 2017.
Much needs to be done in provincial Mpu MEC calls for adherence to bylaws
ECD programme - Busi Shiba
During a recent summit on Early
“The survey outcomes revealed to us
Childhood Development (ECD) in
that there is still a lot of work that needs
Nelspruit, ECD specialists claimed they are to be done to improve the state of ECDs in
not being paid.
general, as well as increase access to ECD
Other complaints heard were that
services.
children being
Community
taught and housed
based ECD centres
in these centres in
are operating from
Mpumalanga are at
structures that are
risk because of poor
hazardous to children.
infrastructure and
Out of 1877 centres
hazardous buildings.
that we surveyed, we
An ECD
found that 199 ECD
practitioner, Nicky
centres have poor
Mokoena (36) said
infrastructure and
many like her were
posed a danger to
working without a
children,” he said.
salary.
He also said that
“We are working
only 17,8% of children
without a salary,
have access to ECD
because we are poor
services.
and we live in a
“We need to
rural township. We
address this if we
don’t have proper
want to ensure that
structures for our
children have access
MEC for the Department of Social
ECDs.” Mokoena
to ECD services. We
Development Busi Shiba, (Photo AENS.)
also complained of a
also found that a
funding shortfall.
number of ECD centres
“The other problem we are facing is
don’t have qualified ECD practitioners,”
funding. Even though we are registered we
Shiba added and told attendees that the
don’t get any funding. We hope that after
department would sit down after the
the summit we will find solutions to our
summit and come up with resolutions to
problems.”
the problems.
MEC for the Department of Social
Development Busi Shiba, in addressing the
- African Eye News Service.
teachers, admitted a lot needed to be done.
(Edited - Alex Rose-Innes.)
crime prevention initiatives,” he said.
Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security
Ngomane said heavy drinking by the youth
and Liaison MEC Pat Ngomane has called
indicated a society in decline. The MEC said
on municipalities in the province to respect
bylaws, especially those enhancing safety. He more and more young people commit crime
cited the absence of street lights, street names around drinking establishments and also
become victims on their way
and lack of access roads as
More and more young
home.
some of the factors leading
people commit crime
“Last week, four young
to crime. He was speaking
learners coming from a
during a Safety and Security
around drinking
Summit outside Nelspruit.
establishments and also matric dance opted to go
and have their own function.
Ngomane also said
become victims on their They later were involved in
there was a need to ensure
way home
a fatal accident that claimed
all businesses are in
their lives. One can only feel
appropriately demarcated
for their families,” said Ngomane.
areas.
The MEC warned illegal liquor traders
“Municipalities are likely to stand
their days were numbered.
better chances to attract investment and
thereby create much needed employment
- African Eye News Service.
opportunities for local communities,” said
(Edited by Alex Rose-Innes.)
Ngomane and
called on residents to get
involved in police forums.
“The success of crime awareness
campaigns is largely dependent on
community involvement which
is why we need to support the
community policing forums and
street committees.
The involvement of communities
in the fight against crime will make
it difficult for criminals to plan and
co-ordinate their evil plans,” he
said.
At the event, provincial CPF
Board Chairperson Kevin Pillay
complained of a lack of adequate
funding for CPF activities but said
that with impending legislative
amendments with regard to
locations of CPF structures,
community involvement would be
boosted.
During the meeting, the
attention was also drawn to the
problem of alcohol abuse among
young people. This is, according
to Ngomane, becoming a serious
problem resulting in crime and
deaths.
“We cannot continue to have
young people consuming alcohol
Pat Ngomane.
at the rate at which they are doing.
It has devastating consequences for
For advertising, Mozambican clients can contact: Tito André on +258 84-013-5627
Community News
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
7
Mpumalanga se eie Bruce Lee
Alex Rose-Innes
Links: Annelise Steyl, Carla Venter, Danel Liebenbergh, Lizelle Steyl, Desiree Groenewald enLizette Venter
het met die Nellies Kaalvoetdag die daad by die woord gevoeg. (Fotos verskaf.)
Jacobus Meyer het reeds van 5-jaar oud
aan Gevegkuns(martial arts) deelgeneem
en op 6-jarige ouderdom aan sy eerste
toernooi in Nelspruit.
Op 10-jarige ouderdom het hy aan
sy eerste wêreldtoernooi in Nederland
deelgeneem en van daar was daar geen
meer keer aan hom nie.
Sy medaljes is te veel om op te
noem. Verlede jaar het dié talentvolle
laerskoolleerder deel van Mpumalanga se
span uitgemaak en vanjaar was hy lid van
die SA Presidentspan.
Hy neem jaarliks landwyd aan Tafisa
toernooie deel waar verskillende Karate
style en skopboksers teen mekaar
kompeteer, asook Combat Tang Soo Do
waartydens Koreanse Gevegkuns studente
teen mekaar kragte meet.
Op sy jeugdige ouderdom beskik
Johannes oor die gesogte swart gordel
en is hy nou ook vir die SA Nasionale
Proteaspan gekies.
Hy word by die Wolves Academy in
Nelspruit opgelei.
Kaalvoetloop is
gesond sê kenners
Alex Rose-Innes
Zola Budd was toe al die tyd ons een
vooruit en ons praat nie van haar spoed nie.
Wetenskap het nou onomwonde bewys dat
optimum voetontwikkeling by kinders deur
kaalvoetloop bevorder word.
Ouers word nou aangemoedig om hul
kinders liefs gereeld sonder skoene te laat
loop.
Skoene is generies en wanneer die voete
nog groei en ontwikkel, kan dit misvorm en
swak word. (Kyk maar hoe lyk ouer dames
wat altyd puntskoene gedra het se tone!)
Medici het gevind dat kinders wat kaalvoet
loop se tone meer reguit groei wat lei tot
groter fleksorsterkte (buigbaarheid) en
sterker voetspiere.
Dit beinvloed weer heupbeweging positief
wat beter loop- en hardloopaksie tot gevolg
het, wat as voordelig vir sportprestasie
beskou word.
Kaalvoetloop verbeter die kind se
propriosepsie vermoë wat sensoriese
ontwikkeling bevoordeel en die gesonde
beweging van die hele liggaam lei tot
verhoogde aandag in ‘n klaskamer.
Selfs die snye en ligte wonde wat opgedoen
word bevorder immuniteit en minder
infeksies.
Skoene en tekkies dra is nie noodwendig
nadelig vir ’n kind nie. Daar is egter
wetenskaplike bewyse dat kaalvoet loop,
veral op laerskool, ‘n beduidende voordeel
inhou vir die ontwikkeling van ’n kind!
Vir verdere inligting besoek gerus
- http://www.runbare.com/barefoot-benefits
Jacobus Meyer.
Jacobus tydens die Wêreldtoernooi in
2013 in Rotterdam.
Aandag
BCom
studente
Selfs die hoof van Nelspruit Laerskool en
onderwysers het hulle skoene uitgetrek! Heel
agter: - Lizette Venter, 2de van agter: Annelise
Steyl, Lizelle Steyn, Middel: Desiree Groenewald,
Arrie Henn (Hoof) en Carla Venter. Voor: Johan
Orton.
Elvis Blue tree by Communio Kerk in
Nelspruit op
Seker een van die gewildste Idols wenners ooit
en definitief een van die mees suksesvolste, Elvis
Blue, het onlangs as deel van Laerskool Nelspruit
se Eeufeesvieringe by die Communio Kerk in
Nelspruit opgetree. Tydens hierdie geleentheid
het Jan Hoogendyk (sy regte naam) die leerders
daaraan herinner dat niemand ooit te oud is om
jou droom te bewaarheid nie en dat mens nooit
moed moet opgee nie. Die talentvolle sanger is die
oudste wenner van die gewilde Idols program en
het aanhou probeer tot hy gewen het. Die junior
en senior kore van die Laerskool het hiertydens
die wonderlike geleentheid gehad om saam met
Elvis Blue op te tree.
BCom studente
aan openbare
universiteite
kan hulle
studies vir
2017 oordra
na Solidariteit
se privaat
universiteit
Akademia.
Inligting
navrae@
akademia.ac.za
NewsHorn - Your newspaper of choice
For news stories and tips contact: Sam Nyalunga on 072-794-3458
8
Property
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
See rentals online
at www.
newshorn.co.za/
classified-to-rent/
More SA property
buyers from
China and Africa
Alex Rose-Innes
Buyers from India, China and elsewhere
in Africa are buying holiday homes and
investment properties in South Africa (SA)
on a larger scale.
This is according to Tony Clarke, MD
from Rawson Property Group. Even wealthy
buyers from Mozambique are investing in
property here.
With the Brexit situation, buyers from
the UK have similarly diminished as
buying South African property as a second
or holiday home, is not such a lucrative
investment anymore as the Rand has
strengthened against the British Pound.
According to the World Wealth Report,
the amount of multi-millionaires in China
and Japan have increased by 16% and 11%
respectively which is a reason for increased
property acquisitions in SA.
Africa’s super rich hold 20% of their assets
in property.
Reports from First National Bank in SA
indicate that buyers from other African
countries were responsible for 27,5% in local
property sales during the first half of 2016 as
opposed to only over 8% in 2010.
However, Clarke warns local homeowners
are warned not to hold out for a foreign
buyer with extra cash to spare.
Looking at the big picture, only 13 000
of an estimated 260 000 homes sold in SA
on an annual basis were acquired by nonresidents. Sellers should rather price their
properties with the South African economic
scenario taken into consideration.
Photo: Sourced)
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Conservation & Wildlife
9
Another gem
at KNP invites
the public
Alex Rose-Innes
R
r
Kruger National Park (KNP) has
yet another lure in the form of a
completely new and transformed
Tshokwane Trading Post and Picnic
Site, a mere hour’s drive away from
Skukuza and Satara Camps.
This gentle bush stopover,
established as a ranger’s post by the
first warden of the KNP, Stevenson
Hamilton in 1928, provides a totally
different gastronomic experience.
Guests can hire a gas”skottel” from
the trading post and do their own
braai or opt for an authentic wood
fire meal, done in a historic braai
monument which saw many wardens
eat from it when the Park was still in
its infancy shoes.
Named after an old Shangaan chief
in the area – Chokwane, it offers
comfortable stoep-style seating and
an unmistakable South African
menu, “soul food” Africans have
loved for centuries.
A real bush breakfast, lunch or tea
can be indulged it, a memory never
to be forgotten as guests watch the
resident wildlife close by.
For more information, please check
the SANParks website or contact
Natalie Ingram, Tshokwane Brand
Manager – nataliei@outofafrica-sa.
com
The reason Aikona, an activist conservation
group, has opposed the development
of another lodge in the Kruger National
Park. (Photos: Ssupplied by Gerhard Smit,
Aikona.)
Farmers should diversify
says government
marginality of the available land in this
country.
But Stephen Palos, CEO of CHASA
warns that feeding game is also a very
With the persisting drought, game
expensive endeavour during drought.
farming is attracting more interest
The SA government has also come
because of its positive contribution
Animals
on board in calling for diversifying and
on conservation and tourism
leading a transformation programme in
opportunities.
donated
game
farming.
A recent wildlife conference
by private
Animals donated by private breeders
in South Africa highlighted
breeders
have been auctioned to raise funds as
opportunities which were
have
been
a means of assisting aspiring game
formally seen as only available
farmers as part of this programme.
to the affluent.
auctioned to raise
Six different projects have
However, local cattle
funds as a means of
been announced by government
farmers, especially in North
assisting aspiring game
to support biodiversity
West and Limpopo are
farmers as part of this
transformation.
venturing into this billion
The Mebala Ya Rona
programm
rand industry as well.
Biodiversity conference held in
According to a spokesperson
North West also focused on finding
for the Commercial Hunters
ways of ensuring that communities
Association of South Africa
living around game parks also benefit
(CHASA), wildlife could be more
from them.
sustainable in future because of the
Alex Rose-Innes
NewsHorn - Your newspaper of choice
For news stories and tips contact: Sam Nyalunga on 072-794-3458
10
Community
Groot planne
om Nkomazi
ekonomie te groei
Alex Rose-Innes
Daar word gehoop dat die nuwe
Spesiale Ekonomiese Sone ‘n positiewe
impak op die Nkomazi gemeenskap
sal hê. Die wetskonsep is aan die
begin van die jaar in die lewe geroep
met die oog daarop om beter en meer
werksgeleenthede vir gemeenskappe
te skep, vaardigheidontwikkeling te
prioritiseer en buitelandse beleggings
te lok.
Plaaslike besigheidslui
vanuit die Onderberg,
regeringsverteenwoordigers en
ander rolspelers in die SEZ (Special
Economic Zone)-proses het begin
vandeesmaand buite Malalane
bymekaargekom as deel van die
nasionale bekendstellingprogram.
Die landwye inligtingssessies is
daarop gemik om die gemeenskap,
privaatsektore en plaaslike
munisipaliteite dwarsoor die
land aangaande die voordele
van SEZ in te lig. ‘n Landbou en
minerale handelssentrum word vir
Nkomazi in die vooruitsig gestel
wat ook die stigting van behoorlike
bemarkingsprosesse sal insluit
en om voordeel te trek uit die
nabygeleë buurlande. Nkomazi is
tans in die beplanningsfase rakende
die implementering van SEZ en
daar sal sterk op handelsbande
met privaat instansies en sleutel
regeringsagentskappe gesteun word
om ‘n konsepdokument te ontwikkel.
Die volgende vergadering met die
Departement van Handel en Toerisme
op op 8
November
en die hoof
van die
Malalane
sakekamer,
Mel Preddy,
sal dit ook
bywoon.
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
The significance of
SPLUMA for Nkomazi
The combination of expertise of all
relevant departments and sound community
representation of the local Nkomazi
Planning Tribunal (NLM) should yield
quicker and well digested considerations by
NLM and hence serve spatial sustainability,
efficiency, spatial resilience and good
administration well.
The Spatial Planning and Land Use
Management Act 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA)
passed by Parliament in 2013 gives the
Department of Rural Development and
Land Reform (DRDLR) the power to pass
Regulations in terms of SPLUMA to provide
additional detail on how the law should be
implemented. Section 3 of SPLUMA explains
that this Act tries to develop a “uniform,
effective and comprehensive system” of
planning that “promotes social and economic
inclusion.”
Before 1994 planning was designed to
serve a different political idea – segregation,
differentiation and privilege. Multiple laws,
multiple institutions and parallel processes
instituted by the pre-1994 sections of
legislation resulted in planning laws being
fragmented across the old boundaries of the
then four (4) provincial administrations,
homelands and Self-Governing Territories
(SGT). In 1994, South Africa inherited
complex and disjointed planning systems
which manifested in unequal, incoherent
and inefficient settlement patterns and at
first The Development Facilitation Act, 1995
(Act No. 67 of 1995) (DFA) was promulgated
as an interim measure to deal with this
legacy. Now SPLUMA emerged as part of the
Green Paper (1999) and White Paper (2001)
and replaced the DFA as the legislative
instrument to regulate spatial planning and
land use management in the country.
In Nkomazi, SPLUMA has been
implemented and the Section 79 Committee
has been formed after the process of public
participation was followed.
Red tape, comprising of proclaiming
obligations and compulsory notices, caused
the Committee to be formed only recently.
The Committee comprises of five5
professional people form the community and
delegates of all relevant NLM departments.
The work is overseen and supported by
external planning expertise.
The departments are well represented
and comprise of managers of Water and
Sanitation, Electrical
Services, Waste
Management, Roads and
Storm Water, Supply
Chain Management, a
senior land use planner
and the manager of Land
Use Management. The
community representatives
include a professional
engineering technologist,
environmentalist,
professional planner and three admitted
attorneys.
The first sitting of the Tribunal was 12
October and monthly meetings will be held
in future as determined by the work load.
There is a back log which will be completed
as soon as practically possible. How will this
benefit local tax payers?
The composition of the Tribunal warrants
that when a matter is submitted, all
relevant departments as well as community
representation will be consulted before any
decision is taken. The timeline and statutory
demands guarantee that all matters will be
attended to professionally and properly and a
lot sooner than previously.
The local tribunal members are Shirley
Trade Union Solidarity has expressed its
growing concern over weak employment
growth in South Africa’s private sector.
Commenting on the recent releases of
various labour market statistics by Stats SA,
Solidarity said in a statement that it is now
more evident than ever that pro-market
reforms are urgently needed to reverse a
growing decline in employment conditions.
According to Gerhard van Onselen,
economics researcher at Solidarity Research
Institute, the Quarterly Labour Force
Survey shows that the broadly unemployed
portion of the labour market has grown
from an estimated 6,7 million in the second
quarter of 2009 to 8,9 million in the same
period this year. This is a net increase of
around 2,2 million. Over the same period,
net employment grew much more slowly
by about 1,2 million from an estimated
Mtsane (manager land use planning), Jan
Mashele (senior land use planner), Dudu
Sifinda (water and sanitation), Moses
Mandzini (supply chain management),
Pieter Theron (electrical services), Elvis
Zitha (roads and storm water), Nokuphila
Mkhatshwa (waste management).
The public professional representation
comprises of Netshitangani Avhantodi
Colphurus, Maluleka Mduduzi Justice,
Chris Engelbrecht, Mzuzu Montaniso, Jan
Engelbrecht and Desire Shivon Wiggens.
“We are hopeful that this Tribunal will
prove to be efficient, economically sound
and serve spatial sustainability and good
administration well,” says spokesperson
for the NLM, Cyril Repinga.
Tonga SAPS catches
Solidarity expresses concern over SA’s employment growth
armed robbers
Dex Sibiya
Tonga SAPS did not waste time in
arresting two men implicated in a
robbery at the house of a 61-year old
pastor in the area.
The suspects from Phiva Trust were
armed when they entered the home
in the early hours of the morning last
week. Four men entered the house
where the victim was asleep and stole
four cell phones, solar equipment, a
rifle air gun and a wallet with banking
and credit cards. They took off in the
pastor’s Toyota Fortuner. It is thought
that they broke into the house by using
a spade to open a door.
With the assistance of the Tracker in
the vehicle, it was located at the border
to Mozambique. Two of the men
involved were taken into custody and
the gun found on one of them will be
sent for ballistic testing to find assess if
the men can be linked to other similar
cases. Anyone with information on the
whereabouts of the suspects is asked to
contact Capt Shabangu on
082 960 6545.
SA’s weak employment statistics are of great concern. (Photo sourced.)
14,4 million to 15,5 million. At 42,5%, the
portion of the employed as a percentage of
the working age population in the second
quarter of 2016 is still well below the
historically high levels of 46%, last seen in
2008.
Van Onselen said if these figures are taken
into consideration, 1,3 million more people
needed employment. He also said that it is
not just jobs that are needed, but the right
kind of jobs. Since 2008 net employment
grew the most in the community and social
services sector, which largely includes
national, provincial and local government
employees. It is ill-advised for a trend
of growing public sector employment
to continue, especially considering the
constraints on the government budget,
among other factors.
Solidarity in its media report, made it clear
that emphasis must now be placed on the
revival of the private sector. What is needed
is a careful evaluation and subsequent
removal of regulatory and policy hurdles,
and political misbehaviours, that hamper
the private sector’s ability to adjust to the
current difficult economic conditions. Only
through the removal of these constraints
will the private sector be able to properly
reposition itself for recovery and sustainable
job creation.
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Provincial News
11
KLCBT shares
success stories
Linda Grimbeek and Oupa Pilane.
It is all about integrity for KLCBT
Alex Rose-Innes
Daar word gehoop dat die nuwe Spesiale
Ekonomiese Sone ‘n positiewe impak op die
Nkomazi gemeenskap sal hê.
Die wetskonsep is aan die begin
van die jaar in die lewe geroep met
die oog daarop om beter en meer
werksgeleenthede vir gemeenskappe te skep,
vaardigheidontwikkeling te prioritiseer en
buitelandse beleggings te lok.
Plaaslike besigheidslui vanuit die
Onderberg, regeringsverteenwoordigers
en ander rolspelers in die SEZ
(Special Economic Zone)-proses het
begin vandeesmaand buite Malalane
bymekaargekom as deel van die nasionale
bekendstellingprogram.
Die landwye inligtingssessies is daarop
gemik om die gemeenskap, privaatsektore
en plaaslike munisipaliteite dwarsoor die
land aangaande die voordele van SEZ in
te lig.
‘n Landbou en minerale
handelssentrum word vir Nkomazi in die
vooruitsig gestel wat ook die stigting van
behoorlike bemarkingsprosesse sal insluit
en om voordeel te trek uit die nabygeleë
buurlande.
Nkomazi is tans in die beplanningsfase
rakende die implementering van SEZ en
daar sal sterk op handelsbande met privaat
instansies en sleutel regeringsagentskappe
gesteun word om ‘n konsepdokument te
ontwikkel. Die volgende vergadering met
die Departement van Handel en Toerisme
op op 8 November en die hoof van die
Malalane sakekamer, Mel Preddy, sal dit
ook bywoon.
Local DA councillor sworn in
To put everyone who phoned the NewsHorn at ease – Mariette Preddy is still here and
working for us. She was sworn in last week. (Photo: Mel Preddy.)
Chief Operating Officer Linda Grimbeek Tourism, with the assistance of the KLCBT,
appointed a crime liaison officer who
said that Kruger Lowveld Chamber of
provides intelligence from the community
Business and Tourism (KLCBT) is pleased
and liaises with the Chamber and the
to see real improvements following the
police on a daily basis. This has resulted
implementation of Nelspruit’s local
municipality’s turnaround strategy. “We are in a large reduction in robberies. With
the collaboration of Ehlanzeni District
hopeful that the surrounding towns will
Municipality, a team of Ehlanzeni tourism
follow their good example,” she said.
ambassadors were recently deployed in a
Grimbeeck says that she is excited about
pilot project which could be replicated in
the Mbombela Economic Development
other areas.
Partnership. With private sector
Strides have been made in combating
stakeholders on board with the city,
roadside corruption, particularly in
projects to develop the local economy
Hazyview and Bushbuckridge. The KLCBT
will be identified and implemented. It is
printed business-size cards to educate
forecast that this will play a big role in
motorists that it is illegal to pay a “fine” on
developing the local economy.
the side of the road. The cards also contain
The Chamber’s priority areas include
essential contact numbers and were widely
improving the private sector’s relationship
distributed. Grimbeek acknowledged that
with government, regional water supply,
it takes two to tango and emphasised that
poor state of roads, deteriaration of public
the anti-corruption campaign is aimed at
tourism attractions, finding a permanent
both government and the private sector.
solution for Pilgrim’s Rest, the safety
“The Buy Local advocacy campaign is
and security of tourists, the Buy Local
the most recent addition to our task list
campaign, corruption and the promotion
and holds great potential. We will design
of integrity.
and implement various programmes
Thus far, a number of successes
and initiatives to promote local
have been achieved. KLCBT and
procurement by government and
other stakeholders are in constant
the private sector and will provide
communication with the Minister of
assistance to small businesses
Water Affairs regarding the region’s
to become compliant as service
bulk water supply and the request
It is
providers,” said Grimbeek.
for a dam South of Malelane. This
our
As the official representative
will enable the farmers in the
explicit
body of business and tourism in
Onderberg to irrigate without
the Kruger Lowveld – Ehlanzeni
the current restrictions.
mandate
District, the KLCBT enables
“We recently received news
to maintain
business to speak with one
that national surveys have
a good
voice when tackling issues of
been completed and we
relationship with
common interest. Grimbeek
are awaiting news on the
explained that the diversity
results,” she shared.
government and other
of its member base makes
Grimbeek said that
organisation
dialogue between business
many of the problems
and government more
with the roads have been
meaningful. “We are here to join
solved, thanks in some part to
hands to create a better business
the private sector involvement
environment and a better province for
and funding. “KLCBT is currently
us all to live and work in.
surveying all roads and will compile a
“When it comes to representing our
list of those needing attention.” This will
members, we are faced with an increasing
be shared with the relevant government
demand on our advocacy role and for this
departments, said Grimbeeck.
reason we came to the conclusion that we
Repair work and improvements
needed to join forces with other Chambers
have commenced at some of the public
in the region to enable more effective and
attractions, but she said there is a lot of
focused engagement with government and
work still to be done. However, KLCBT is
other stakeholders.
excited about the possible privatisation of
“During May 2015, all chambers and
reserves within the region.
major stakeholders within the Ehlanzeni
Last year saw the formation of the
district held their first conference and
Pilgrim’s Rest Integrated Development
the Kruger Lowveld Ehlanzeni Business
Engagement, which had been tasked with
Alliance (KLEBA) was formed. The
finding solutions to stop the deterioration
of the iconic Pilgrim’s Rest. “Some progress Alliance focuses on practical ways
of improving the local economy and
has been made and the task team has
identifies stumbling blocks hampering
been ready to present the solutions to the
growth.
relevant HOD’s since December 2015.
“It is our explicit mandate to maintain
However, we are relieved to see renewed
a good relationship with government
interest in this regard and look forward
and other organisations – to share our
to the rebirth of this important tourism
abundant expertise with you and to ensure
product.”
One of the most successful interventions that your strategies and your vision,
which is also our vision for the future, are
involves the safety and security of tourists.
successfully carried out.”
The Hazyview Chamber of Business and
Mpumalanga rowers weer in Pretoria vasgetrek
Alex Rose-Innes
Die Engelse gesegde, “you can run
but you cannot hide”, het waar geword
vir twee ontsnapte misdadigers uit ‘n
tronk in Mpumalanga.
Sibusiso Ngcane en Michael Cele
is in ‘n swart woonbuurt in Pretoria
aangekeer, drie maande na hulle
ontsnapping in Julie vanjaar uit die hof in
Middelburg.
Die twee is op verskeie aanklagte van
gewapende roof tot 28 jaar tronkstraf
gevonnis toe hulle uit aanhouding
ontsnap het.
Die mans het weggekom nadat
hulle uit die hof op Witbank na ‘n
polisievoeruig geneem is. Hulle was vir
verskeie sakerooftogte in Mpumalanga
verantwoordelik.
Volgens die SAPD se provinsiale
woordvoerder, Brig Leonard Hlaudi, het
die polisie verskeie leidrade opgevolg
en die rowers wat nou ook op ‘n
ontsnappingklagte tereg gaan staan, weer
vasgetrek.
Cele het nou ook ‘n addisionele klagte,
dié van besit van ‘n ongelisensieërde
wapen, op sy klagstaat.
12
News to know
Fruit juices
on the list for
Sugar Tax?
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Trevor Manuel
kap regering oor
die omgewing
Alex Rose-Innes
Alex Rose-Innes
Whilst health campaigners have
welcomed the proposed Sugar Tax to
be implemented in 2017, the South
African Sugar Association (SASA)
says it’s worried about the loss of
market share. Rolf Lutge, chairperson
of SASA is of the opinion that as
a result of the country having the
lowest margin sugar industries,
the new tax will render it unable to
cope with the significant dilution
of financial returns. The sugarsweetened beverages industry is its
largest customer.
Government is now also
considering adding pure fruit juices
to the list of drinks to be levied as
a result of the growing amount of
obese South Africans. Initially, drinks
containing natural sugars such as
found in 100% pure fruit juices
would have been exempt from the
tax, but it is now being reconsidered.
Milk products containing intrinsic
sugars (naturally built) may also now
included under the Sugar Tax.
National Treasury was quoted
in the media as saying that fruit
juices have the same negative health
consequences as that of soft drink
with regards the natural sugar levels
it contains. But, says Johan de Kock
of the SA Fruit Juice Association
(SAFJA), the health benefits of 100%
pure fruit juices far outweighs the
fruit sugar it contains. SAFJA is
already regulated by the Department
of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
and apply stringent measures
recommended by international
practise.
The proposed 20% sugar tax levy
is being opposed by certain business
sectors and lobby groups that are of
the opinion that the higher prices will
further negatively impact an already
bleeding economy and the consumer
purse and may lead to producers
being forced to cut jobs. The
proposed tax rate is 2.29 cents per
gram and will amount to an added
extra 20% at the retail tills.
If the Sugar Tax is indeed
implement in April next year, the
country will join Mexico, France
and Hungary with Britain also
considering adopting it.
Indien belastinggeld spandeer word
om groot regeringsafvaardigings
na globale natuur- en
omgewingsbewaringskonferensies
te stuur, is dit tyd dat Suid-Afrika
(SA) ook die ooreenkomste wat
daar aangegaan word, hier te lande
implementeer. Dit is die mening
van die vorige minister in die
presidensie, Trevor Manuel tydens
die Wêreldnatuurfonds (WWF)se
Wêreld-oseane Komissie byeenkoms
in Kaapstad. Hy het hiertydens SA se
stand van sy oseane bespreek en gesê
as ooreenkomste nie toegepas word
na die duur konferensies nie, is daar
geen punt om net die regte geluide te
maak nie.
Volgens Manuel is dit ‘n skande dat
SA nie kwessies wat internasionaal
aangespreek word intern bevorder
nie en dat die omgewing nie ernstig
genoeg opgeneem word nie. Hy
het verwys na verlede jaar se CoP
byeenkoms waartydens die Verenigde
Nasies ‘n beroep op lande gedoen om
die geveg om natuurlike hulpbronne
vir die nageslag te bewaar, op te
skerp. Hy het aan afgevaardigdes gesê
SA is een van die lande wat dit nie
gedoen het nie. Die jongste CoP 2016
is onlangs in Gauteng gehou.
Hy het die 2015 beraad in Durban
beskryf as ’n “uiters duur oefening
vir belastingbetalers” wat ook groot
moeite van Suid-Afrika geverg het
om aan te bied. Intussen het SA nog
nie eers die Parys-ooreenkoms wat
vroeër vanjaar deur 195 onderteken
is ge-implementeer nie. Die Parysooreenkoms sal van 2020 af geld
nadat die vereiste 55 lande wat
minstens 55% van die wêreld se
uitlaatgasse skep dit bekragtig het.
Klimaatsverandering en uitlaatgasse
het ‘n reuse negatiewe impak op
die oseane en die hulpbronne wat
daarmee gepaard gaan.
Manuel het hom ook skerp
uitgespreek teen die flou strawwe
wat Chinese bote met 600ton
inkvis wat aan die SA kus onwettig
visgevang het en aangekeer is, beboet
is. Die konferensie is deur talle
internasionale kenners van etlike
lande bygewoon.
Stand van damme soos
op 10 Oktober 2016
Die Driekoppies Dam wat die
Lomatirivier voed is huidiglik
41.7% vol teenoor dieselfde
tydperk verlede jaar toe dit 69.4%
vol was.
Die Primkop Dam wat die
Witrivier van water voorsien is tan
16.7% vol teenoor dieselfde tydperk
verlede jaar toe dit net ‘n raps oor
die 42% was.
Die Kwena Dam wat die
Krokodilrivier van water voorsien
was in 2015 79.7% vol. Op die 10de
Oktober vanjaar was dit 23.9% vol.
Die baie gewilde Vygeboom
Dam wat die Komatirivier voed
staan nou op 28.3% teenoor die
82.6% van 2015.
Vissermanne wat by die Loskop
Dam lyne natmaak sal onthou dat
hierdie dam verlede jaar meer
as 76% vol was, maar aan die
begin vandeesmaand 44.7% water
ingehad het. Dié dam voed die
Olifantsrivier.
Volgens die webwerf vir
Mpumalanga Damme vir begin
Oktober vanjaar is bogenoemde
syfers korrek.
Ook die ander damme in die
provinsie is skokkend laer as ‘n jaar
gelede.
SA Weather Bureau optimistic about rain
Alex Rose-Innes
Everyone is so focused on the effects
of an extended drought that it is easy to
miss the possibility of a good rain season
altogether. And there seems to be good news
in the offing. Good rain has been falling in
Nelspruit and some in Komatipoort over the
past week and the temperature has dropped
in Malalane with promising cloud cover and
wind.
According to the seasonal climate weather
report which takes into account weather
conditions until February 2017, chances
are improving of above normal rainfall
conditions during mid-Summer. The South
African Weather Bureau (SAWB) indicates
that although uncertainty levels remain high,
all indications are that the weak La Nina
system will remain low, which translates to
“there may be some rain, but nothing set
in stone yet.” Global climate phenomenon
La Niña leans towards a rainy season whilst
El Niño spells drought, as the country has
experienced over the past year. Even if weak,
La Nina paints a better picture and gives
some hope of rain.
However, according to experts, the severe
drought condition remains over most parts
of the country despite prospects for a muchneeded wet-spell over the country for the
coming season. Currently, the country is
still in a drought spell and circumstances are
called “delicate.”
Cobus Olivier, a weather prediction
scientist with the SAWB, told NewsHorn that
it is never possible to predict exact weather
movement with regards to seasonal forecasts.
It is only possible to indicate seasonal
temperature averages and rainfall in terms of
higher or lower than normal. It is however
expected that the temperatures across the
country will be higher than normal, starting
now until the beginning of 2017. Rainfall
averages are also expected to be less than
normal around December, after which it is
expected that more rain than normal will
continue to fall into late summer.
Says Olivier, “We cannot predict exactly
when the rain is expected, but are optimistic
about rain towards the end of the year.”
To a question posed by NewsHorn on
the possibility of hail because of the high
temperatures, he said that hail conditions
are driven by specific storms which cannot
be accurately predicted, but it can be
expected and farmers should be aware of the
possibility of another hailstorm.
Farmers in the Onderberg suffered severe
crop losses with the hail storm during late
September and certain banana and litchi
farmers reported an 80% loss of planted
crops at the time.
Ken Terry, head of the National Disaster
Management Centre has meanwhile warned
that water will remain scarce in South Africa
even if good rains fall this summer. Terry
says water levels in the country’s major dams
are averaging just over 50% with a further
1% drop each week.
South Africa is one of the top 30 countries
in the world that is generally a dry area and
Terry says that “we are lucky when it rains.”
Director at the Geneva-based World
Meteorological Organisation, Dr Deon
Terblanche, says while scientists have been
able to forecast climate change and its effects
such as the El-Nino climate cycle, more
complex models are being developed to look
into weather time changes.
Trevor Manuel. (Foto verkry.)
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Gemeenskapnuus
13
Emil en Izelle. (Foto verskaf)
Mnr & Mej
Komatipoort
2017 verkies
Alex Rose-Innes
Volgende jaar se groentjies word verwelkom
Vanjaar se babas het hul eerste skooljaar agter die rug en gedurende die ope dag vir 2017 se nuwe groentjies, het self die verwelkoming
aangebied. Hierdie jaar was Adine Smit en die jonge Holdertjie (op die foto) die seremoniemeesters. Teen ‘n elektroniese skyfie-agtergrond
vol stukkies skoolgeskiedenis het 2016 se Graad 1-leerders Komatipoort Akademie se klere vir sport en akademie aan die nuuskurige ouers
en opgewonde nuwe maats voorgestel. Die Voortrekkers het ook ‘n beurt gehad om Komati Akademie se waardes - onbeskaamd Afrikaans,
burgerskap en Christenskap - voor te stel. Hierna kon elke klas en klasonderwyseres besoek word. Marita Greeff, wat vir die aandfunksie
verantwoordelik was, het die ouers van 2017 se voornemende leerders verseker dat hulle kinders volgende jaar ook op dieselfde verhoog
sal verskyn. (Foto verskaf.)
Komati Voortrekkers sluit
2016 op gepaste wyse af
Alex Rose-Innes
Nie net is vanjaar die 83ste verjaardag van
die Suid-Afrikaanse Voortrekkerbeweging
nie, maar die Komatipoort Kommando het
ook hul sewende bestaansjaar gevier.
Dit was inderdaad ‘n goeie jaar vir die
plaaslike Voortrekkers nadat verskeie van die
lede uitgeblink het.
Ciska van Dyk is tot die Nasionale
Jeugraad verkies en vyf plaaslike Penkoppe
het die nasionale Voorslageksamens geslaag,
waarvan twee selfs goud hiertydens verwerf
het.Dit is inderdaad ‘n dinamiese groep
jongmense vanuit die gemeenskap.
Die afgelope suksesvolle sewe jaar is
swierig langs die Krokodilrivier op die
Tenbosch Landgoed afgesluit en 47 lede het
2016 met ‘n gesellige kuiertjie gegroet.
Dié Voortrekkers se motto is etiek,
leierskap, spanverband en integriteit en die
leierskap het die hoop uitgespreek dat meer
kinders en ouers in 2017 by hulle sal aansluit.
Die Mej en Mnr Komatipoorttitels
dra nou reeds groot gewig in die dorp
en net ‘n mooi gesiggie help niks.
Hierdie leerders word ambassadeurs
vir hulle skool en dorp en raak
nou by talle liefdadigheidsprojekte
betrokke.
Tydens ‘n spogparade in die
skoolsaal het die beoordelaars
behoorlik kopgekrap en die
uiteindelike keuse was nie maklik nie.
Luide toejuiging het iedere deelnemer
begroet en vir die mede-leerders
in die gehoor was almal wenners.
Emil Dorey en Izelle Potgieter is
uiteindelik as die kroondraers vir
2017 aangewys.
Die verkose leerders sal
waarskynlik in die voetspore van
hulle voorgangers volg en weer die
jaarlikse skou benut as platform vir
omgee-gesprekke en die plaaslike
kinderhuis in Orlando besoek. Meer
uitreikgeleenthede kan uitvloei uit
die uitbou van hierdie posisies. Dis
waaroor hierdie komeptisie gaan,
skoonheid in handeling, eerder as
in voorkoms, maar hierdie kinders
is mooi van binne en buite met
omgeeharte.
Lyk in rivier
dalk dié
van stroper
Alex Rose-Innes
Sewe goeie jare is op gepaste wyse gevier. (Foto verskaf)
Op die oewer van die Krokodilrivier het die Komatipoort Voortrekkers van 2016 afskeid geneem.
Die lyk van ‘n man wat verlede
week in die Krokodilrivier gevind is
mag dalk dié wees van ‘n vermeende
stroper wat onlangs vermoedelik
verdrink het. Tydens ‘n skermutseling
met die bewaarders in die Kruger
Nasionale Park (KNP) het die man
in ‘n poging om weg te kom heel
moontlik in die rivier gespring. Dit
sal nie die eerste keer wees dat ‘n
stroper probeer om die gereg op
hierdie wyse probeer ontduik nie.
Die Matsulu SAPD het nie die
nodige toerusting gehad om die
liggaam uit die rivier te verwyder
nie en het vir twee dae gesukkel
totdat Hennie Visser se Bossies
Community Justice (BCJ) Forum die
lyk uiteindelik kon uithaal. Dit is na
die staatslykhuis geneem vir verdere
toetse.
14
Provincial News
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
MEGA incurs R256 million in irregular expenditure
Missed targets in Mpumalanga with
millions of budget used
The Mpumalanga Economic Growth
Agency (MEGA) has incurred R256 million
in irregular expenditure. This is up from the
R194 million in 2014/2015 financial year.
According to the Auditor General’s (AG)
assessment of the parastatal’s financials,
MEGA regressed from a qualified audit
opinion to a disclaimer of opinion in
2015/2016 financial year.
This a major regression, as the entity
received qualified Audit opinions over the
past three financial years, with both Premier
David Mabuza and Economic Development
MEC, Eric Kholwane, showing confidence
in the entity and guaranteeing that it will
improve.
The dismal performance of MEGA may
have contributed to the 54 000 jobs shed by
industries between the 2nd quarter of this
year and last year. This validates the DA’s
stance that MEGA must be disbanded.
It is concerning that MEGA only managed
to achieve 41 out of its 103 targets for the
2015/16 financial year. The office of the
CEO has only achieved 55% of its targets
with finance doing a little better at 57%.
Corporate Services reached 40% of its
targets, while Infrastructure Development
shows a dismal 5% reached – one out of 20
targets. Trade and Investment managed to
complete 6 of its 13 set targets, with Property
Development (60%), Business Development
(45%) and second poorest performer
Housing which only managed to meet 22%
of its set target during this financial year.
BUT 97.7% OF ITS BUDGET OF
R380 018 000 BUDGET WAS SPENT.
In a media statement, the DA says, “The
people of Mpumalanga can no longer afford
to keep financing MEGA.
This entity is clearly failing on its mandate;
given that provincial industries have shed
54 000 jobs between the 2nd quarter of this
year and last year.
The DA has called on Mpumalanga premier, DAvid Mabuza to get his house in order. (Photo sourced.)
These are the programme performances
that concern the DA:
• From the 7 targets related to the
Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market, MEGA
partially achieved only one target, yet
managed to spend 64% of its R26.5 million
budget.
• On the 6 targets related to the Agri-hubs,
MEGA achieved 0 targets despite spending
R85 000.00 from the allocated R1.3 million.
• From the 7 targets related to the Nkomazi
Special Economic Zone, MEGA only
achieved 1 target. They underspent by
R16.3 million on the Conditional Grant
associated with the Economic Zone.
• The entity was supposed to assist
300 investors, but only assisted 4. They also
planned to create 240 job opportunities, yet
none were created.
• They planned to disburse SMME’s loans
to the value of R7 million, yet only gave out
loans of R2.4 million.
‘n Wolf in skaapsklere onder die Valke?
Alex Rose-Innes
Die Nasionale Vervolgingseenheid
is van mening dat, na die
inhegtenisneming van ‘n
ondersoekende offisier van die Valke
hegtenis geneem is vir betrokkenheid
by die diefstal van miljoene Rand
se renosterhorings, daar meer
ondersoekebeamptes dalk hierby
betrokke is.
Die man wat die diefstal van R55
miljoen se renosterhorings vanuit die
kantore van die provinsiale kantore van
die Toerisme en Parkagentskap ondersoek
het, Konst Duduzi Mothubadse het op
verwante klagtes in die hof verskyn.
Die diefstal het reeds in 2014
plaasgevind toe 112 renosterhorings vanuit
dié kantore verdwyn het. Daar is reeds
toe vermoed dat die horings op pad na
Mosambiek was.
Die ondersoek na die voortslepende sage
waartydens duisende rande se omkoopgeld
glo ontvang en deur ondersoekspanne
betaal is, is uiteindelik afgehandel.
What is worse is that this
entity is embarking on another
Restructuring programme, after
having paid over
R30 million to Deloitte just under
2 years ago for a turnaround
strategy.
There is no doubt that this new
restructuring will carry a price tag
to the tune of millions.
(Statement by DA.)
Malalane crime update
Malalane town has been plagued
by multiple burglary attempts during
recent weeks, affecting both homes and
businesses.
Fortunately, increased vigilance from
the SAPS and local security companies
have resulted in a few close calls for the
criminals and according to one security
company, the suspected ringleader of the
gang has been arrested.
It remains to be seen whether the
action will now simmer down, but
residents are urged to remain vigilant.
An ATM scam gang has been
extremely active in the region. SAPS
and local businesses are however
continually on the lookout for the
perpetrators, as they are known to
residents.
They generally target foreign visitors,
as these people are more trusting and
unfamiliar with the risks of accepting
“assistance” from strangers at automated
tellers.
Tourism operators and hospitality
operators are urged to inform their
guests of the risks.
Sport
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
15
Die tantes van Nantes was ook daar en sonder mans, kinders en
honde was dit ‘n fees!
enige wiele
Deelnemers kon van
gebruik maak tydens
die wedren.
Ilsa het gewys dat ‘n vrou ook ‘n barshou kan
slaan. Fotos: Alex Rose-Innes
Nou nie die Dunhill Meester nie, maar aan konsentrasie
ontbreek dit nie!
Malelane Stene het jeug en energie aan hulle kant gehad.
Dit was onlangs weer tyd vir
die gewilde Skilpadresies by
Tenbosch en soos gewoonlik
was dit ‘n jolige affêre. Dit is
definitief ‘n goeie verskoning vir
grootmense om hulle soos kinders
te gedra en die hele familie ‘n
kans te gun om saam pret te hê.
NHS se atlete
verskuif NOG ‘n
grens of twee !
Die jaarlikse Elardus Erasmus Top 20 atletiekbyeenkoms wat altyd in Oktober op
Mookgophong aangebied word, is sekerlik wat
standaard betref)een van die grootse skolebyeenkoms in ons land. NHS se top-atlete (10
seuns en 10 meisies) het dan ook weer daar
skouers geskuur met die bestes van die bestes
vanuit meer as 40 skole uit die noordelike
provinsies.
Vanjaar het die Nellies, veral wat die seuns
betref, ‘n baie sterk span gestuur en hulle het
dan ook nie teleurgestel nie. Vir die eerste keer
slaag die Laevelders daarin om vir die beste 10
vertonings ‘n gemiddeld van bo die 1000 puntekerf, te behaal - ‘n puik prestasie !
Veral Jacques Marais (seuns 0/14) het in die
werpskyf uitsonderlik presteer. Joshua Maas
het ‘n Nellie-rekord vir seuns 0/16 met meer
as ‘n meter verbeter. Werner Bouwer, vanjaar
se nasionale spiesgooi-kampioen (seuns 0/19),
wat slegs drie weke gelede met 71,91m die
eerste Laevelder geword het om 70m te oorskry,
het tydens hierdie byeenkoms nog vier meter
verder gegooi. Dit plaas hom in die nr.2 -posisie
van alle 0/19’s in die land, asook nr.6 op die
nasionale ranglys vir senior mans vir 2016. Ook
Jacques Marais se 5,79m in verspring , het tot
NHS se reuse eindtelling bygedra.
Onder die meisies, het veral Suzaan Nel in
verspring , Carli Killian in hoogspring en
Michelle Bouwer in spiesgooi uitgeblink. Sy het
die vorige rekord letterlik uit die rekordboeke
gegooi!
Die 0/12-span. Agter: Drikus Greeff, Johann Grobler, Gerrie Doyer, Luann Strauss en Joshua Louw. Middel: Duan Meyer, Hannes Botha en Deglan Prinsloo.
Voor: Henru van Wyk, Aldo Muller, Paul Harley, Wian Stoltz en Wiehan Henning.
Klein Nellies se groot manne
wys tande in Witbank
Alex Rose-Innes
Michelle Bouwer en Joshua Maass. (Foto verskaf.)
Al was dit die GROOT skole
halfeindrondte, het die kannetjies van
Laerskool Nellies vir aanskoulike krieket
tydens die provinsiale toernooi gesorg
en hul skool se naam hoog gehou. Die
kompetisie was volgens Johan Orton,
sportkoordineerder van die laerskool, baie
straf. Al moes ons plaaslike 0/11’s die knie
met slegs drie lopies teen Kragbron buig,
het hulle deurgaans uitstekend gespeel. Die
0/12 span het egter hierna ingeklim en gou
van die teëstanderskool se groot kanonne
ontslae geraak. Laerskool Kragbron moes
met ‘n telling van 82 almal uit, tevrede
wees. Die beste prestasie tydens dié
wedstryd het van Duan Meyer gekom wat
nie minder as vyf paaltjies in die wedstryd
laat kantel het, nie.
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
SPORT
www.newshorn.co.za
Tel: 013-007-1155 / 082-624-4098
Maudas is Mpu
se beste junior
veldatleet
Alex Rose-Innes
Zanté Bench.
Franzel Theron. (Fotos verskaf.)
Stephan Holzhauzen.
Lee Buys.
Hoërskool Bergvlam se Maudas
Banda is tydens die provinsiale
sporttoekennigs hierdie maand as
die beste junior veldatleet vir 2016
aangewys.
Dié toekenningsgeleentheid
word jaarliks deur Mpumalanga
Atletiek in samewerking met die
SA Sportkonfederasie en Olimpiese
Komitee en die Departement Kultuur,
Sport en Ontspanning aangebied.
Hiertydens word top sportsterre op
nasionale vlak vereer.
Wat Maudas se prestasie nog meer
uitsonderlik maak is dat nominasies
vir hierdie toekenning junior en
senior atlete wat landwyd in atletiek,
landloop en paditems presteer,
insluit.
Die skool is met reg trots op hom!
Robbies skitter by SA Skiet
Alex Rose-Innes
Gedurende die kort blaaskansie wat
leerders gedurende hierdie maand gehad
het, het Rob Ferreira se skuts hul staal by die
Suid-Afrikaanse Skietkampioenskappe naby
Hartebeespoort getoon.
Veral vier van die skool se leerders het
uitstekend presteer en met brons-, silwer- en
goue medaljes na Mpumalanga teruggekeer.
Lee Buys het uiteindelik die vyfde plek
uit 59 deelnemers in die afdeling vir 0/14’s
verower.
Sy en haar span het in hierdie
sportskietafdeling (sporter) die silwer
medalje ingepalm.
Zanté Bench het seker gemaak dat
niemand ooit oor haar skietvermoëns nie sal
twyfel nie en het in die 0/16 sporter afdeling
sewende geëindig onder die 120 skuts wat in
hierdie kategorie deelgeneem het.
Sy en haar span het dan ook die goue
medalje in die spanafdeling gewen.
Om die wenprovinsie te bepaal word die
0/21-spanne se tellings by dié van die 0/14’s
en 0/16’s gereken en hier het Zanté (0/16)
en Stephan Holtzhausen (0/21) die silwer
medalje vir Mpumalanga verseker.
Franzel Theron het algeheel 10de by
geëindig en hiermee haar Nasionale Skole
Skiet Kleure verwerf.
Baie geluk aan hierdie leerders, dis
voorwaar uitmuntende prestasies!
Sien ook julle foto’s op www.newshorn.
co.za
Ses Bergvlam krieketspelers in Mpu span
Hoërskool Bergvlam in Nelspruit spog met
nie minder as ses leerders wat vanjaar vir
die onderskeie Mpumalanga krieketspanne
gekies is! Faheem Nomani en Akib Larya
is albei vir die 0/ 17 A span gekies, terwyl
Lunga Ngwenyam, Gino Marsh, Shanawaaz
Ameer en Adnan Larya tot die 0/15B
span verkies is. Die eerste krieketspan
van Vlammies is boonop die wenners in
die Ehlanzani Eerste Liga vir die tweede
agtereenvolgende jaar.
Akib Larya, Adnan Larya,
Bergvlam se kriekettrots. Gino Marsh, Shanawaaz Amer,
Faheem Nomani en Lunga Ngwenyam. (Foto verskaf.)
For news contact: Alex on 013-007-1155 / [email protected]