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School News / Skool Nuus
Volkies groet Juf. Nolte.
VOLKSRUST HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS SUCCESSFUL SUBJECT CHOICE PARENTS’ EVENING.
Akademiese uitslae vir Volkies soos op 26/09/2023.
Newcastle Eisteddfod 2023.
Me. Marinda Smit, Volkies se nuwe hoof!
Akademiese Uitslae vir Volkies op 18/09/2023.
Rika presteer in Landloop.
News / Nuus
Team Watco in Volksrust assists the Mpumalanga SAPS in conducting search & rescue.
TWO FOREIGN NATIONAL MALES ARRESTED FOR DEALING WITH ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES (DAGGA).
Missing Persons: Appeal to the Public.
Fire & Safety Tips: Remove the Source of Fires.
Cable theft in our town is getting out of control.
Pioneering South African, Raymond Ackerman, dies at 92.
IFP founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi has died.
Twelve Suspects arrested possession of stolen property (liquor).
AFRICAN MALE DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR MURDER OF HIS FATHER.
Volksrust Police Apprehend Suspected Drug Dealers in Juba Park Volksrust.
Volksrust High School to Host the First In-person isiZulu Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Since 2019.
Suspects being sought by police for Housebreaking, theft of firearms and ammunition in Rietfontein farm near Volksrust.
26 YEAR OLD AFRICAN MALE ARRESTED FOR TEMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE (Copper)
Solar market oversaturation represents a major risk to households, warn experts.
Getting the best out of pharmacy care.
Join the global movement on World Rabies Day.
First aid training becomes more accessible to South Africans thanks to new learning project.
Message to community members in arrears with their municipal accounts.
Get the balance back in your relationship.
Oral health often last in the queue when caring for your health.
The Volksrust Recorder’s Message & Appeal to Religious Leaders in Volksrust & Surrounding Areas.
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School News / Skool Nuus
Volkies groet Juf. Nolte.
Volkies groet Juffrou Anja Nolte, wat die afgelope jaar by Volkies as student opgetree het. Me. Nolte het waardevolle werk gelewer in die Wetenskappe Departement en ons is hartseer om haar te verloor. Me. Nolte het besluit om voltyds te studeer en ons hoop ons sien haar spoedig weer.
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VOLKSRUST HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS SUCCESSFUL SUBJECT CHOICE PARENTS’ EVENING.
Lauren Tripp Barlis asked the following important question: “What is the most underused resource in education today?” The answer … PARENTS! (And this includes all legal guardians as well.)
VHS het dit van kardinale belang geag dat die graad 9-groep van 2023 onder leiding van hul ouers/voogde hul VOO-vakke moet kies om op so ‘n wyse ouerbetrokkenheid by leerders se akademie by die breër gemeenskap in te burger.
Onder die wakende oog van die graadvoog en leiding van die departementshoofde het leerkragte baie kreatiewe en leersame teentoonstellings van hul onderskeie vakke saamgestel om sodoende leerders en ouers te oortuig dat hul vak die wenkeuse sou wees.
On the afternoon of 21 September 2023, Grade 9 learners were afforded the opportunity to view the various exhibitions and to satisfy their curiosity regarding the subjects presented. From 18:00 in the evening it was the opportunity of the parents and guardians to do the same after being informed about the necessity of parental involvement by our school principal, Mrs Smit. This was followed by the deputy principal, Mrs Pringle, schooling those present in the administrative requirements regarding subject choices at VHS.
Op grond van die baie positiewe terugvoer ontvang van die betrokke ouers en voogde, was hierdie inligtingsaand en vaktentoonstelling nie net broodnodig nie, maar ook ‘n reusesukses.
Graag bedank ons die graadvoog, mnr. Le Roux, vir die inisiatief, mev. Pringle vir die leerskool en leiding, die departementshoofde wat voor getrek het en elke leerkrag wat met soveel entoesiasme bygedra het tot hierdie grootse geleentheid!
“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.” – Jane D. Hull
~Mnr. Martin le Roux~
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Akademiese uitslae vir Volkies soos op 26/09/2023
Graad 11
Wiskunde
Francois de Jager 99, Divan Ellis 97, Phembu Msimango 96, Anoushke Houy 94, Dawid Groenewald 91, Zimi Thwala 90, Mpilenhle Hlatswayo 84, Ewald Moll 84
Graad 9
Afrikaans Huistaal Skryfprojek
Nila Deacon 94, Danel de Jager 90, Nico Nel 88, Wianco Berry 86, Jasmine van Staden 86
Wiskunde
Nico Nel 94, Lerato Moloi 94, Danel de Jager 90, Nolwazi Thabethe 90, Thandolwethu Ngomane 88, Muhammad Moola 88, Sinenhlanhla Nombewu 86, Lebogang Nkwane 86, Aphenhle Msibi 84, Rearabetswe Moloi 84, Esethu Sibiya 82, Minenhle Nsibande 80, Nhlakanipho Gwebu 80
Fisiese Wetenskappe
Danel de Jager 94, Nila Deacon 85, Aphenhle Msibi 84, Esethu Sibiya 83, Sinenhlanhla Nombewu 82, Minenhle Nsibande 81
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Newcastle Eisteddfod 2023.
On 8 August 2023 Arbour Park Primary School hosted the dance division of the Newcastle Eisteddfod.
Nerissa van Heerden participated with a ballet solo and was the only student to receive a high triple gold with a percentage of 97%. She was awarded the trophy for the best senior solo dancer.
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Me. Marinda Smit, Volkies se nuwe hoof!
Dit is met groot trots en baie opgewondenheid wat ons me. Smit aankondig as ons nuwe hoof. Sy is ʼn ou en geliefde bekende in ons dorp, maar Volkies het dit goedgedink om tog ʼn paar interessante feite oor haar uit die mou te laat.
Me. Smit matrikuleer in 1990 aan Hoërskool Volksrust, waartydens sy ‘n inwoner was van Tienerhof vir haar hele Hoërskoolloopbaan. Sy was ‘n koshuisleier en ‘n lid van die “prefekteraad”, behaal Akademiese Erekleure en was deel van die 1ste en 2de Hokkiespanne. Daarna sprei sy haar vlerke Tukkies toe en verwerf haar Baccalaureus in Radiografie in 1993 (CUM LAUDE) aan die Universiteit van Pretoria. Hier is sy aangewys as die beste student in haar 1ste, 2de en 3de jaar. Sy ontvang ook Akademiese Erekleure van die universiteit aan die einde van haar finale jaar. Natuurlik onthou Volkies die dae toe me. Smit ons “go-to-girl” was vir x-strale, maar haar onderwysloopbaan begin in 2002 toe sy as musiekonderwyser by Laerskool Pionier begin. Hier gee sy onderrig in ses musiekinstrumente (klavier, klawerbord, trompet, viool, kitaar en blokfluit) tot en met 2008, waarna sy in die formele onderwysprogram in die rekenaarsentrum opgeneem is en verder begin studeer. Sy verwerf ‘n Nagraadse Onderwysdiploma in 2011 (CUM LAUDE) deur UNISA en aanvaar ‘n pos by Hoërskool Volksrust as Natuurwetenskappe en Wiskunde onderwyser. En hier is waar die dinge toe regtig begin gebeur! Sy bied sedert 2014 Fisiese Wetenskappe vir graad 12 aan en ontdek haar passie in die onderwys. In hierdie tyd verwerf sy ook ‘n Honneursgraad in Onderwysbestuur en Leierskap in 2020 (CUM LAUDE) deur die Noordwes Universiteit en het die voorreg om ‘n NWU meestersgraad en -prestasiebeurs te ontvang. Sy voltooi haar meestersgraad in Onderwysbestuur en Leierskap deur die Noordwes Universiteit in 2022 (CUM LAUDE) en is tans besig om verder te studeer aan haar doktorsgraad!
Volkies is ongelooflik geseënd om hierdie vrou aan die stuur te kan hê en ons sien uit na al die mooi dinge wat vir ons voorlê.
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Akademiese Uitslae vir Volkies op 18/09/2023.
Graad 10
Lewenswetenskappe
Siyamthanda Matlala 93, Kaitlyn van der Merwe 84, Lathita Galela 83, Aphiwe Mkhwanazi 83, Husna Chotia 81, Ziyanda Mhlongo 81, Lesego Mongane 80
English Home Language Literature
Jonathan Koekemoer 91, Xola Ndhlozi 89, Avuyile Toba 83, Husna Chothia 80, Nosicelo Gaqelo 80, Tyra Janse van Rensburg 80, Sphe Luthuli 80, Siyamthanda Matlala 80, Nardos Mesfin 80, Lesego Mongane 80
Graad 9
English Home Language Literature
Aphenhle Msibi 87, Muhammad Moola 87, Tlangelani Shivambu 87, Esethu Sibiya 87, Nokuhle Mntambo 83, Thandolwethu Ngomane 83, Lebohang Nkwane 83, Minenhle Nsibande 80, Limpho Nxumalo 80
English Home Language Literature Task
Muhammad Moola 92, Aphenhle Msibi 90, Sebebonke Kunene 90, Nokuhle Mntambo 88, Londiwe Kunene 86, Asanda Nkosi 86, Rayhaan Moola 84, Rearabetswe Moloi 82, Amahle Mbatha 82, Nolwazi Thabethe 82, Sanelisiwe Sibeko 82, Lebohang Nkwane 82, Khwenzi Thwala 82, Minenhle Nsibande 80, Allen Sebothoma 80, Zama Luvuno 80, Oarabile Lekalakala 80
Graad 8
Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal
Siphosethu Jele 90, Zaid Chotia 90, Mpilonhle Zwane 87, Simbarashe Nkosi 87, Imaan Moola 87, Ziyanda Maboea 84, Ayanda Buthelezi 84
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Rika presteer in Landloop.
Baie geluk aan oud-Volkie, Rika Rossouw, wat tweede geplaas is in die SA Landloop waaraan sy deelgeneem het in Port Elizabeth. Volkies is trots op jou.
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News / Nuus
Team Watco in Volksrust assists the Mpumalanga SAPS in conducting search & rescue.
Watco assisted the KZN and Mpumalanga SAPS Search and Rescue teams to recover 2 male bodies from Zaaihoek dam between Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of September 2023.
Apparently a 39 year old male entered the water to retrieve a canoe that was swept away by strong winds when he started struggling to stay afloat. A second, 51 year old male also entered the water to try and assist the younger male. Unfortunately both males disappeared under the water. A search for the missing males was conducted on Saturday but later suspended overnight. On Sunday morning 10:15 both males were recovered from the water.
Condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Heads up to KZN and Mpumalanga SAPS Search and Rescue, Watco Emergency Medical Services, EMRS, Pruyt Security, Manny and Morne who assisted with their boats and sonars.
We urge everyone over the coming summer season to be vigilant when enjoying time alongside water bodies with their family and friends.
Regards
Team Watco
#VolksrustRecorder
#NewCastillian
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TWO FOREIGN NATIONAL MALES ARRESTED FOR DEALING WITH ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES (DAGGA).
Two suspects Nkosingiphile Sihlongonyane aged 28 years and Mlando Dlamini aged 22 both from Kingdom of Eswatini are due to appear in Volksrust District Court for dealing in dagga.
Volksrust SAPS received information on 2023-09-07 at about 07:00 of a white VW Golf 5 with Swaziland registration number which looked suspicious that was traveling on N11 between Amersfoort and Volksrust, heading towards Volksrust direction.
The members followed the information and spotted the vehicle that matched the description whilst entering Volksrust and the members tried to intercept the vehicle but it just sped off. Fortunately there was a Perdekop police van around the vicinity and gave backup and they managed to intercept the vehicle in Mountain View (Volksrust).
The members searched the vehicle and found twelve bags of Dagga inside the vehicle to the weight of forty kilograms (40 kg) and its value was estimated to R138 000.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the duo were heading Pietermaritzburg with the dagga.
Compiled by Const MC Vilakazi Volksrust: SAPS communications officer.
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Missing Persons: Appeal to the Public.
Ms Virginia Busi Mazibuko originally from Duduza in Volksrust passed away leaving the child, Melesibonge Nkosinathi Nkuna. The whereabouts of the child’s biological father are unknown to the family. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the father is kindly requested to contact social worker: Thuli Ngcobo on: 017 735 4790 during office hours from 7:45am- 16:45pm Monday to Friday. Thank you.
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Fire & Safety Tips: Remove the Source of Fires.
A fire needs three things to burn: oxygen (air) • heat (from a match or electrical spark, for example) • fuel (anything that will burn, like wood, paper, leaves, gasoline, etc.) If any of these things aren’t present, a fire can’t start. If any of these things are taken away, a fire will go out.
News Source: Mr Carlos Pereira
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Cable theft in our town is getting out of control.
We request all community members , security companies and CPF members to assist SAPS by patrolling in our sections especially at night during load shedding.
Every night cables are being stolen.
Let us stand up and assist by preventing cable theft in our town.
Regards,
Cllr A.F. Gangat (Ward 4, Volksrust)
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Pioneering South African, Raymond Ackerman, dies at 92.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death at the age of 92 of visionary South African, and founder of Pick n Pay, Raymond Ackerman. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, children Gareth, Kathy, Suzanne, and Jonathan, his 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Raymond Ackerman founded Pick n Pay in 1967 along with Wendy after buying four stores in Cape Town. From the outset, he lived by the core values that the customer is queen, that we must treat others as we would wish to be treated, and that doing good is good business. These values have guided the business for over 56 years, and today the Pick n Pay Group serves millions of customers in more than 2,000 stores across South Africa and seven other African countries. His business philosophy was underpinned by the “four legs of the table” (Administration, Social responsibility and Marketing, People, and Merchandise, with the customer on top) first introduced to Ackerman by Bernard Trujillo in the US.
He came from a retailing family with his father having founded Ackermans after World War 1.
From the very beginning, Raymond Ackerman was dedicated to giving customers the best possible products, the best possible value, and the best possible service in his stores. He would stop and ask customers walking home with shopping bags from rival stores why they had not shopped at Pick n Pay.
People quickly learned that they could always rely on Raymond Ackerman and Pick n Pay to be on the customer’s side, for example in his celebrated battles against price regulations which forced people to pay more than they should for their groceries. In 1986, Pick n Pay mounted a successful court challenge against the government’s prohibition of a petrol coupon scheme which gave customers grocery discount coupons with petrol purchases. Pick n Pay fought over 26 rounds with the government on petrol price cutting and lost each time.
However, Raymond Ackerman was about much more than shopping. He was a compassionate employer and a committed philanthropist. Even in the1960s, he was determined to promote all employees to managerial positions, in defiance of apartheid laws which forbade it.
By the end of the 1970s, he had become active in the newly-established Urban Foundation, becoming a prominent champion of equal opportunity policies and merit-based salaries and wages, and increasingly critical of government’s homelands policy, the Group Areas Act and Job Reservation. But he was also critical of sanctions, in the belief that they destroyed jobs and deepened poverty.
In 1989, Raymond Ackerman and a group of businessmen met newly appointed President FW de Klerk in Pick n Pay’s Cape Town office. The group told De Klerk that Nelson Mandela should be released as soon as possible, and that apartheid legislation should be scrapped.
Ackerman met Nelson Mandela on numerous occasions after his release, and the two established a warm relationship.
Ackerman was the driving force behind the bid to bring the 2004 Olympic Games to Cape Town, dedicating considerable energy and funding to the initiative.
In 2004, he established the Raymond Ackerman Academy for Entrepreneurial Development in partnership with UCT, which was later joined by the University of Johannesburg. The Academy has produced hundreds of new business owners, many of them offering employment to others, while well over 400 of its graduates are now actively employed.
Over the years, Raymond Ackerman was honoured by many institutions for his services to both business and society.
In their retirement from the board of Pick n Pay Stores Limited in 2010, Raymond and Wendy became Honorary Life Presidents. He maintained an active interest in Pick n Pay and his philanthropy projects .
A product of Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town, he was President and then the patron of the Old Diocesan Union. He received seven honorary doctorates from local and international universities.
Raymond Ackerman was an avid and at one stage a scratch golfer, and was especially close to the Clovelly Golf Club, which his father founded and which was the first non-racial golf club in South Africa. He regularly watched all the golf majors and much sport on TV.
He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Raymond Ackerman was a man of the people; never too busy or too proud to make time for others.
He remained humble throughout his life, and passionate about building a more just future for South Africa.
He was an enduring optimist about South Africa’s future, and his passing leaves a great void for us all.
ENDS.
BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY
Pick n Pay founder Raymond David Ackerman was an indomitable champion of consumer sovereignty and a profoundly decent man, whose humane convictions set him against the business and political establishment of his day.
He carved a place in South African history by reshaping the retail sector in the image of the customer and rallying organised business in opposition to apartheid.
He waged a relentless campaign against the monopolies and price cartels that characterised commercial practice in South Africa in the 1960s and 1970, winning lower prices for household staples while changing the face of food retail with constant innovation.
He was a dogged opponent of racial discrimination, and ingeniously circumvented apartheid policy where he could, while agitating for its abolition.
Born in Cape Town in 1931, he was the son of Ackermans clothing group founder, Gus Ackerman, and was educated at Diocesan College (Bishops) and the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he developed the social conscience that was to characterise his career.
It was as a Bachelor of Commerce student that he learnt about the dangers of monopolistic practices and cartels, and the primacy of the customer in economic relations.
These principles were quickly applied when, aged 20, he joined Ackermans as a trainee manager in 1951.
When the Ackermans group was bought by competitor Greatermans, Ackerman accepted a position in Johannesburg and persuaded the company to invest in modern supermarkets. In 1955, he was put in charge of launching the Checkers supermarkets and made a resounding success of the venture. By 1966, at the age of 35, he was the managing director of 85 Checkers stores.
It was during his period with Greatermans that Ackerman and his wife Wendy visited America, where he met Bernardo Trujillo, who was running the NCR Modern Merchandising Methods Programme. It was from Trujillo that he learnt the analogy of the ‘four legs of the table’ that informed his business career for the next 50 years. This held that business is like a table supported by four legs on top of which the consumer sits. Each leg – administration, merchandising, social responsibility, and people – must be equally strong for the table to remain balanced and upright.
In 1966, Ackerman was fired by the Greatermans Group for wanting to lower prices for customers. Using his two weeks’ severance pay, a bank loan, a modest inheritance, and shares purchased by friends, Ackerman bought four small stores in Cape Town trading under the name Pick ‘n Pay for R620 000.
Almost immediately, Ackerman launched the first of his many campaigns against monopolies and price-fixing, instantly earning the animosity of competitors and the loyalty of his customers.
In September 1968, Pick n Pay went public and was listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
In the following year, Ackerman moved to promote black employees to managerial positions, in contravention of then-apartheid legislation, appointing Pick n Pay’s first black manager in his Rondebosch store. It took a personal approach to then-prime minister John Vorster to persuade the government to turn a blind eye to this step, and ignore the provisions of the Group Areas Act and Job Reservation Act.
By the early 1970s, Ackerman was engaged in increasingly acrimonious battles with rival retailers and suppliers as he continued to cut prices. He also introduced the hypermarket concept to South Africa. The first hypermarket was opened in 1975 in Boksburg, where he immediately faced a boycott by big-name suppliers who did not want their products sold at the low prices which Ackerman wanted to offer.
Ackerman’s well-documented ‘petrol war’ began in 1975, by which time he was already selling discounted petrol at the Boksburg Hypermarket – albeit through a legal ruse that was almost certainly unlawful.
By the end of the decade, events in the country were driving Ackerman to adopt a higher-profile political position as he became active in the newly-established Urban Foundation. He became a prominent champion of equal opportunity policies and merit-based salaries and wages, and increasingly critical of the government’s homelands policy, the Group Areas Act and Job Reservation. But he was also critical of sanctions, in the belief that they destroyed jobs and deepened poverty.
In 1978, Ackerman scored a singular personal victory when he persuaded then Prime Minister Vorster to introduce 99-year leasehold rights for black African employees in urban areas. As a consequence, Pick n Pay was able to introduce an assisted company housing scheme for its growing number of black employees. It was in the same year that Ackerman also persuaded Vorster to allow the Clovelly Golf Club – which had been founded by his father in the 1920s – to become South Africa’s first non-racial golf club.
Ackerman’s first confrontation with then SA Prime Minister PW Botha resulted in his being thrown out of Botha’s office after a discussion about the price of bread for the poor. Ackerman called on other food chains to join Pick n Pay in setting up a private bread subsidy. When this approach failed, Pick n Pay established its own R1 million subsidy scheme, prompting accusations from the government that Ackerman was politicising the issue.
As the government strengthened its determination to remove black people from the cities, evicting residents en masse from squatter settlements, Pick n Pay devised a scheme to organise homes for the company’s lower-paid employees. At the same time, motivated by Ackerman’s exposure to the levels of poverty in South Africa, the Pick n Pay board resolved to slash profit margins on a broad range of foodstuffs and to release R10 million in subsidies to reduce the prices of a wide range of food and other products.
In 1984, Ackerman started funding the Zama Dance School in Gugulethu, which has since provided hundreds of children with their first step towards dancing on the international stage.
After PW Botha’s Rubicon speech in 1985, a boycott of white shops in the Western Cape led to fresh waves of violence which did not leave Pick n Pay unscathed. It was at this time that Ackerman founded the Business Initiative, an association of business leaders concerned about the tragic consequences of Botha’s speech and determined to accelerate a non-violent reform process.
As the national crisis deepened, Ackerman joined seven other top businessmen in 1986 to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Nelson Mandela and for negotiations with the ANC about the country’s future.
By the late 1980s, Pick n Pay had grown to 12 hypermarkets and 81 supermarkets across South Africa, and Ackerman continued his battles against price fixing, taking on the powerful KWV cartel, which regulated every aspect of wine distribution throughout the country. At the same time, he renewed his efforts to sell discounted petrol and in 1986 Pick n Pay mounted a successful court challenge against the government’s prohibition of a petrol coupon scheme which gave customers grocery discount coupons with petrol purchases at the Boksburg hypermarket.
In 1989, Ackerman and a group of businessmen met newly appointed President FW de Klerk in Pick n Pay’s Cape Town office. The group told De Klerk that Mandela should to be released as soon as possible, and that apartheid legislation should be scrapped. Ackerman was to request – and be granted – a number of meetings with De Klerk after his celebrated speech of 2 February 1990.
Ackerman was to meet with Mandela on numerous occasions after his release, and the two established a warm relationship.
In 1994, Pick n Pay was hit by the worst strike in its history, characterised by widespread intimidation and violence. A supportive President Mandela contacted Ackerman to offer the services of Labour Minister Tito Mboweni as an independent mediator. The strike was eventually settled after five weeks.
In the aftermath of the strike, with profits dropping, growth stagnating and company morale at a low ebb, Ackerman launched a restructuring project which introduced a wide range of staff incentives and morale-building initiatives. Employee literacy programmes were introduced and Pick n Pay Family Stores were launched to empower black franchise-holders.
In 2004, Raymond Ackerman established the Raymond Ackerman Academy for Entrepreneurial Development in partnership with UCT, which was later joined by the University of Johannesburg. Well over 1,000 graduates have come through the Academy through the combined programme in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The Academy has produced hundreds of new business owners, many of them offering employment to others, while well over 400 of its graduates are now gainfully employed. The programme has now been centralized in Johannesburg and has expanded to an online offering accessible to students across the continent.
In 2009, he was the founder of the Raymond Ackerman Golf Academy at the Clovelly Country Club, where aside from teaching the discipline and techniques of golf, the youth are provided with access to emotional support and life skills as well as school and homework assistance.
By the time Ackerman finally retired and handed the chairman’s reins to son Gareth, Pick n Pay was operating 20 hypermarkets and 402 supermarkets across South Africa, while group turnover stood at almost R50-billion.
Today, Pick n Pay has over 2000 stores throughout South Africa and beyond.
Over the years, Ackerman was honoured by numerous institutions for his services to business and corporate social responsibility.
Raymond Ackerman leaves his wife, Wendy, four children, twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Wendy Ackerman has played an integral role in both her husband’s life and the development and growth of Pick n Pay.
AWARDS
1965 FOYSA Award – One of the Four Outstanding Young South Africans
1970 IMM Marketing Man of the Year
1975 Management’s Businessman of the Year
1983 Financial Mail Man of the Year
1986 Rhodes University Honorary Doctor of Law
1987 Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow
1988 Women’s Bureau of SA – The Men of the Decade (1of 10)
1993 Advertising Age International – One of the World’s Top 40 Marketing Superstars
1994 Afrikaans Sakekamer Businessman of the Year
1994 The Argus Businessman of the Year
1994 Herald Times Business Achiever of the Year
1996 Indian Academy of SA Outstanding Business Leadership
1997 PMR/FMCG Most Admired Personality
1998 Union of Orthodox Synagogues Honoured for PnP range of Kosher products
1998 Lois Volks Humanitarian Award
1999 Lions International Melvin Jones Fellow
1999 PMR – Golden Arrow Award Most Admired Individual
2000 PMR – Golden Arrow Award Most Admired Individual
2000 IMM Millennium Achievement Award
2000 One of the 100 most influential South Africans to have shaped the 20th century
– public survey
2001 SA Council of Shopping Centres Pioneer Award
2001 Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow
2001 Association of Marketers Protea Award
2001 Sunday Times Lifetime Achievement Award
2001 UCT Honorary Doctor of Economics Sciences
2002 University of PE Honorary Doctor of Commerce
2002 Lions International Citizen of the Year 2001-2002
2003 Western Cape Provincial Honors Order of the Disa
2004 IPM Award for the Development of People
2004 Financial Times/Price Waterhouse Cooper – The only South African amongst the World’s Top 100 Most Respected Businessmen
2005 JNF Tribute to Raymond and Wendy Ackerman in honour of their Business and Social Commitment to SA
2006 DTI Award – Lifetime Achievement Award for consumerism
2007 PMR Western Cape Outstanding Contribution to Economic Growth
2007 Inyatelo Philanthropy Award to the Ackerman Family
2008 Woodrow Wilson International Award for Corporate Citizenship
2009 University of KwaZulu-Natal Honorary Doctorate of Commerce
2010 Topco Media Lifetime Achievement Award
2010 Civic Honours Award from the City of Cape Town
2010 ABSA Jewish Awards Helen Suzman Lifetime Achievement
2011 University of SA Honorary Doctorate of Education
2011 CNBC Africa Business Leaders Award Lifetime Achievement
2011 Ask Africa Barometer Most Trusted Business Leader in SA
2013 World Retail Congress Africa Lifetime Achievement Award
2013 African World Federation of Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award
2014 Presidential Award of the Order of the Baobab – Silver
2014 ACE – Master Mentor in Entrepreneurship Award
2014 Free Market Foundation – 7th Luminary Award
2014 The Harry Brews Award – For selfless contribution to the improvement and growth of the game of golf
2014 The National Disability Champion Award 2014
2015 Honorary Doctorate Bar-Ilan University in Israel
2016 Honorary doctorate Rutgers University Camden Philadelphia – USA
2016 Lifetime Achiever award from Regenesys Business School – Sandton, Gauteng
2017 Lifetime Achiever award – SA Development Community “South” awards
2018 The Ellen Kuzwayo Award from the University of Johannesburg
2019 Reach for a Dream Lifetime Achievement Award (Mr and Mrs Ackerman)
2022 Amy Biehl Foundation Ubuntu Award (Mr and Mrs Ackerman)
HONORARY DOCTORATES
1. Rhodes University – 1986
2. UCT – 2001
3. University of Port Elizabeth – 2002
4. University of KwaZulu-Natal – 2009
5. UNISA – 2011
6. Bar-Ilan University – 2015
7. Rutgers University – 2016
Videos About Raymond Ackerman, below:
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IFP founder Mangosuthu Buthelezi has died.
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) founder and president emeritus Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi, who served as traditional prime minister to a succession of Zulu kings, has died.
Buthelezi, 95, died early on Saturday morning, after a lengthy spell in hospital.
His death was announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa, who said he was “saddened” by Buthelezi’s passing in hospital after being admitted for routine treatment at the beginning of August.
Ramaphosa described Buthelezi as an “outstanding” leader who had played a role throughout South Africa’s contemporary history.
Buthelezi was one of South Africa’s longest serving — and controversial — politicians, whose remarkable career spanned five decades and traversed both the apartheid regime and the post-1994 democratic dispensation.
An accomplished orator, historian and custodian of Zulu tradition and culture, Buthelezi was perhaps one of the most contradictory figures in South African politics, claiming to be part of the national liberation movement, while also participating in the apartheid system.
Click here to read the full article on the Mail and Guardian Website. The link will open in a new tab.
News Source: Mail & Guardian
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Twelve Suspects arrested possession of stolen property (liquor).
Twelve Suspects arrested possession of stolen property (liquor) and briefly appeared in court.
Eight African males Nhlanhla Mncube (46),Thubalakhe Xulu(31), Menzi Ncwaba(32), Sisekelo Ncwaba(28), Nqubeko Ncwaba(22), Sibusiso Xulu(46), Lindokuhle Zwane(37), Xolani Ngobese(37) and Four African females Nomthandazo Sithole(38), Sindi Ngubeni(36), Sbongile Zulu(32), Nokulunga khumalo(38).
All the above accused briefly appeared in Volksrust District Court for possession of stolen property (liquor) today 2023-09-12 and remanded in custody until Friday 2023-09-15 for legal aid application.
The accused were arrested on Monday 2023-09-11 at about 15:00 after they came to court to support their accomplice who was arrested on Friday 2023-09-08 for Theft of liqour she commited in Shoprite liquor in Volksrust.
Volksrust Detectives, Vispol members R&LU Security followed the suspects to certain fuel station in Volksrust where they parked their Toyota Quantum which was loaded with Liqour that they stole during the weekend and it was where they were all arrested.
It alleged that on Friday 2023-09-08 the group of males and females entered both Shoprite and Spar Tops, they then removed tags from selected brands of Whiskey and brandy so that they can be able to pass the door.
Preliminary investigation revealed those suspects targeted different bottle stores in different towns or places where use the same modus operandi to steal liqour and load it to their Toyota Quantum, after they are finished they will go back to Gauteng where the liqour will be sold.
One hundred eleven bottles of whiskey and brandy was recovered to the estimated value of thirty three thousand nine hundred rand (R33 900).
Compiled by: Const MC Vilakazi
Volksrust SAPS communications officer
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AFRICAN MALE DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR MURDER OF HIS FATHER.
Sizwe Praisgod Nkosi (30) years old is due to appear before Volksrust District Court for Murder of his father that occurred on 2023-09-10 at about 16:00 in Vukuzakhe location.
On the fateful day it is alleged that the accused stormed into the house that belong to his father and tried to forcefully evict the tenants, while claiming that the house belong to him.
He then chased the tenants with a knife, the tenants managed to call his father who then responded swiftly.
According to the information the father arrived at the scene and asked the accused as to what he was doing there harassing the tenants because he contraventing the protection order.
The accused became aggressive and stabbed his father twice on the chest. The victim succumbed to injuries on the scene and the paramedics declared him dead on the scene.
Compiled by: Const MC Vilakazi
Volksrust SAPS communications officer
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Volksrust Police Apprehend Suspected Drug Dealers in Juba Park Volksrust.
Date: 2023/09/29
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement, the Volksrust police successfully apprehended two individuals suspected of drug-related activities. The incident transpired on September 26, 2023, in Juba Park, Volksrust.
The police acted swiftly in response to reports of drug transactions in the area, displaying commendable bravery even in the face of threats from the alleged drug dealers.
Both suspects were brought before the Volksrust district court, where it was decided that they would remain in custody pending further investigation. This decision underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough examination of the case.
The successful operation serves as a testament to the dedication and determination of the Volksrust police in safeguarding the community from the scourge of drug-related activities. Their unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order is a beacon of hope for the residents of Volksrust.
Together, we stand against drug-related crime for a safer community,
Source: V.O.R
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Volksrust High School to Host the First In-person isiZulu Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Since 2019.
After a three-year pandemic pause, one of the largest convention organizations in the world has Volksrust High School to host its global three-day event, the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention in Isi Zulu in Volksrust.
Prior to 2019, the convention season was marked by Jehovah’s Witnesses filling hotels and restaurants as they attended their annual conventions. In 2020, the pandemic interrupted that tradition when the Witnesses canceled their in-person events throughout the world and held their convention programs as virtual events in more than 500 languages. Beginning October 6, 2023, the Witnesses will bring that tradition back to Volksrust.
“As much as we loved the convenience and quality of our virtual conventions, nothing can replace being together in a large group setting,” said Daniel Dlamini, Volksrust isi -Zulu Local Spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “While our online conventions reached millions around the world and kept our communities safe, we long to get back to our joyful fellowship at these large gatherings.”
Some 6,000 conventions will be held worldwide as part of the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention series. In South Africa alone, about 60 conventions will be held in 20 host cities. From Friday through Sunday, six convention sessions will explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance through Scriptural examples. A live baptism will be performed following the Saturday morning session and a prerecorded drama will be featured in two parts during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.
“Patience is a beautiful quality that all Christians desire to display in their daily lives,” says Dlamini. “Despite our good intentions, however, maintaining patience in the face of life’s many challenges can be a daily struggle. Spending three days exploring aspects of this quality will be very timely for all of us.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and theaters around the world for more than 100 years. After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, 2023 marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world since the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.
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Suspects being sought by police for Housebreaking, theft of firearms and ammunition in Rietfontein farm near Volksrust.
Volksrust SAPS Detectives are appealing to anyone who can assist with the information that can lead to the arrest of suspects that committed housebreaking at Rietfontein farm near Volksrust where different firearm calibers and ammunition were stolen.
The complainant alleged that he was on vacation, he left on Friday 2023-09-22 and on Sunday 2023-09-24 he received information that there had been a break into his house.
The complainant immediately returned from vacation and upon arrival he found out that the safe was broken and 5x rifles, two pistols, two Revolvers and live rounds of ammunition, expensive hunting knives and undisclosed amount of money.
At this stage suspects are considered to be very dangerous and armed, the community is urged not to try apprehend the suspect themselves but to report to the police if they know the whereabouts of the suspects.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sgt Makhombothi at 0177359900.
Compiled by Const MC Vilakazi
Volksrust SAPS communications officer
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26 YEAR OLD AFRICAN MALE ARRESTED FOR TEMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE (Copper)
Thabiso Sekgoto (26) was arrested on Friday 2023-09-15 at about 12:30 after being handed over to the police by two members of the community with 2x 1,5 meters of copper cables.
On Friday 2023-09-15 the complainant (community member) alleged that he was on his way to drop off his colleague at the certain address around town (Volksrust) when they ntoiced an African male digging next to the electric pole. They then stopped to check as to what was happening and the suspect pretended as if he was tying his shoe lace. The complainant called the community to assist him in apprehending the suspect.
The suspect was then charged accordingly and is due to appear in Volksrust District Court on Monday 2023-09-18.
The station commander Lt Colonel D.L Khumalo has commended the community for taking a stand in fight against crime especially the copper theft which is prevalent in out District.
Compiled by Const MC Vilakazi
Volksrust SAPS communications officer
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Solar market oversaturation represents a major risk to households, warn experts.
19 September 2023: Due to ongoing loadshedding, high electricity prices, and a considerable decrease in the cost of solar systems over the past few years, more homeowners are making the switch to solar every day. However, elevated demand has resulted in more providers and installers entering the market, causing oversaturation.
Rein Snoeck Henkemans, CEO of Alumo Energy and a leading expert in solar, warns that this rush of new players in the industry has seen opportunists take advantage of unsuspecting households.
“Over the past few months especially, we’ve seen a significant rise in calls from homeowners whose systems were installed by fly-by-night or bakkie brigade service providers with little or no expertise in solar. However, these systems are usually installed incorrectly or use cheap, inferior components which is why they were offered at a major deal,” he says.
“Then, by the time these systems inevitably malfunction or break down, the service provider has disappeared, leaving homeowners without recourse to seek repairs and get the right replacement parts.”
As a result, the consequences for the average consumer could be dire if they fail to do their research or choose reputable providers with credible track records.
“Not all newcomers or small or single-man operations are undependable, and many play an important role in the market. But there are few bad actors within the industry who are leaving homeowners to bear the cost of their mistakes and shortcuts.”
The effects of market oversaturation
Snoeck Henkemans explains that the current market oversaturation does carry some benefits for homeowners.
For example, greater demand may lead to lower overall prices for solar panels and systems, making solar more affordable and accessible. More market participants also means that consumers have a wider range of options.
“Ultimately, however, the consequences of a massive influx of less-experienced installers are considerable. Inferior systems that have been incorrectly installed are bound to have a shorter lifespan and may need far more maintenance, driving costs substantially higher over time,” he says.
“The other issue is that when a solar installer goes under, homeowners can no longer claim on a workmanship guarantee and will have difficulties claiming their warranty.
“Additionally, when Alumo goes out to perform an inspection in these types of cases, we often find that the previous installer used an inferior component or installed something incorrectly somewhere in the system, which serves to void the warranty.”
For the solar industry, oversaturation means most larger companies and smaller operations will see fewer overall sales and experience heightened competition. Intensified competition may then lead to lower profit margins as inexperienced installers drive down prices.
At worst, a few unreputable installers may even resort to unethical practices to survive, damaging the industry’s reputation. This, yet again, highlights the importance of research for selecting an established installer with a record of providing excellent service, a quality product, and long-term system maintenance.
Correcting market oversaturation in the coming years
According to Snoeck Henkemans, the market will correct itself in the next few years through a combination of three factors.
“Supply and demand will, inevitably, reach an equilibrium again, and prices will stabilise, which will benefit both the user and the installer. But as things stand, new entrants who want to make a name for themselves or are looking to make quick money are trying to undercut the competition by drastically under-pricing installations by providing sub-standard, low-quality solar systems,” he says.
“This said, the market is already catching on to this tactic. We are seeing a shift in the time homeowners spend researching an installer before committing to a long-term solar investment. And as homeowners increasingly turn to the more established installers, we are experiencing a second market correction, namely market consolidation.”
As supply continues to outpace demand, a growing number of less-invested installers are quickly exiting the market, allowing established businesses to regain market share. A few smaller installers will also probably merge to form a larger, more stable entity, which may also help stabilise the market further.
Finally, Snoeck Henkemans adds that external influences such as regulatory changes, increasingly sophisticated technological innovations, and growing environmental sustainability concerns may also boost calls for the professionalism of the solar industry and decrease its vulnerability to opportunists.
“The industry is in a precarious position right now, but there is always some turbulence early on in any new industry. It does seem like the wave is cresting, and we should return to normalcy quite soon. But as always, our recommendation to any homeowner seeking to install solar is to look into the provider or installer’s background, ask for testimonials, and consider whether they will provide proper long-term support after the system has been installed,” concludes Snoeck Henkemans.
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Getting the best out of pharmacy care.
Easy Guide to Using Medicine Safely
Tuesday, 26 September 2023, Medication is a lifeline for South Africans living with chronic conditions and provides relief from illness and pain, but only when it is used safely and appropriately. Pharmacists are there to guide and advise you on all matters related to your medicine and your health – make the most of their expertise with these simple tips.
“Medication can do more harm than good if it isn’t used correctly, and so it is really important that everyone understands the basics of responsible medicine use and pharmacy teams are ideally positioned to support patients,” says pharmacist Joy Steenkamp of Medipost Pharmacy, South Africa’s first national courier pharmacy.
Five things to tell your pharmacist
1: All your allergies
2: Your existing health conditions
3: All the medicines you are using – including prescription, over-the-counter and traditional medicines
4: Report any bad reactions to medication
5: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Five things to ask your pharmacist
1: What is the medication prescribed for?
2: How much and when to take your medicine
3: Are there side effects to be aware of?
4: Is there anything you need to avoid while taking the medication?
5: Advice for managing symptoms of common or short-term ailments
Five things you should know
1: Keep medicines safely out of harm’s way in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
2: If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the course
3: Always check expiry dates and package inserts
4: Often, child and adult doses vary; be sure not to exceed the recommended dose
5: If anything to do with medicine is unclear, check with your pharmacist
Five golden rules of pharmacy:
1: Never share your prescribed medication with someone else
2: Do not stockpile medicines
3: Medication abuse is dangerous, talk to your pharmacist if you are using more than you should.
4: Don’t throw away or flush medicines; hand in expired or unneeded medications to our courier drivers or at any healthcare facility with a pharmacy.
5: You can tell a pharmacist anything without feeling embarrassed – as the most accessible healthcare professionals, they can offer guidance and advice when you need to see a doctor.
“Make sure you understand everything your doctor or pharmacist tells you about how to take your medication, and feel free to ask as many questions as you need to – it is your health at stake. It can be very helpful to speak to a pharmacy professional in your home language to ensure you get the most out of these interactions,” Steenkamp says.
Apart from the convenience and safety of the free delivery of chronic medications, including treatment for high cholesterol, diabetes, and many other conditions, to any address in South Africa, Medipost Pharmacy also offers all registered patients access to telephonic clinical pharmacy advice in all official South African languages. Self-care medication is also available via the online shop https://shop.medipost.co.za.
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Join the global movement on World Rabies Day.
On 28 September 2023, South Africa will be celebrating the 17th World Rabies Day with the theme “Rabies: All for 1, One Health for All”.
This year’s theme extends from the accomplishments of the 2022 campaign, which similarly focused on the One Health concept. However, this year’s focus takes a stride forward by emphasising collaboration, equality and the enhancement of the health systems.
The slogan ‘All for 1, One Health for All’ is derived from the famous Alexandre Dumas’ novel of The Three Musketeers: “All for one and one for all”. Similar to the perseverance of these fictional characters, this group of individuals overcame hardships and injustice to achieve their goals – this correlates with the struggles experienced with rabies control and how stakeholders need to join hands to overcome injustice (imbalanced health systems) and collaboratively pursue the global goal of eradicating human dog-mediated rabies deaths by 2030.
This message urges all South Africans to play their part, stay informed about rabies, and raise awareness within their sphere of influence.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that people can become infected by an infected animal. The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal mainly through bites, scratches or licks. Rabies affects the brain and is fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs.
Animals infected by rabies show changes in behaviour and neurological symptoms. They may salivate, become paralysed, are unable to swallow, continuously vocalise (barking, whining, howling etc.), and become aggressive. They might also exhibit weakness or unresponsiveness. Although any mammal might fall victim to rabies, the primary threat to human health stems from infected dogs and cats.
Animal rabies occurs in all nine provinces, highlighting the importance of vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies in all regions. Canine rabies cycles are predominantly focussed in the eastern parts of the country (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape provinces and the eastern Free State border with Lesotho). See the map above.
Some areas within these provinces have highly concentrated free-roaming dog populations, which exacerbates the spread of the disease, if these dog populations are not adequately vaccinated.
Individuals are advised to refrain from unfamiliar animals and instead, report stray animals to local welfare authorities. Remember that rabies may occur anywhere in South Africa and therefore it is strongly advised to exercise caution when handling unfamiliar animals.
In both animals and humans, the disease affects the brain and once clinical signs become visible, there is no curative treatment, and it is 100% fatal. Therefore, if exposure to a potentially rabid animal occurs, ensure thorough washing of the wound with soap and running water and immediately seek preventative treatment at your nearest healthcare facility. Doing this can save your life!
It is compulsory, in accordance with the law, for all dogs and cats to be correctly vaccinated against rabies. This measure safeguards both pets and families. Enquire with your local state veterinarian, animal health technician, private veterinarian or animal welfare organisation for access to rabies vaccinations.
As World Rabies Day approaches, let us stand together in the global fight against rabies, embracing the “ALL FOR 1 – ONE HEALTH FOR ALL” approach. Together, we can eliminate this preventable disease and create a healthier, safer world for all.
About the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC)
The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) is a Veterinary Statutory Body in South Africa, with powers and functions for the registration of persons practising the veterinary and para-veterinary professions. The SAVC has legal authority over the practising of veterinary and para-veterinary professions, and for matters connected therewith.
The South African Veterinary Board, which is the predecessor of the SAVC, was established in 1933 in terms of the Veterinary Act (No. 16 of 1933). The SAVC then later became an independent, self-funding statutory body in 1982 under the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act (No. 19 of 1982). The current SAVC, therefore, has a proud and rich history of playing a role in the regulation of the veterinary profession in South Africa.
It is compulsory in South Africa for all practising veterinary and para-veterinary professionals to be registered with the SAVC, as stated in the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act.
The SAVC is therefore the custodian of quality veterinary and para-veterinary standards in South Africa, and protects the interest of those dependent on animals by safeguarding the health and welfare of all animals and the environment; assuring veterinary public health; and regulating the educational, ethical and clinical standards of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions.
savc.org.za
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First aid training becomes more accessible to South Africans thanks to new learning project.
World’s renowned first aid specialist partners with New Leaf Technologies in ground-breaking initiative.
Johannesburg, 18 September 2023 – More South Africans are set to be taught the skills needed to save lives and treat serious injuries thanks to the rollout of an exciting new blended learning first aid course.
Everyone from scholars and students to parents and business managers stand to benefit from the programme conceptualised by St John Ambulance, the global non-profit that for 140 years has provided first aid and health care services in South Africa.
St John has partnered with learning solutions provider New Leaf Technologies on the project, which will enable graduates to treat emergencies at work, home or play.
“This course aligns with our ongoing commitment to care for our people and supports our motto, ‘Here for good’,” says St John Director of Training, Saroj Rajoo.
“Simply put, we want to reach and teach as many people as possible first aid knowledge and skills so in an emergency they can take charge of the situation and put into action the necessary first aid to save a life or prevent further injury.”
St John is active in more than 40 countries around the world and has built a reputation as the global leader in quality first aid care and training, community health care, ambulance services and youth development programmes.
The learning management system (LMS) New Leaf Technologies has developed for the initiative not only offers first aid training but also support for any technological challenges that may arise.
St John’s blended learning model, which is already available nationwide, includes a theory component that can be accessed from mobile devices to enable learning-on-the-go that aligns with the user’s preferred time schedule or pace of training.
The LMS also caters to groups like schools, universities and colleges, and is able to track top-achieving students on a leaderboard to encourage competition and enhance the overall learning experience.
Rajoo explains that on completion of the online summative assessment, trainees will undergo a practical skills assessment at one of St John’s 10 centres around the country.
“Users can be assured of high-quality training with up-to-date information and first aid protocols. St John has accreditations with quality assurance partners, from the Quality Council of Trades and Occupation (QCTO) and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to the American Heart Association and the Resuscitation Council of South Africa (RCSA),” he says.
“While the online first aid course may not be accredited by the SETAs, all content is directly aligned with the South African Quality Assurance (SAQA) unit standard 119567. This speaks to the high quality of St John training content.”
New Leaf Technologies has a wealth of experience in the e-learning space, helping organisations create, curate and deliver blended learning that adapts to each individual.
Real-time analytics contained in learning systems like the aNewSpring platform, of which New Leaf is the distributor in Southern Africa, have made it possible to track progress, identify skill gaps, and measure the impact of training initiatives.
These same capabilities are contained in the LMS created for St John.
“It is such a privilege to partner with this incredible organisation on this project,” says New Leaf MD Michael Hanly.
“So often you hear about the negatives around technology, but here we are using it to help people save lives, perhaps the greatest thing anyone can do. We are immensely honoured to be part of this journey.”
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Message to community members in arrears with their municipal accounts.
The link will open in a new tab.
If you a pensioner or are unemployed, you can apply for a discount of R340.00 per month. Please note: These forms have to be completed & submitted on a yearly basis. The application forms are available from the electricity enquiries counter at the Municipality. Once completed, please submit to either: Thembeka or Wandi.
In addition, all community members who are in arrears with their municipal accounts are requested to please go to Jabulile and make arrangements.
You can take advantage of the 50% incentive discount which can be paid over 3 months. Alternatively, an arrangement can be made to pay the total amount outstanding over 36 months ( interest free). This will avoid disconnections.
Kind Regards,
Cllr AF Gangat (Ward 4: Volksrust)
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Get the balance back in your relationship.
Supporting individual identity to be stronger together.
Thursday, 14 September Shifts in workplace environments matched with the need to downsize or cut back on personal expenses have led to many couples spending more time at home and in one another’s space – a change that may not always be welcome.
“More time together does not automatically equal a healthier relationship. In fact, a lack of independence can breed resentment between partners. At the same time, without common ground the distance between you can grow, which may lead to other problems,” says Ashira Moonsamy, occupational therapist and team leader of Netcare Akeso Umhlanga’s Centre of Psychotherapy Excellence (COPE).
“For a relationship to truly thrive, it requires consistent commitment and work from both parties to take responsibility for upholding their individuality while continuously making a concerted effort to nourish the relationship. A sense of self awareness in understanding your own needs – both within and separate to the relationship – is essential here.
Embracing individuality
“As humans, we all go through different psychosocial phases and it is important to have our own sense of identity, independent of our relationship with our significant other. Without this, individuals in a relationship can become co-dependent, leading to feelings of frustration and blame for areas of dissatisfaction,” she says.
“Too much time together can also lead to isolation from other support mechanisms. In a partnership there are always two sides to a conflict, and if you limit yourself by speaking only to your partner you may not receive the validation and perspective needed to work through negative issues. It is important to have other support networks of people with whom you can connect and share your views and who can contribute to your personal growth.”
Remaining connected
Moonsamy notes that while maintaining a strong sense of self is important, this needs to be balanced by coming together to keep the relationship healthy and honouring your commitment to support one another.
“Too little time together decreases the meaning of a relationship where a lack of communication can leave more room for misunderstandings and assumptions. At a practical level, this may mean you have a reduced ability for shared decision making, for example when there are children in the family.
“Being on different pages and living separate lives disables a long-term relationship from being your primary support system. Physical and emotional intimacy are the foundation for creating your family unit, whatever that may mean to you, and for everyone to benefit from emotional wellness within that unit.
“One of our most basic needs as humans is the need to belong. A marriage or long-term relationship can play a key role in meeting that need, where you have a person you can commiserate and celebrate with. In this sense, one person can be more powerful than 1 000 people. If one or both individuals are disinterested, it can result in loneliness in the relationship and a lack of fulfilment.
“Having said that, relying on your partner for your sense of self-image is dangerous as you then become dependent on their view of you. A relationship should support individual identity and expression where you are both encouraged to accept and love your authentic selves so that together you can be stronger.
Healthy practises for a supportive relationship
Moonsamy suggests the following practises to cultivate and maintain a supportive relationship as you and your partner go through life’s inevitable changes together:
*Explore your values – separately assess what matters to you as individuals, the principles that you each uphold as being the most important in your life and which you cannot do without.
*Set boundaries – consider what boundaries you believe are important for protecting your values as an individual and in your relationship. Remember that boundaries must be flexible enough to allow for positive change without impacting your values.
*Establish your love languages – as individuals we all have different ways of expressing love, which usually fall into one of five languages, namely touch, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service and gifts. Being aware of your own and your partner’s love language assists in communicating and helps to prevent missing out on any opportunities to nourish the relationship.
*List needs and expectations – having clarified what matters most to you, make a list of what your needs and expectations are in the relationship.
*Seek to serve each other – sit down and present your values, boundaries, needs and expectations to your partner and work together to find ways of supporting each other physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. This will likely involve some negotiation and compromise for both parties. Rigidity does not encourage growth.
*Touch base regularly – go through your weekly schedules together, perhaps on a Sunday evening, and block off quality time every week. A quick daily check-in is an effective way to stay in touch. Ask questions such as: What are you grateful for today? What made you laugh today? What was stressful about today? As connection builds, you may see more intentional and healthy conversation developing from this.
*Keep the fun alive – maintain a sense of spontaneity by creating a quality time jar, where you each write down any number of fun activities you would like to do with your partner, fold them up individually and pop them in the jar. These do not have to be activities that are costly or complicated, but things that you would like to do more of as a couple, such as cooking a meal together or playing a game. You can then draw on these in the time that you have set aside to be together rather than falling into a robotic routine.
*Use mirroring to build understanding and empathy – if you find that misunderstandings in your relationship are leading to conflict and unhappiness, try mirroring by listening to what your partner is saying and verbalising back to them what it is that you have heard. This may sound simplistic, but it can be highly effective in clarifying meaning and understanding one another by listening with interest and empathy.
*Reach out – even the strongest relationships go through difficult periods when an outside perspective may be beneficial. Spending time with a couple you admire or consulting experienced older loved ones can give you a different perspective on the challenge at hand.
“Finally, don’t wait until the relationship has broken down completely to seek professional help. If, after making an effort for some time you feel you are not on the same page and the strategies you have in place are not working, then it is time to approach a therapist or counsellor to help you assess the issues in your relationship and find a way forward,” concludes Moonsamy.
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Oral health often last in the queue when caring for your health.
Leading healthcare provider emphasises the vital role of dental care in overall wellness.
Monday 11 September 2023, In a statement released to mark Oral Health Month, prominent healthcare service provider Netcare Medicross has placed the often underestimated significance of oral health in the broader spectrum of healthcare under the spotlight.
Dr Oelie van Schalkwyk, dental director of Netcare Medicross, emphasised that oral health tends to take a back seat in people’s healthcare priorities, with most individuals only seeking dental care when problems arise.
“Contrary to common belief, no dental prosthesis, no matter how advanced, can match the long-term benefits of well-preserved and properly cared-for natural teeth. Healthy teeth, maintained through a simple and disciplined oral care routine, contribute significantly to overall wellness,” said Dr Van Schalkwyk.
Cautioning about the potential consequences of neglecting oral health, he noted that the impact of such neglect often only becomes apparent at a later stage when extensive and costly interventions to restore oral functionality become necessary.
“The financial burden of these interventions can be overwhelming and prohibitive for many, leading to irreversible degeneration and premature loss of teeth and associated structures”.
Noteworthy statistics from the World Health Organization reveal that over 3.5 billion people globally suffer from oral diseases, surpassing major non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancers, cardiovascular disorders, mental health issues and chronic respiratory conditions combined by over a billion cases.
Beyond being necessary for eating, speaking and breathing, good oral health also has a scientifically proven link to general medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. “A vibrant smile and healthy mouth furthermore play pivotal roles in enhancing personal wellbeing, boosting confidence, and reducing the risk of social isolation,” he points out.
Dr Van Schalkwyk highlighted the importance of regular dental check-ups, recommending visits every six months for thorough examinations and preventive treatments. “These visits aid in early detection and timely management of issues like dental decay and gum disease, curbing the need for extensive and costly procedures down the line and prolonging tooth longevity,” he said.
Regarding dental care for children, Dr Van Schalkwyk stressed that establishing early dental care habits is crucial. “Children should ideally have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth showing.
“This initial visit offers parents guidance on proper oral care techniques and sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Early exposure to dental care minimises anxiety and cultivates stress-free dental visits as children grow,” he noted.
Fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, and guidance on breaking detrimental habits are among the preventive measures that can be tailored to different age groups.
Dr Van Schalkwyk has urged the public to prioritise dental care for both themselves and their children.
“Leading by example in oral hygiene practices will empower children to maintain proper oral care throughout their lives, steering clear of issues like tooth decay, receding gums, abscesses, and gingivitis.
“Netcare Medicross encourages the public to schedule dental appointments promptly. It’s never too late to care for your teeth, although prevention always triumphs over cure,” he concluded.
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The Volksrust Recorder’s Message & Appeal to Religious Leaders in Volksrust & Surrounding Areas.
We, at the Volksrust Recorder, are appealing, once again (as we have many times in the past), for & to the religious leaders in our communities to rise up and be counted by stepping up to the plate or coming forward to contribute a religious message of faith that will encourage the members of your respective communities here in Volksrust and surrounding areas. To submit a message and for it to be advertised will not cost you anything save a little of your time. The message may be submitted in writing by emailing us at admin@volksrust.net or alternatively giving us an audio WhatsApp voice note or video recording of a meeting held and attended by your members. This is YOUR ‘newspaper’ in this town and we are always asking for leaders to step forward but thus far we have not had any response which to be honest is rather shocking. We cannot believe that no one ‘wants to’ or is willing rather to avail themselves of this opportunity.
Please submit a message of hope to your members. You will never know how much your message means to someone and just what you could be doing in the long run or who really needs to hear what you have to say.
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