The Volksrust Recorder: 1 November 2023

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In this edition / In hierdie uitgawe……

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Notification: Water Use License Application.

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VHS SLUIT KRIEKETSEISOEN OP HOË NOOT AF.

“You have to enjoy what you’re doing in order to be successful” – Misty May Treanor

On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, Volksrust High School’s first cricket team traveled to Bethal for their last league match of the season. On arrival we were heartily greeted, as always, by the friendly staff and well-mannered learners of Hoogenhout High School.

Die VHS-kaptein, Francois de Jager, het die loot gewen en daar is besluit dat Volksies eerste met die kolf slag sou bied. Volkies het daarin geslaag om 148 lopies in die toegelate 20 boulbeurte aan te teken met die verlies van slegs vyf paaltjies. Die sterkolwers vir die dag was CJ du Plessis, wat ‘n onoorwonne 38 lopies aangeteken het, en Sipho Dube, wat ‘n vinnige 30 lopies kon aanteken, voordat hy sy paaltjie verloor het na ‘n pragbal geboul deur Hoogenhout.
In their batting innings, Hoogenhout started out well, matching the required run rate with ease. This was until the first wicket was taken by VHS, breaking the vital opening partnership of the host school. Smelling blood, a very determined and disciplined Volkie team proved too much for their opponents, taking all the Hoogenhout wickets in the remaining overs and restricting them to only 105 runs. By taking four of the opposition’s wickets in only 3,5 overs (with an economy rate of 2,61 runs per over), the VHS captain received the accolade of man of the match.
Wat hierdie oorwinning egter merkwaardig maak, is dat die Volkiespan, alhoewel hul in ‘n onder 19-liga ingeskryf was, bestaan uit spelers vanuit graad agt, nege, tien, elf en twaalf, ‘n ware mengelmoes van ouderdomme. Ten spyte hiervan het die seuns goeie sportmanskap getoon regdeur die seisoen en was dit voorwaar ‘n plesier om hul af te rig. Baie dankie aan die afrigters (en tellinghouer) vir jul onbaatsugtige bydra tot hierdie opvoedingstaak en die spelers vir jul harde werk, getrouheid en lojaliteit aan Hoërskool Volksrust.

~mnr. Martin le Roux~

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Volksrust 7’s speel in die “Cup” Finaal.

Daar word hard gewerk aan ontwikkeling van rugby vaardighede by Hoërskool Volksrust met die oog op volgende jaar se 15 man rugby. Dus neem Hoërskool Volksrust op Sarel Cilliers se 50ste bestaansjaar viering deel met twee o/15 en o/18 spanne op 12 Augustus 2023.

Volksrust se onder 15 spanne ontwikkel goed soos wat die dag aangaan. Hulle verstaan van 7’s rugby groei dat hulle ook kompeterend in die laaste paar rondtes is.

Die een o/18 span van Volksrust beleef ʼn goeie dag waar hulle wen teen skole soos Vryheid, Pionier en Ferrum sowel as Sarel Cilliers.

Hulle kom te staan in die finaal teen een van Sarel Cilliers se spanne wat ʼn groot opwindende wedstryd is maar die span van Sarel is te sterk op die dag.

Volksrust se 2de span trek swaar in hulle poel, maar hulle kry egter die geleentheid om in die “Shield” Finaal te speel waar hulle as wenners bekroon word.

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Volkies meet kragte teen dié van SHS en Oosterland.

Op 24 Augustus 2023 speel Volksrust twee vriendskaplike wedstryde teen Hoërskool Standerton en Hoërskool Oosterland te Standerton.

Die o/15 span meet eerste hulle kragte teen SHS waar hulle spoed net nie genoeg is om die krag van Standerton teen te sit nie. Hulle wen egter die volgende wedstryd teen Oosterland 12–5.

Volksrust is opgewonde oor die o/17 span wat mooi groei toon in vaardighede veral op verdediging. Hulle wen beide hul wedstryde: eerste een teen Oosterland 32–12 en die volgende teen SHS 22–14.

~mnr. Petrus Schoeman~

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Akademiese Uitslae vir Volkies: 11 September 2023.

Graad 11
Besigheidstudies

Tlotlego Matlou 87, Mohammad Sema 81

Graad 9
Sosiale Wetenskappe Geskiedenis Projek

Danel de Jager 98, Nico Nel 98, Nila Deacon 96, Muhammed Moola 94, Rayhaan Moola 94, Aphenhle Msibi 92, Imraan Badat 92, Leanne Moll 90, Chrizaan Pretorius 90, Zariska van der Merwe 90, Lebogang Nkwane 90, Sinenhlanhla Nombewu 90, Uwais Cassim 90, Allen Sebothoma 88, Diaan Alberts 86, Keegan Jacobs 86, Lwazi Radebe 96, Sholene Sharma 96, Thomas Berry 82, Juan-Louis Horn 82, Clyde Hutchison 82, Ine-Mari Meyer 82, Aiden Harry 82, Zamokuhle Ngwenya 82, Orabile Lekalakala 80, Mohamed Allibhay 80, Lusanda Dlamini 80, Zainab Khanyi 80, Rorisang Msibi 80, Makaziwe Ngwenya 80, Limpho Nxumalo 80, Tlangelani Shivambu 80, Nompumelolo Thabethe 80

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Akademiese uitslae: 4 September 2023.

Graad 11
Landboutegnologie

Ewald Moll 100, Dawid Groenewald 97, Jacqué Husselman 91, Carli Cromhout 87, Matthew MacDonald 86, Siyabonga Mavuso 86, Armand Viljoen 84, Uluthando Zwane 81, Hrehaan Maharaj 81

Rekenaartoepassingstegnologie Prakties

Francois de Jager 94, Anoushke Houy 90, Danica Venter 90, Dawid Groenewald 86, Divan Ellis 82, Zimi Thwala 80

Graad 10
Besigheidstudies Projek

Hanifah Yusufu 100, Lathitha Galela 96, Sphakamsile Ntanzi 88, Zoë Biggars 86, Sineliso Magubane 86, Okuhle Khumalo 80

Rekenaartoepassingstegnologie Teorie

Nardos Mesfin 100, Jonathan Koekemoer 98, Thobile Dlamini 90, Siyamthanda Matlala 88, Johan van der Walt 80, Mohammed Hanslod 80, Okuhle Khumalo 80, Ziyanda Mhlongo 80

Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal Opstel

Owethu Sibuya 92, Morgan le Roux 90, Nardos Mesfin 90, Jonathan Koekemoer 88, Siyamthanda Matlala 86, Husna Chothia 84, Aphiwe Mkhwanazi 84, Thobile Dlamini 82, Siyamthanda Matona 82, Makhosazana Nsukazi 80, Sbonga Zwane 80, Thato Pitjeng 80, Nosicelo Gaqelo 80

Graad 9
Afrikaans Huistaal Letterkunde

Danel de Jager 100, Nico Nel 83, Leanne Moll 80, Naomi van der Schyf 80

Graad 8
Natuurwetenskappe Fisika

Abiah Louw 100, Marlize van der Merwe 98, Mpilonhle Zwane 98, Mia Cronje 96, Ayesha Badat 96, Zahnia Delport 94, Mary-Jane Nagel 94, Imaan Moola 92, Siyabulela Radebe 92, Yoridanos Manito 90, Nomadlosi Ngwenya 90, Stef Coetzer 86, Zaid Chothia 86, Thembi Shiba 86, Cece Mashego 86, Amahle Manyathi 84, Stefanie Schoeman 84, Shaun Delport 84, Ayanda Buthelezi 82, Ziyanda Maboea 82, Mathemba Makhubu 82, Sibusiso Duma 80, Awande Khumalo 80

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Afrikaans Eisteddfod.

Na maande se oefening het die Newcastle Eisteddfod ook tot ‘n einde gekom. Op Maandag, 28 Augustus 2023, het Nardos Mesfin en Naomi Van der Schyf aan die Afrikaans Eisteddfod deelgeneem. Daar was verskeie skole wat aan die Eisteddfod deelgeneem het en ons twee leerders het hulle uitstekend van hul taak gekwyt.

Nardos Mesfin het deelgeneem in die Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal kategorie en het ‘n wonderlike prestasie van 88% verower met haar monoloog. Verder het Naomi van der Schyf deelgeneem in die Afrikaans Huistaal Individuele Voordrag kategorie en het weggestap met ‘n besonderse prestasie van 90%! Baie geluk, dis lekker om te sien dat julle harde werk beloon is.

Volkies is ongelooflik trots op julle!

~ me. Elani Swart ~

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Ballet Exam 2023

Victoria Peterson	Ballet Tiny Tots 1	Successful
Leilah Blaauw Jacobs	Ballet Tiny Tots 1	Successful
Bailey Yarlett	Ballet Tiny Tots 1	Successful
Reinya Geyser	Ballet Tiny Tots 1	Successful
Apelele Mbeje	Ballet Tiny Tots 2Classical Ballet Petit Performer 1	SuccessfulSuccessful
Katrien Sonnekus	Ballet     Tiny Tots 2Classical Ballet Petit Performer 1	SuccessfulSuccessful
Reagen Yarlett	Ballet Pre-PrimaryClassical Ballet Petit Performer 2	DistinctionSuccessful
Elanéy Swart	Ballet Pre-PrimaryClassical Ballet – Petit Performer 2	DistinctionSuccessful
Thandiswa Khumalo	Ballet PrimaryClassical Ballet – Junior 1	Distinction           84%A++
Lwandile Vilakazi	Ballet PrimaryClassical Ballet – Junior 1Modern – Junior 1	Distinction           84%A++A++
Aphenhle Maroun	Ballet PrimaryClassical Ballet – Junior 1	Distinction           87%A++
Akhiwe Shabangu	Ballet PrimaryClassical Ballet – Junior	Distinction           88%A++
Omphiwe Ngulube	Ballet Grade 1Modern – JuniorClassical Ballet – Junior 2	Distinction           83%A+A++
Lathitha Mngomezulu	Ballet Grade 1Modern – Junior	Distinction           88%A++
Alwande Khambule	Ballet Grade 1National – FrenchModern – Junior 1	Merit                     77%A++A++
Sinathi Manana	Ballet Grade 1National – French	Merit                   75%A
Lunathi Mjali	Ballet Grade 1Modern – Junior 1National – French	Distinction           81%A++A+
Nandi Dlamini	Ballet Grade 1Nation – FrenchModern – Junior 1	Distinction          80%    AA++
Jenny Gomes	National German	B+
Ntokozo Vilakazi	Classical Ballet – Preparatory 2Modern – Preparatory 1	A++A++
Mia Myburgh	Classical Ballet – Senior 2	A++
Hannah Arendse	Classical Ballet – Petit Performer 2	Successful
Zesuliwe Maroun	National GermanModern – Preparatory 1	AA
Makabongwe Nene	Classical Ballet – Preparatory 2Modern – Preparatory 1	AA
Naomi van der Schyff	National – TyroleanClassical Ballet – Preparatory 2	A++A+
Thorisho Pitjeng	Classical Ballet – Preparatory 2National – German	A++A
Duminé Fourie	National – GermanClassical Ballet – Preparatory 1	A+A+
Anika Burgers	Classical Ballet – Junior 1	A+
Mila Landman	National – German	A+
Janet Burgers	Classical Ballet – Preparatory 1	A+
Kgaogelo Mashaba	Classical Ballet – Junior 1	A+
Milan van Rensburg	Classical Ballet – Preparatory 1	A
Inge Burgers	Open Contemporary	A++

The ballet exam took place on 1 September 2023 at Volksrust High school. The students participated in both technical and performance exams.

During the technical exam students are evaluated on how well they have mastered various ballet technics and movements.

The performance exam evaluates students’ performance in front of an audience and how well they can express themselves through dance while telling a story.

We are extremely proud of all of the students with their excellent results.

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Volkies leerder presteer by Nasionale Landbou Jeugskou Kampioenskappe 2023.

Carli Cromhout, ʼn graad 11 leerder aan Volkies, het vanaf 1 Oktober tot 4 Oktober in Clanwilliam deelgeneem aan die Senior Konyn-skou Afdeling, met haar Jersey Whooly Konyn, Munchkin. Daar het sy ʼn roset van vierde plek vir die Skoumanskap afdeling behaal. Algeheel het sy as ʼn Senior Skouman vyfde plek behaal.

Carli skou al vanaf 2022 met Munchkin, waar sy op nasionale vlak sewende plek behaal het. Deelname aan die skou is ʼn leerryke ervaring oor die versorging, boerdery-ondernemings, verskillende rasse en vele meer van jou skou-dier. Skoumanskap leer die deelnemers respek vir hul diere en omgewing, sowel as mededeelnemers. Geduld, deursettingsvermoë, integriteit en hulpvaardigheid word ook geleer tydens deelname.

Carli hoop om volgende jaar weer aan die Jeugskou deel te neem en om Volkies se naam hoog te hou.

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Hoërskool Volksrust stel met trots bekend – ons nuwe onderhoofdogter vir 2024, Anoushke Houy!

Anoushke is ‘n hardwerkende leerder wat akademies puik presteer. Op die sportveld en in kultuur dwing sy ook respek af. Ons beste wense vergesel haar in haar ampstermyn.

Volksrust High School introduces – our new deputy headboy for 2024, Kheto Thwala! Kheto is a well-rounded learner and a natural leader. He is a sportsman with integrity. Our best wishes accompany him in his term of tenure.

Volksrust High School proudly introduces – our new head girl for 2024, Zimi Thwala!

Zimi is a hardworking and conscientious learner. She distinguishes herself on the sports field and also in the academic field. Our best wishes accompany her in her tenure.

Volkies stel bekend – ons nuwe hoofseun vir 2024, Francois de Jager!

Francois het sedert hy in graad 8 ‘n Volkie geword het, gewys dat hy ‘n seun met integriteit is. Hy is ernstig oor sy akademie, oor sy sport en oor sy godsdiens. Ons bid hom alle seën en sterkte toe vir sy ampstermyn.

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News / Nuus

Six Common Retirement Myths.

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Varsity Football: UJ, TUT, UWC and VUT edge closer to semis after round 6

TUT to defend Varsity crown against UJ

In a repeat of last year’s final, it is defending champions TUT and UJ again for the 2023 Men’s Varsity Football title on Thursday 28 September in Soweto. In the first semi-final, UJ survived a tense affair against NWU and had to rely on a penalty shoot-out to advance to their third successive final. TUT prevailed over UWC in the second semi-final that was also decided by a penalty shoot-out.

TUT 2-2 UWC (TUT 10-9 on penalties)

Defending champions TUT won a thrilling clash against UWC at the UWC Sport Stadium 10-9 on penalties after the match ended 2-2 during the 90 minutes of play.

In the first 15 minutes of the match, UWC had two goal scoring chances, but Leandro de Sousa could not make something out of it as the score remained nil-all. At the 31-minute mark, the visitors broke the deadlock with a 25-metre volley from Ronald Mabaso and TUT went ahead 1-0. De Sousa found the back of the net 13 minutes later and UWC levelled matters 1-1 at the half-time break.

The second half started on a dramatic note as UWC were reduced to 10 men following Shuaib Martin’s red card after a terrible tackle. TUT didn’t waste any time to take advantage to went ahead 2-1 courtesy of a Tshiamo Mahome strike. The home side equalised through Lutando Mpokotya.

The game continued at a high tempo with the wind inside the stadium dictating the fate of the two sides. The match ended 2-2 and in the ensuing penalty shoot-out, TUT came out on top.

Scorers: TUT – Ronald Mabaso, Tshiamo Mahome
UWC – Leandro de Sousa, Lutando Mpokotya
Player of the match: Craig Joemath (UWC)
UWC: Leathan Croats Jadan Zeeman, Craig Joemath, Damian Overmeyer, Siyabulela Mcimeli, Riyaaz Koopstadt, Khanya Alex Dyani, Leandro De Sousa, Relebohile Matima, Lutando Mpokotya, Shuaib Martin.
TUT: Luyanda Mandindi, Alan Moja, Freddy Mahloana, Mekdiwe Bongani Ncenya , Ndumiso Kubheka, Tebogo Lekaba, Anda Yamile, Tshiamo Mahome, Thuso Mlamla, Lindokuhle Tumelo Motsamai, Ronald Mabaso.

UJ 0-0 NWU (UJ 6-5 on penalties)

In a jam packed UJ Soweto Stadium, UJ beat NWU 6-5 on penalties to secure their spot in the final. The match ended on nil-all after regular time. The Orange Army was the champions in 2021 and lost last year’s final against TUT.

The first half wasn’t one of the most exciting for the spectators despite a handful of chances. Both the Orange Army and the Eagles had a tactical approach to the game and it lasted for the full first 45 minutes.

UJ was a different team in the second half with forward Siphosihle Nkambule missing two chances that could have given the Orange Army the lead and a possible out-right victory. UJ kept creating chances, but the NWU goalkeeper Kamogelo Matane made a couple of great saves to keep things level. He deserved his player of the match award.

“We started the game off very slow which was not in our game plan. We knew that NWU will come at us as it was our second game playing them, but we are glad that we didn’t concede in both our clashes against them,” said UJ skipper Makoti Maselesele.

Player of the match: Kamogelo Matane (NWU)

UJ: Lona Richard Banga, Maselesele Makoti, Thabo Moshikere, Karabo Modisane, Thanda Madiba, Advocate Mokwena, Tumelo Molubi, Mongezi Mncube, Malik Mashinini, Sanele Ndlalane, Siphosihle Nkambule

NWU: Kamogelo Matane, Heaven Sereetsi, Kananelo Motsoeneng, Khopotso Moshapo, Lesego Motsepe, Lesiba Mahlong, Lucas Seromo, Pascual Tivane, Reatlegile Kgosithebe, Thabang Majoro, Aphelele Sibisi.

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Safety and security concern.

Crime is getting out of control in our town. Daily , criminals are stealing cables , steel pipes and anything they can find..

We need to report the buyers who are encouraging and creating a market for these criminals …

The community groups, security firms and law enforcement are restricted with resources and man power..

We the residents of Volksrust need to put a stop by assisting SAPS by patrolling and making our areas safe again… We now need to participate and reduce the crime to ZERO whilst upholding the boundaries of the law…

Please let’s try to assist by making our town CRIME FREE.

Posted by: SAFETY AND SECURITY, VOLKSRUST

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OPKIKKERFEES.

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WHISTLE BLOWER’S EFFORT PAID OFF AS SUSPECTED DRUG DEALER ARRESTED WITH LARGE QUANTITY OF DRUGS.

09 October 2023 –

A suspect made a brief appearance in Volksrust District Court today Monday 09 October 2023 after he was arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs.

He was nabbed during the well co-ordinated crime prevention operation in Volkrust on Saturday 07 October 2023 when he was arrested on suspicion of dealing in drugs. This took place at about 21:00.

Members on duty received a tip off from a community member about illicit activities in one of the Railway houses in Volkrust.

Police followed the information which paid off as 200 parcels of substances believed to be heroin, 29 Ziplock plastic bags of substances believed to be Cristal Meth, 88 disposal unused sealed insulin syringes and money (notes and coins). All suspected drugs and syringes are estimated at R16 500 on street value.

The suspect was granted R1000 bail and is expected to make his second court appearance on Monday 04 December 2023.

Ends.

Media Enquiries:

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala

071 353 6955

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Statement by Volksrust SAPS

It has come to the attention of this office ( Volksrust SAPS) that there are people who posted false information on social media that there are interviews at Volksrust police station and that there are people who had been contacted by the station.

The community urged to ignore such posts and further liaise with Human Resources Management Department they need information about their applications before they fall prey to the fraudsters.

Furthermore this office will investigate this matter thoroughly and whoever is responsible for those posts will face full might of the law.

Compiled by Const MC Vilakazi
Volksrust SAPS communications officer

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The unbearable weight of being.
Don’t judge, anyone can feel suicidal

By Sandy Lewis, clinical social worker and Netcare Compassion Coach

Suicide is the final symptom of a brain that is no longer able to cope, just like any other type of organ failure, it is the result of an illness that has become terminal.

Some people die by suicide without necessarily showing their intentions. If you have an uneasy feeling that someone may be thinking about suicide, it is very likely that by this time, the person is already well advanced with their plans to die.

For a person to consider suicide, the distress and suffering they are experiencing seems inescapable and endless, exceeding their perceived capacity to cope. Suicide may seem like the only way to escape the pain when a person feels their heart is broken, their soul is shattered, and their body can no longer fight. A person’s mind may beg for release, even at the expense of life itself.

The risk factors for suicide are a combination of biological, psychological and social factors, often all coming together at once in a potentially lethal mix that leaves a person buckling under the unbearable weight of their pain, worry, fear, grief, and despair.

Any one of us could find ourselves in a suicidal frame of mind if faced with a set of personally tragic and unfortunate circumstances that could threaten to break us. It is part of our shared humanity that we find ourselves in dark spaces at times, therefore no one has a place to judge a person for feeling suicidal.

Instead, this is the time to offer compassion and kindness.

Suicide is a worrying, growing global phenomenon. People of all ages and from all walks of life take their own lives, and it is naïve to imagine it could not happen in your family, social circle, or workplace. According to the Global Health Estimates Report 2019, South Africa has a suicide rate of 23.5 deaths per 100 000 population compared to a global average of nine per 100 000.

The local statistics for teenagers are deeply concerning, as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that 17.6% of teens have considered attempting suicide, and as many as one in five 18-year-olds have had one or more suicide attempts.

Suicide can result from factors like mental health concerns, grief, trauma, physical illness, bullying, abuse, serious relationship troubles, work and financial problems, loneliness, burnout, and a family history of suicide.

Men and boys are at higher risk of completing suicide, and it has been suggested that outdated notions of what it means to be a man, as in “cowboys don’t cry”, contribute to this as males may find it more difficult to talk about feelings of emotional distress and ask for help due of shame and stigma. Substance use and financial pressures are also believed to be significant factors driving male suicide globally.

Never dismiss, brush off, shame, minimise, invalidate, or turn away from a suicidal person when they are trying to communicate their distress and their intentions. It is a myth that talking about suicide will increase the chances of it happening. We should never avoid having a conversation that could save a life.

It can be difficult to find the words to open these conversations, and a helpful start could be, “It must be so very hard for you to be feeling like this, I would really like to understand and offer my help to you”. Most importantly, let the person know they are not alone.

Always seek help from a mental or medical healthcare practitioner who is professionally trained to assess and treat this particular emergency. Be proactive, don’t wait. The suicide warning, or even a para-suicide attempt, is always a powerful communication of desperation and seeking help. Some people have lived to regret regarding a loved one’s threat of suicide as “attention seeking” or “manipulative behaviour”.

Judgment simply alienates the person in their loneliest hour and cuts off sorely needed potential support. Please take notice and extend a hand to anyone who might be at risk. Treat the warning signs of suicide as a medical emergency, and do not leave the suicidal person alone. We should never underestimate the power of a kind presence when a person is in despair. Loneliness often tips a person from holding on to life to the decision to die.

SIDEBAR 1: A tool kit for suicide awareness

Seven potential warning signs that a person could be suicidal:
1. Long lasting feelings of sadness or hopelessness
2. Extreme mood swings
3. Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
4. Risky and self-harming behaviours, such as driving under the influence
5. Making preparations to die, such as getting personal affairs in order and giving away possessions
6. Talking about dying as bringing relief to self and others
7. Arranging to have lethal means available like a gun, pills, razor blades, rope.

Professional support available

If you are feeling suicidal or having thoughts of harming yourself or need advice for assisting a loved one, Netcare Akeso offers a 24-hour crisis line on 0861 435 787. Trained counsellors are available to talk to without judgement and can guide you on the various options for assistance.

The South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG) also provides a 24-hour suicide crisis helpline on
0800 567 567.

SIDEBAR 2: Lived experience: A survivor’s insights
Reaching for life

By Melissa Kemp

When I was in that really dark place, I would have thoughts that would scare me and find myself doing things without thinking, especially when alone. If you find yourself alone with the means to harm yourself, try to get out, even if just to the shops, as a temporary escape from that frame of mind.

When you are depressed, you don’t feel like socialising, but the situation can escalate quickly when you are isolated. It is hard to reach out to talk to people, but that really helped me. Nobody wants to air all their dark scary, intrusive thoughts, but when you do, you are surprised how many people struggle with something similar or can relate to how you feel, so you realise you are not entirely alone. Often, other people can share their coping strategies, too.

Family and parents can sometimes be blind or deaf to signs of suicidal thoughts or mental health problems, which stems from a lack of understanding. Trying to open up to someone, and they respond by dismissing you with “you can’t be mentally ill because…” is not helpful – it only adds to the suffering because it makes you question yourself even more.

It is hard to explain to others what it is like to feel suicidal. It felt like I was losing control of the thoughts in my head. Writing down what you want to say is helpful, it gives you time to reflect on how you can frame your thoughts in a way that will be understandable for your parents or whomever you can talk to about what you are going through. This can take some of the pressure off.

Going into 21 days of inpatient therapy was the hardest and best thing I have ever done. It is a life-changing experience to realise mental health difficulties don’t make you defective, it is an illness. I feel like I’ve gone from seeing the world in black and white like an old TV and now I have full-colour HD.

If you find yourself struggling with suicidal thoughts or don’t know why you are feeling numb with a complete sense of apathy towards everything and everyone, the first step is to reach out to someone. It is hard, but whether in-person, online or via a telephone support line, please ask for help until you are heard.

Talking about how you are feeling is not a magic fix, but it lessens the burden when you feel like you can’t breathe, and it is the first step back to the life you want to live.

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Solar vs generators vs battery back-ups – which offers the best long-term savings?

September 2023: Given the persistent reality of loadshedding and soaring electricity prices, many home and business owners are increasingly weighing the switch to solar systems versus generators, but are left questioning – how do the costs compare, and which offers the better long-term solution? And is reducing your grid-dependence even worth the investment?

“These are the most common questions asked by homeowners and businesses, especially as the ongoing national energy crisis, high electricity bills, and the inconvenience and loss of income associated with loadshedding drives South Africans to consider other options,” says Rein Snoeck Henkemans, Managing Director of Alumo Energy.

The solar energy experts at Alumo Energy therefore set out to answer these questions by performing a case study for a small business with a monthly electricity bill of between R15,000 and R20,000. This case study compares the costs of four scenarios: doing nothing and remaining completely dependent on the grid; purchasing a generator; installing a battery and
inverter back-up system; or installing a hybrid solar solution with a battery and inverter back-up system.

Crunching the numbers, Alumo then considers a range of factors including the impact of the initial investment costs, system maintenance, tax incentives, and savings on electricity bills. Finally, Alumo assumes that this business is impacted by stage four loadshedding for a period of 15 years to determine which system is the eventual cost winner.

Scenario A: The cost of doing nothing

The cost of doing nothing and remaining completely tied to the grid certainly seems attractive, because it does not require any upfront investment costs compared to alternative energy solutions, notes Snoeck Henkemans.

However, if electricity prices continue to escalate at 15% per annum (based on the steep price hikes seen in recent years), the business would be spending just over R1 million on electricity per year by year 15.

Furthermore, if the business loses R50 in profit for every kilowatt hour that is lost to power outages, rising with inflation of 6%, the impact of loadshedding would mean a crippling accumulated loss in income of over R21.6 million.

Together, the impact of electricity prices and loss of income on their cash flow would mean that choosing to do nothing would actually cost them over R28.8 million in losses during the period.

Scenario B: Buying a generator

Next, Alumo considers what would happen if the business had chosen to purchase a 60kVA generator worth R300,000 to prevent a loss of income during power outages. The business then remains partly reliant on the grid, paying electricity bills that rise by the same 15% per annum as the first scenario.

But, while the business would be protecting its profits from blackouts, it would subsequently be spending more on diesel. Assuming that diesel inflation amounts to 12%, this would mean additional expenses of nearly R1.69 million per year by Year 15. Additionally, the business would need to pay maintenance costs every year which would likewise increase with inflation.

Together, these would mean a total of more than R16.9 million in losses over the period.

Scenario C: Buying a battery and inverter back-up system

In the third scenario, the business opts for a battery back-up system with a 75kWh battery complemented by a 50kW inverter for an upfront cost of R676,950 (calculated according to the business’ energy requirements).

This system successfully bridges the power gap during loadshedding even though the business still needs to pay even higher electricity bills over the years to recharge the battery.

Despite spending slightly more than double the upfront investment cost when compared to the diesel generator, the business would only spend a total of over R10.9 million over 15 years on electricity and their battery system – effectively saving nearly R6 million.

Scenario D: Buying a hybrid solar system with an inverter and battery back-up system

Alumo does not recommend completely severing ties with the grid, as the grid can act as an important back-up during periods of rainy or cloudy weather for example. Also, going completely off-grid can exponentially increase the cost of your system.

So, should this business owner opt to go mostly off-grid with a hybrid solar solution featuring a 32kWp solar system complemented by a 50kW inverter and 80kWh battery in keeping with its energy requirements, it would need to invest in the region of R1.18 million.

In terms of expenses, the business would still need to pay a small electricity bill each month, as well as maintenance costs. But through taking advantage of the Section 12B tax incentive, tax rebates, and the savings generated by maximising solar power self-consumption, the business would break even in terms of its initial investment after eight years, and by the fifteenth year
would even be turning a tidy profit of over R1.9 million.

The time value of money (Net Present Value – NPV) has been taken into consideration for all scenarios and is displayed in the table below:

“In other words, while the upfront costs of solar can seem quite high or expensive by comparison, these systems clearly offer the best long-term value when compared to the cost of generators, battery back-ups, or, worst of all doing nothing. This is especially true for businesses that require consistent energy supply to maintain their operations, protect their bottom line, and even potentially boost their cashflow in the future,” concludes Snoeck Henkemans.

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Empower yourself, talk to your pharmacist.

Tuesday, 5 September 2023, Pharmacy professionals are essential to healthcare. To get the most out of your prescribed treatment, speak to your pharmacist for the important information you need to be aware of when taking medicine.

“It is so important to be informed about the medication you are taking and its dosage. Be sure to discuss your medicine with your Netcare pharmacist to understand why you are taking it and exactly how it must be taken, for instance, how many tablets, how many times a day, should it be taken with meals or on an empty stomach,” says Vishala Gokool-Sewram, Netcare’s general manager of pharmacy.

Pharmacy teams are integral in delivering health services and making their communities aware of important aspects regarding medication safety. Pharmacy’s role in healthcare includes education, counselling and information sharing on the preventative power of immunisation and recognising adverse medicine reactions, among many other aspects of health.

“This is reflected in this year’s theme for Pharmacy Month, as set by the Department of Health, ‘Pharmacy united in promoting healthcare for patients’, which acknowledges the role of pharmacists and pharmacy support teams and their value in the provision of quality healthcare.”

Side-effects: when to worry

“Talk to your pharmacist about the possible side effects that may be expected with your medicine, which are outlined on the medicine package insert. Most side effects are mild and are tolerable when the person recognises them, and the course of treatment continues because stopping the medication can be much more harmful. The pharmacist may recommend adding another medication, if needed, to help manage the side effects.

“Sometimes, side effects can be more serious. Awareness of how these may present empowers you to know when to seek medical assistance. Serious side effects or reactions should always be reported to a healthcare facility, which alerts the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority [SAHPRA] to identify any potential safety issues to protect others. Members of the public can also report adverse reactions at https://medsafety.sahpra.org.za/.

Protecting the power of antibiotics

“Another crucial responsibility of the pharmacy profession is empowering the public regarding antimicrobial stewardship [AMS] and the urgent need to protect the efficacy of antibiotics. If people take antibiotics when they don’t need to or do not finish the course as prescribed, the bacteria can become immune, and the antibiotics become less effective for treating illnesses,” Gokool-Sewram explains.

Do your part:

• Talk to the pharmacist about all your medications
• Finish all your antibiotics, even if you feel better
• Never share your antibiotics with someone else
• Take antibiotics exactly as directed
• Prevent illness with hand hygiene

“As pharmacists, part of our advocacy for AMS includes infection prevention and control. Our friendly and professional hospital pharmacists can advise you on your personal requirements and the importance of always washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling medication, especially injecting medicines such as insulin, and dressing any wounds,” she says.

“This pharmacy month, Netcare pharmacies are specially equipped to provide safer pharmacy care with the use of our electronic medical records and e-scripting platforms. Netcare’s digitally enabled platform allows us to extend a higher level of care to all our patients than ever before.

“Netcare acknowledges, applauds and celebrates all pharmacists and pharmacy teams serving South Africa in diverse streams in the private and public sector, including academic, legislative, medical scheme and pharmaceutical industries, and the valued colleagues within our ranks. As a profession, we are united in collaborating, supporting and strengthening each other in delivering safe care to our patients,” Gokool-Sewram concludes.

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Protecting your bone health at any age.

Thursday, 7 September 2023, We often take the health of our bones for granted, but it is important to be aware of and protect bone strength and mineral density throughout our lives. A pharmacist from South Africa’s first national courier pharmacy outlines what everyone should know.

“As many as 50% of women and 30% of men are likely to experience bone-loss-related fractures. The good news is there are several ways to reduce your risk,” says pharmacist Bright Kupa of Medipost Pharmacy.

“When we are young, our bones are still growing and continuously reforming, and our bodies will readily absorb the minerals, especially calcium, needed to develop bone density and mass for strong bone structure to sustain us for the rest of our lives.

“Proper bone development during childhood and adolescence is especially important to help prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis later in life. As we grow older, our bones gradually lose mineral density. If a person’s bones lose minerals faster than the body can replace them and the bones become less dense, lose strength and break more easily it is described as osteoporosis,” he explains.

Building blocks of strong bones

“Calcium is a mineral that is most essential for bone health – with 99% of the calcium in the body contained within our teeth and bones. It is also vital for critical bodily functions, such as muscle contraction. When our bodies do not have enough calcium for critical bodily functions, it will take calcium from our bones, causing even further loss in bone density,” Kupa says.

“Our bodies cannot produce calcium, so dietary sources are very important. These include milk and dairy products and certain vegetables like broccoli and soybeans. To build and maintain our bone strength, we need sufficient amounts of this mineral in combination with vitamin D and plenty of weight-bearing exercise, for example walking.”

Adequate calcium intake to aim for per day is specific for different age groups and genders, with a recommended supplementation range from 500 mg to 1200 mg per day. A recommended amount of vitamin D supplementation for adults is generally between 400 IU and 1000 IU per day.

“Remember that taking too much of these minerals and vitamins can cause side effects, and dosages should be discussed with your primary healthcare provider or pharmacist,” Kupa says.

“Babies get all the calcium they need from breast milk or formula when necessary. Most children and teenagers do not need any supplements as they generally get sufficient nutrients from the food they eat, however for those who may be at increased risk of osteoporosis, such as children on chronic corticosteroids, supplements are often advised to boost their bone health,” he says.

“Vitamin D assists with the absorption of calcium from the food you eat. With exposure to sunlight, the body can produce vitamin D, but dietary sources are also important. Without these vital nutritional building blocks, our bones will not grow strong. In children, this can lead to serious disorders such as rickets, where the bones are soft and weakened.”

Risk factors

“Patients with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis, and certain gastrointestinal disorders are more at risk for developing osteoporosis. A family history of osteoporosis, low body weight and multiple pregnancies are also risk factors,” Kupa says.

“Regular use of certain medications, including aluminum antacids and corticosteroids, can also predispose a person to osteoporosis, and so it is important to discuss your medicines, including those available without a prescription, with your doctor or pharmacist.”

Pharmacist’s advice

“At the Medipost Walk-In Pharmacy in Gezina, we are often asked about supplements for bone strength. I recommend combination products containing calcium and vitamin D to make it simpler to meet the body’s requirements,” he says.

“Supplements should be taken with meals as this helps with absorption, although some foods, such as spinach and wholegrain cereals, can block calcium absorption so supplements should be taken at least two hours apart from eating these foods. Also avoid taking antacids containing aluminum with these supplements,” he says.

“Liquid supplements specially formulated for children, such as those available from our retail pharmacy and online at shop.medipost.co.za, may be easier for younger children to swallow than supplements in tablet form. Chewable tablets are also available if preferred,” he advises.

“As primary osteoporosis is often related to menopausal oestrogen loss and ageing, chronic supplements are mostly advised for women past childbearing age and older men. Pregnant women are sometimes prescribed calcium carbonate 500 mg to ensure they have enough calcium for their baby’s healthy development and to maintain their own bone strength.”

Medipost Pharmacy dispenses chronic medication and a variety of generics for all types of bone deficiency conditions, including osteoporosis, and bone health supplements are recommended as an adjunct therapy unless contraindicated or otherwise instructed by the patient’s treating doctor.

“The courier pharmacy service provides free monthly delivery for all chronic medication to any address nationwide, and many patients combine their delivery with orders for supplements or other pharmacy items. Patients based in Pretoria often prefer to pop in at our friendly Gezina Walk-In Pharmacy,” Kupa says.

“Looking after our bone health should be a priority for everyone at any stage of life. Discuss your individual needs and risk factors with your doctor, and we will gladly assist with your pharmacy needs.”

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Partnership between Aware.org and JMPD drives road safety, reduces drunk driving.

Johannesburg’s road safety has taken a significant step forward as a result of a collaborative programme on DUI (driving under the influence) that is championed by the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (Aware.org) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

Representatives of the two entities got up-close during a recent Friday night during a DUI operation on a busy road in Alexandra.

Visible and frequent DUI operations help to deter individuals from drinking and driving. When such roadblocks are arranged, they also give law enforcement agencies the opportunity to check that vehicles are roadworthy or that drivers and passengers are not carrying illegal items.

“At Aware.org, our mission has always been to drive the responsible use of alcohol. Such operations align well with our vision to discourage individuals from drinking and driving and promote the safety of pedestrians and all road users,” says Aware.org’s Managing Director Carmen Mohapi.

In his briefing at the operation, JMPD Superintendent Mike Botolo said that these types of roadblocks, assisted by technologically advanced equipment such as the hand breathalyser and evidential breath alcohol testing (EBAT) machine, have played a significant role in reducing incidents of drunk driving.

“Since the introduction of EBAT machines, we have witnessed a remarkable decrease in drunk driving cases. In 2011, we would arrest approximately 3 000 people for this offense monthly, but thanks to our partnerships with organisations like Aware.org, we’ve seen a substantial reduction in the number of drunk drivers,” stated Superintendent Botolo.

He added: “We are developing programmes to raise education and awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, before and after an arrest, with the aim of preventing repeat offenses. These efforts will lead to a decrease in drunk driving accidents.”

In collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), JMPD works to execute DUI operations and apprehend individuals carrying illegal items in their vehicles. This is done through thorough searches of vehicles and drivers passing through the roadblock.

Jordi Borrut, the Chairmen of Aware.org said: “Conducting these roadblocks is essential in making individuals aware of the risks associated with drunk driving. We are also driving road safety through our strategic partnerships like the JMPD, public education and awareness campaigns that encourage responsible drinking behaviour. For us to experience a roadblock first hand underscores the importance of our commitment towards responsible drinking.”

Road safety remains a paramount concern for authorities, and partnerships like the one between the JMPD and Aware.org are instrumental in addressing this issue comprehensively. It’s not just about catching offenders; it’s about preventing accidents and advancing the safety of road users.

The success of the roadblocks extends beyond mere law enforcement. They serve as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from making reckless decisions, while increasing public awareness of the consequences of such actions to also assist in reducing road accidents.

Moreover, the partnership between Aware.org and the JMPD exemplifies the power of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and organisations with a vested interest in promoting responsible behaviour. The involvement in initiatives like this demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and public safety.

As the JMPD and its partners continue their endeavours to make our roads safer, it’s worth acknowledging the positive ripple effects of such initiatives. Reduced incidents of drunk driving mean fewer families torn apart by accidents, fewer lives lost, and fewer individuals facing legal consequences. It also translates into lower healthcare costs and less strain on emergency response services.

Based on the fruitful outcomes of the programme, plans are underway to apply the approach and learnings and expand the programme to other provinces with inadequate road safety and high rates of drunk driving.

“The ongoing partnership between the JMPD and Aware.org is not just about enforcing the law; it’s about fostering a culture of responsible behaviour on our roads. It’s about saving lives and building safer, more harmonious communities. As these efforts persist, we can look forward to advancing road safety for Johannesburg residents,” concluded Mohapi.

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South Africa faces a mental health crisis—don’t be a statistic.

Monday, 09 October 2023 – With October being Mental Health Awareness Month and 10 October World Mental Health Awareness Day, Kena Health is highlighting the importance of being able to identify the signs of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help.

“South Africans are particularly susceptible to poor mental health because we live in a violent society with high levels of unemployment, as well as the legacy of racism, which includes familial breakdown caused in large part by the migrant labour system,” says Iyanda Nyoni, Registered Counsellor at Kena Health. “The result of these societal pressures is high levels of psychological distress, manifesting as an inability to cope with daily stressors, depression, anxiety and even escalating to suicide.”

South Africa has a high prevalence of common mental health disorders, with almost a third of the population having experienced a common mental disorder at some point. A Wits study suggests that South Africans suffer higher rates of depression and anxiety than other countries—25% compared to 6.9% in the United States or 10% in Australia and more than double that of Brazil (7.9%). South Africa is one of the bottom five countries globally regarding mental health, according to The Mental State of the World in 2022 report.

The Wits study also notes that, despite their prevalence in South Africa, primary healthcare facilities typically lack mental health services, making it hard for people to find help. In addition, mental health is frequently stigmatised in many South African communities.

Unaddressed mental conditions cost the economy R161 billion annually if not treated.

Depression and anxiety are the most common forms of mental illness and can often trigger more serious conditions. For that reason, says Iyanda, South Africans must understand what to look out for in themselves and their loved ones and colleagues. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the classic symptoms of depression include:

• Depressed mood and feeling down and sad all the time. This can often present as irritability, agitation or anger (in children, adolescents and men).
• Inability to enjoy activities or hobbies previously found to be enjoyable.
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
• Feelings of guilt or low self-worth.
• Fatigue or loss of energy.
• Restless or irritable.
• Changes in eating habits and/ or weight.
• Inability to sleep or excessive sleepiness.
• Difficulty making decisions or concentrating.
• Withdrawing from friends and family.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.
• Depression is often triggered by stressful events, illness, drug and alcohol abuse, and genetic factors. SADAG points out that everybody reacts to stress differently, and a combination of factors can be involved.

“The most important thing is to identify the signs of depression and then seek help,” Iyanda says. “If left untreated, mental health conditions can escalate with dire consequences for the individual concerned, his or her family and colleagues, society and the economy.

“Kena Health’s app offers everybody a way to access professional health therapy and mental health support affordably and conveniently from the comfort of your smartphone—and in total privacy.”

“Many of our consultations are text-based, as we find that patients enjoy the relative anonymity that this offers and the ability to consult from a comfortable space.”

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COP28: A crucial year for Africa’s climate action.

By Keketso Motjuwadi

The clock is ticking. Humanity has less than five years to prevent irreversible global temperature increases beyond 1.5°C, a point of no return, as illustrated by the Climate Clock in New York’s Union Square.

In 2023, alarm bells are ringing louder as we grapple with record-breaking temperatures and unprecedented flooding in many parts of the globe.

As we approach COP28 in Dubai this November, the urgency of climate action couldn’t be more evident. COP, established in 1994, aims to combat climate change by uniting countries and stakeholders worldwide.

The summit has been held every year for almost three decades, with the aim of tackling climate change and advancing towards halting an increase in global temperatures.

In reality, the opposite has occurred. The month of July 2023, for instance, was the hottest month ever recorded in terms of global temperatures, according to NASA.

COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber has said: “To keep 1.5 within reach we must act with ‘ambition and urgency’ to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030.”

This is a tall task that requires cooperation from across the globe.

At COP27, South Africa played its part by introducing the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP), a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the US, UK, Germany, France, and the EU. JET IP will allocate around US$8.5 billion over the next 3-5 years to propel South Africa towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient society, serving as a model for other nations.

This comes as South Africa continues to face crippling power cuts, owing to loadshedding, and an intensified debate around prolonging the life of existing but aging coal stations.

Another pivotal outcome of COP27 was the establishment of a loss and damage fund, assisting vulnerable nations affected by climate-induced natural disasters. Funding could support early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure improvements. But details on which nations will contribute and how much remain unclear. Representatives from 24 countries will collaborate to determine contributors and distribution methods.

COP28 does bring some promise, though, notably through the inaugural Global Stocktake (GST) which will be evaluating the Paris Agreement progress. Additionally, Vanuatu, a Pacific Island nation, is seeking an international court’s legal opinion on states’ climate obligations, potentially setting a precedent for climate justice and the loss and damage fund’s implementation.

Vanuatu’s success may inspire African cities to advocate for climate-resilient water infrastructure, agriculture, and a just transition to renewable energy. Initiatives such as the African Cities Water Adaptation Fund, Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature, and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan for South Africa could be influenced.

The European Union (EU) aims for a more sustainable future, with EU nations committing to a global fossil fuel phaseout at COP28. Driven by climate impacts, geopolitical risks, and market volatility, this move is a welcome departure from the previous COP’s failure to agree on a phaseout. The EU’s commitment is vital, especially since oil-rich Saudi Arabia is a neighbouring country to the UAE.

Renewable energy’s growth is encouraging, generating 12% of the world’s electricity in 2022, per Ember. The 2023 International Energy Agency’s report predicts that 90% of new electricity demand over the next three years will come from clean energy sources like wind, solar, and nuclear energy. This shift could make renewables the globe’s largest electricity source, providing 35% of the world’s electricity.

Taking all of the above into consideration, there are at least three areas where governments and stakeholders can look to make progress at this year’s COP28: these being infrastructure development, green technology innovation, and skills and training.

With regard to infrastructure development, we can expect discussions at COP28 to focus on improving infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This should provide more opportunities for addressing challenges around designing and building sustainable infrastructure, combined with better resource management of water and energy builds.

In terms of green technology innovation, increased funding and collaboration around green technologies is increasingly becoming a must in our world. And we need to do everything we can to ensure that this space thrives.

Finally, as sustainability and climate-related projects become more prominent, engineering firms will also need to invest in training and upskilling their employees to work on these projects effectively.

COP28 has the potential to accelerate sustainable policies and actions. For African nations, meaningful change requires solidarity, collaboration, perseverance, advocacy, and strong partnerships across public and private sectors, united with nations sharing similar interests and concerns.

Keketso Motjuwadi – a civil and resilience engineer — is the Sustainability Lead for Royal HaskoningDHV. Royal HaskoningDHV is an independent, international engineering and project management consultancy with 140 years of experience and 6 000 colleagues across the globe. In 2022, Royal HaskoningDHV celebrated 100 years in South Africa.

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Thousands take a stand for African penguins’ survival.

(Cape Town, 14 October 2023) – STARTS – Thousands of people around the world have taken a stand today to say that Not On Their Watch will the African penguin go extinct by 2035.

The biggest ever worldwide waddle for this endangered species began in Tasmania and Japan, wound its way to the UAE, Europe and Africa and will carry on in Canada, the USA and Latin America. Aquariums, zoos, conservationists, activists, animal lovers, schools, scuba clubs, parkruns and private citizens held events on behalf of the #NotOnOurWatch (#NOOW) African penguin survival campaign and today’s important waddle was endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development as a Decade Activity.

The turnout has been incredible and we’re both humbled and grateful to see how many people care so much about saving the African penguin,” said Dr Judy Mann, President of the International Zoo Educators Association, Executive Head of Strategy at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and a founder of the #NotOnOurWatch survival campaign.To have such an abundance of supporters that there were events planned on six continents was beyond our wildest dreams. And this is just the start. With this ground swell behind us, we feel confident South African authorities, conservationists and private industry will hear these voices from around the world and work more closely together to protect our unique and endemic penguins.”

The events today have been creative and varied, from a gender-reveal for Venus, the African penguin chick at uShaka Sea World in Durban, South Africa, to virtual meetings, a Secret Sunrise dance, to #NOOW’s youth ambassadors interacting with the crowds, to runners dressed in black and white, scientific talks, penguin feeding shows, protest walks with placards, children’s games, music and videos. The waddle itself has reflected how multicultural our world is and shown how many people, organisations, countries and continents care not only about the future of African penguins, but also the ocean and this planet.

Japanese people love penguins more than you’d expect. We have African penguins at several aquariums and zoos, so once these supporters joined, it became a big movement,” said Dr Kanako Tomisawa, Secretary for the Species Management Committee of the South East Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association, Board member and Social Media Editor of the International Zoo Educators Association, Spokesperson for Omuta City Zoo in Japan and Executive Committee member, Conservation Planning Specialist Group, Japan.If South Africa is able to save these penguins then more countries can use it as an example because other penguin species are also starting to decline. It’s time to act. There is still hope.”

See video below:

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What is the 3-2-1 Rule (and does it matter to your business data)?

Johannesburg, 19 September 2023; Bad things happen. One day, that file you worked on is fine. The next, it’s gone—lost in a hard drive failure or perhaps a stolen device. Maybe the version you worked on has corrupted, and you need to recover an earlier file. Someone might have deleted the file, removing it from your systems forever.

Data corruption is a bit like a car accident. It doesn’t happen often to a person. But when it does, even a minor fender bender can create inconvenience, and a major smash can cause months, even years, of problems. Likewise, when a file or database no longer performs as it should, it can lead to severe losses.

“Data is one of those funny things where you don’t think about it until it’s not there anymore,” says Emma Mbebe, Account Manager at Sithabile Technology Services. “Hours of work evaporate just like that, and you can spend a lot of time afterwards trying to fix the situation. It’s a big inconvenience when this happens to one person. When the data is used by multiple people, the impact is exponential across a business. This is why criminal attacks like ransomware work so well: they hit a business where it hurts the most.”

Hence why data backups are critical. Yet, it’s not enough to make one backup. If you want to be thorough, follow the 3-2-1 Rule. What is the rule, does it apply to every company, and can they afford it?

The 3-2-1 Safety Net

The 3-2-1 Rule is pretty simple: have 3 copies of data on 2 different media and 1 kept offsite. For example, keep two copies of a file on separate removable flash drives, and a third on cloud storage (offsite). You can also have the file on network storage, and two removable drives, keeping one drive at an offsite location.

You can apply the rule manually or with backup automation. You could even print the file’s contents on paper and keep that safe. It’s not convenient, but it is a backup. You could maintain two or several copies of a file. The point is to create redundancy through multiple independent backups.

Surprisingly, IT experts didn’t invent the 3-2-1 Rule. It first appeared in a book, Digital Asset Management for Photographers, where author Peter Krogh guided photographers on safeguarding their growing digital photo libraries. Digital photos were one of the first digital mediums that started growing exponentially in volume, and photographers cannot recreate their snapshots—once a photo is lost, it’s gone forever. That is, unless they have a copy.

The 3-2-1 Rule has since become the baseline for good backup practices, and it has evolved to incorporate many different storage mediums and backup strategies.

Is the 3-2-1 Rule for your business?

Applying the 3-2-1 Rule makes a lot of sense, but it may also feel excessive. Specifically, paying for different storage options and managing copies across those instances sounds complex and expensive. Smaller businesses might feel they don’t qualify. But Mbebe disagrees:

“Making multiple backups can sound daunting and costly when you look at the higher-tier options, such as dedicated network storage. But, in principle, you don’t need to go that far. The hardest part is to decide what data is important, then balance that with security and compliance. For example, if you are writing a pitch document, that’s not very sensitive. You can save a copy to email, to a flash drive, and save a third one on a service such as OneDrive.”

At a fundamental level, the 3-2-1 Rule works for any situation. It’s all relative to what a person or business needs.

“I like to think of the 3-2-1 Rule as a conversation starter. The question is not whether you use this rule but whether you are concerned about backups at all. If you need to be serious about backups, then the rule provides a good foundation. Now, decide on your priorities and capacity, then establish a backup strategy which can be as simple as telling employees to save copies to the cloud, or involve elaborate management and backup appliances. A healthcare provider or financial institution should never back sensitive data onto removable drives or external emails. So, there we already know what they can and cannot do, projected through the 3-2-1 Rule.”

The 3-2-1 Rule sets a benchmark—fill in the gaps, and you’ll see if your backups are sufficient. It’s a rule that can apply to every organisation and even individuals.

Without it, you take a massive risk. Bad things happen to data. Beyond the scary stories about ransomware and data theft, it can be a simple case of losing a device or a hard drive failing. Maybe a water pipe bursts and floods your office—now that offsite backup makes sense! So, don’t ignore this crucial rule. Consider how it would fit into your organisation, and make your backups as easy as 3-2-1.

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Nedbank expands its partnership with SAA Voyager and Avo tie-up.

Tuesday, 19 September 2023 – Nedbank and SAA Voyager have announced an exciting expansion to their partnership. You can now convert your SAA Voyager Miles to AvoPoints and use them to shop on the Avo SuperShop. Here, you can enjoy all the brands you love in one place with quick, seamless delivery.

‘We are pleased to take our long-standing partnership with SAA Voyager to the next logical progression. It has been well received by SAA Voyager clients, who converted so many Miles that Avo became the number one non-flight redemption partner for SAA Voyager in the space of 1 month’, says Privesan Naidoo, Nedbank Executive in Trading Products. ‘Avo is a great value proposition for SAA Voyager clients because it gives them a variety of ways in which to spend their Voyager Miles. Members can also earn AvoPoints on every purchase and even accelerate their Voyager Miles earn rate if they are an SAA Voyager Cheque or Credit Cardholder.’

Avo SuperShop is home to over 22 000 businesses that sell their products and services to over 2 million registered customers on a single, easy-to-use platform. Shopping categories include tech and appliances, groceries, prepaid airtime, data and electricity, vouchers, backup power and solar solutions, gaming, automotive, fashion and beauty, homeware, takeaways and more. Avo continues to grow exponentially, with a further sevenfold increase year-on-year reported in gross merchandise value (GMV) in May 2023.

The SAA Voyager American Express® and Mastercard Voyager Credit Cards have for many years given users a way to earn SAA Voyager Miles rapidly. The new partnership with Avo provides new ways for clients to use their well-earned Voyager Miles.

‘SAA Voyager remains one of the most sought-after loyalty programmes as it provides access to amazing travel experiences and access to the desirable Companion Ticket for Voyager Credit and Cheque Cardholders. Now, the ability to use Voyager Miles on Avo has further increased the value it offers to members’, says Tebogo Tsimane, Executive at SAA Commercial. ‘SAA Voyager and Avo SuperShop from Nedbank are a perfect match, and the fact that Avo customers will soon be able to convert AvoPoints to Voyager Miles will further strengthen the partnership between SAA and Nedbank.’

To convert Voyager Miles to AvoPoints, SAA Voyager clients can simply sign up for free on AvoSuperShop, tap on ‘Exchange points’ on the home screen, enter their SAA Voyager credentials, and specify the number of Miles they want to convert to AvoPoints.

‘This partnership will keep growing as we add more value for SAA Voyager and Avo users’, says Nedbank’s Privesan Naidoo. ‘One great new benefit that will launch in September is the ability to convert AvoPoints to Voyager Miles to buy air tickets, opening up a whole range of travel options.’

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Don’t skimp on veterinary care, warn South African vets as animal owners feel the financial pinch.

As cash-strapped South Africans cut back on perceived luxuries such as veterinary care, local veterinary and para-veterinary professionals have urged pet and animal owners to explore other options such as insurance and preventative care to make looking after their “best friends” more affordable.

The South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) echoes this call to ensure responsible pet ownership in a time of economic hardship – and hopes to create awareness around the valuable role veterinary and para-veterinary professionals play in the healthcare chain.

“No one is disputing the fact that veterinary care is expensive,” says Dr Greg Irvine-Smith, a specialist surgeon at a Johannesburg veterinary hospital and a representative of companion animals on the SAVC’s Specialisation Committee.

“But owning a pet is a privilege and a responsibility. So, when you take on that animal, you’re taking on that responsibility, and you have a duty of care to them.”

He says while top-class veterinary care can be expensive in South Africa, our local vets deliver value for money compared to similar procedures elsewhere in the world at triple or quadruple the cost.

Adds Dr Brendan Tindall, SAVC vice-president and the owner of a veterinary clinic on the Garden Route, “There is a perception that healthcare for pets is really expensive. And I don’t think the perception is incorrect. We would love to be able to do things for a lot cheaper, but our baseline cost as practitioners is extremely high.”

The cost of qualifying and practising as a vet is soaring – from the premises and salaries to medicines, medical supplies and millions of rands worth of sophisticated equipment, much of which has to be imported at an unfavourable exchange rate.

These escalating input costs, which are passed on to the public to keep a practice sustainable, mean that many South Africans are struggling to afford veterinary care.

“The average veterinarian is not only just a general practitioner but is also an anaesthetist, pathologist, radiologist, surgeon and gynaecologist. Not only is that really demanding on the person, but it’s also demanding from a financial point of view,” says Dr Tindall.

He says it’s a sensitive issue because people demand the best service – but high-quality care unavoidably comes with a price tag.

Medical insurance – a grudge purchase that gives you peace of mind

Taking out medical insurance for your animals can help prevent “bill shock”. “Insurance is one of those necessary evils; it gives you that peace of mind and if the time comes when you have to fork out a large lump sum, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief,” says Dr Tindall.

He says it makes a vet’s life so much easier when he or she can run the tests the patient needs and be able to make an accurate diagnosis without fear of compromising on care.

“At the end of the day, it’s hugely beneficial to the patient and it’s more cost-effective to the owner. Because if you can’t afford an expensive procedure, your pet ultimately suffers, as the veterinarian will probably not be able to make a definitive diagnosis.”

However, it’s important to read the fine print because “when it comes to crunch time and you claim, some policies don’t deliver. Investigate properly what you’re paying for and what you’re going to get.”

No cutting corners with specialist care

Dr Irvine-Smith says that while the veterinary hospital he works at deals with everything from spinal surgery to arthroscopy and ligament reconstruction, which are expensive specialised procedures, animal owners should focus on primary and preventative healthcare to lower the risk of expensive surgery down the line.

This includes taking animals for regular check-ups, vaccinations and deworming, looking after their diet and ensuring they lead a healthy lifestyle. Just like with humans, prevention is better – and cheaper – than cure.

“It’s important to educate the public about what top-class veterinary care means and what it costs,” says Dr Irvine-Smith.

To spay an animal, for example, requires a dedicated operating theatre staffed by a professional vet and nurse, kitted with sterile gowns, gloves, masks and caps, and with equipment to administer anaesthetic and monitor blood pressure and other metrics. Done properly, it’s not a cheap procedure – you can’t cut corners. If the spay is offered at too “good” a price, it is time to start asking questions.

“While I sympathise with the public because times are tough, to provide that level of care costs money,” he says.

Vet physios – more than a ‘nice-to-have’ add-on

According to veterinary physiotherapist and SAVC councillor Jessica Mousley, who runs her own para-veterinary practice caring mostly for small animals and horses, clients are definitely cutting corners.

“They get necessary surgery done on their animals, but often see physiotherapy as a nice-to-have add-on. They book less-frequent physio sessions or, when they start to see some progress, they say, ‘You’ve got us started – we’ll take it from here.’”

She says to save on costs, some clients try to bypass veterinarians and go straight to the veterinary physiotherapist: “The best care your pet or your animal can get is when the whole veterinary healthcare team is able to work together and utilise the specific skills that each profession has – that’s when you get optimal results and the quickest recovery.”

Labour of love for true animal lovers

Says Dr Tindall, “The bottom line is that running any practice to uphold quality veterinary and para-veterinary standards comes at a cost. Currently, the rate of bad debt is something that I think every practice owner has nightmares about.”

All three professionals go out of their way to accommodate clients who are feeling the pinch – often to their own financial detriment. Frequently, they are subjected to emotional blackmail, and are accused of not caring about animals and just being in it “for the money”.

Given such stresses, why do they persist? For Mousley, it’s a labour of love. “Our end goal – and I think it’s the same for anyone in the veterinary professions – is that we want the best for the pet,” she says.

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Natural gas is a key driver of economic growth in Southern Africa.

12 September 2023: Gas is a key enabler for economic growth and social development in the region, as well as a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels, says Mlandzeni Boyce, CEO of the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company (ROMPCO). Natural gas has the potential to enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster regional integration in Southern Africa.

It is an important bridge fuel between coal and renewable energy sources, emitting about half as much carbon dioxide per unit of energy as coal. However, the development of the natural gas market in the region faces several challenges, such as limited infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and price competitiveness.

A joint venture between the governments of South Africa and Mozambique, represented by iGas and CMG respectively and integrated energy and chemical company Sasol, ROMPCO was established to transport natural gas from Mozambique’s Pande and Temane gas fields for the economic development of the two countries and has a potential to grow the same effort to the entire region.

ROMPCO operates an 865 km pipeline linking gas-rich Mozambique to in Secunda operations in South Africa. The pipeline has been instrumental in supplying South Africa with energy, especially during times of power shortages and loadshedding. It also supplies gas to industrial customers and power plants in both countries, creating employment and stimulating growth.

A new era of regional cooperation on the back of intra-African gas trade commenced in June 2021 when iGas and CMG acquired a combined 30% equity interest in ROMPCO from Sasol. This increased their share to 40% each, with Sasol retaining 20%.

Although Boyce took on his current role in 2019, ROMPCO was officially established in 2000 when the governments of Mozambique and South Africa entered into a Cross Border Agreement to facilitate trade in natural gas between the two countries. “We had a vision from the outset,” says Boyce. This was based on constructing, owning, and operating the Mozambique-Secunda Pipeline (MSP) to transport natural gas from the central processing facility in Mozambique to gas markets in both countries.

The MSP has a capacity of 215 petajoules (PJ) a year. The gas network includes Loop Line 1, Loop Line 2, and the Komatipoort Compressor Station, that boosts the pressure of the natural gas transported from Temane via the MSP. The two 128-km-long Loop Lines were completed in an effort to increase in-country pipeline capacity to address the growing demand for natural gas in the region.

Boyce is responsible for the strategic direction, financial performance, and operational excellence of the company. He has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Leicester and over 18 years’ experience in the energy sector.
He began his career at Sasol in 2004, where he held various positions in business development, project management, stakeholder relations and country management. Boyce has vast experience in gas sourcing, gas infrastructure development and executing gas strategies, serving as Senior Business Manager in Nigeria and Manager from 2013 to 2018.

As CEO of ROMPCO, Boyce’s main role is to ensure the safety, reliability, and sustainability of the MSP, a vital asset for both Mozambique and South Africa. He is also passionate about creating value for all ROMPCO stakeholders, from shareholders to customers, employees, communities, and regulators.

Boyce says ROMPCO is a key driver for both the Mozambican and South African gas market, boosting gas monetisation between the two countries. In line with this, he aims to expand both the customer base and gas network to meet the growing demand for reliable and cost-effective gas supply in the region.

“We are looking at other markets for gas as well as multiple tie-offs,” says Boyce, adding that ROMPCO has 40 to 45 petajoules (PJ) spare capacity at present. “To date we can move about 200 petajoules (PJ) between Ressano Garcia in Mozambique and Secunda in South Africa. If the market expands significantly through gas-to-power uptake and general industrial growth, we are in a position to install additional loop lines if need be. ROMPCO remains a strategic asset to push gas volumes into the market,” he concludes.

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What do 161 rugby fields and South Africa’s paper recycling have in common?

1.3 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging kept out of SA’s landfills thanks to recycling JOHANNESBURG – SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 –Thanks to the waste separation efforts of conscientious citizens, businesses, schools and the greater recycling industry, South Africa recycled just less than 1.3 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging in 2022. If baled and laid out, this would cover 161 rugby fields.

The same amount would weigh as much as 208,553 mature African elephants, or fill 1,502 Olympic -sized swimming pools. “More importantly, it saved 3.8 million cubic metres of landfill[i] space, and ensured that the paper industry could re-use the fibre in cardboard boxes, grocery bags, egg boxes, newspapers, and tissue products,” explains Samantha Choles, communications manager of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA).

“We are certainly seeing more paper packaging entering the market as several brands are shifting to paper, especially in primary packaging – the packaging that contains the item,” says Choles.

Packaging sustainability trends are affecting demand for paper with big brands reducing plastic in their packaging, or at least aiming for single material packaging that is locally recyclable.

During 2022, South Africa produced 1.96 million tonnes of pulp, paper, board and tissue, importing just over one million tonnes and exporting 540,000 tonnes. This put the apparent consumption[ii] of paper and paper packaging at 2.45 million tonnes.

Choles adds that toilet paper and other tissue products are neither collectable nor recyclable, and therefore excluded from what is available for collection. In 2022, two million tonnes were deemed collectable. This excludes 410,000 tonnes of secondary corrugated packaging comprising export fruit, wine and other products. Similarly, PAMSA includes the corrugated packaging, containing imported goods, which therefore become available for the recycling market.

Recycling susceptible to market volatilities

The paper recycling rate for 2022 was 61%. While this is lower than previous years, it’s still comparable with more developed nations such as the United States (68%) and Europe (70%). “Recycling statistics should not be viewed in isolation year on year,” cautions Choles, adding that a lower recycling percentage does not mean that South Africa is recycling less paper. In volume terms, 2022 was higher than previous years.

Recycling is a flow-process, affected by market trends and volatilities, with paper grades taking six to nine months to move through various steps in the supply chain, such as manufacturing and conversion, packing, transit, consumption, and eventually collection and recycling. The latter entails collection by various entities, sorting, then repulping and finally manufacturing and conversion into new paper products. Thus the recycling rates will be affected by how quickly the volumes of paper pass through the market.

Consumers and businesses can do more

The global ‘Trend Tracker Survey 2023’, spearheaded by Two Sides, questioned more than 10,000 consumers from 16 countries on their preferences and opinions regarding various packaging types, their attributes and their impact. Some 62% of respondents said they recycle paper and paper packaging at home, and 78% understand the types of products that need to go into the recycling bin. “This is great news and we hope this will improve as awareness around waste separation and recycling increases,” adds Choles.

Clean and dry paper is essential. Informal recycling collectors and waste traders will earn a better rate if the paper is of good quality. “Consumers must keep wet waste away from dry recyclables. If paper and cardboard get wet, it starts to degrade making the items less recyclable. Good fibre in, better products out,” explains Choles.

Separate bins in the home, and putting a box or bag of clean recyclables on the pavement for recycling collectors are two ways to make a difference, and keep products out of landfill.

“Even with a five-year average paper recycling rate of 67%, we hope that the extended producer responsibility regulations and the various industry programmes will help close the gaps between South Africa’s technical capacity to recycle, infrastructure to recover and collect, and consumer awareness, education and behaviour change,” says Choles.

Recycling closes the circle, cultivated trees keep it going

The ‘Trend Tracker Survey 2023’ also revealed that just less than 70% of South African consumers surveyed believe that only recycled paper should be used – from printing to packaging to tissue products.

“Many people don’t realise that paper fibres are not infinitely recyclable as they shorten after each “recycle” and do not bond well to make new paper. Fresh virgin fibre from sustainably farmed wood will be added to strengthen the pulp recipes.”

Recycling is just one branch of paper’s circularity. From the farming of 850 million trees on 676,000 hectares for pulp and papermaking to the beneficiation of process “waste” into lignosulphonates and other biochemicals, the paper industry is very much a circular economy.

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Arrest Made by Volksrust SAPS IRO: Possession of Drugs.

A twenty year old African male has been arrested for possession of drugs (Nyaope) and is due to appear in court.

Volksrust police arrested African male aged years old for possession of drugs(Nyaope) and is due to appear in Volksrust District Court facing the said charge tomorrow 2023-10-17.

His arrest came after the concerned member of the public noticed the accused selling drugs in town (Volksrust) and notified the police on patrol that were passing. The members acted swiftly and cornered the suspect next to Volksrust Town Hall.

Members searched the suspect and found forty-seven small brown plastic containing nyaope in his possession.

Compiled by Const MC Vilakazi
Volksrust SAPS communications officer

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Eight business lessons from the Springboks.

By Tara Turkington

Striving for victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the Springboks have modelled great leadership skills that are also useful reminders for good leadership in business.

1. Believe

As Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” South Africa won an epic quarter final clash against France 29-28 on Sunday night – already being spoken of as one of the best Test matches in rugby history – in front of nearly 80 000 predominantly French fans at the national stadium, Stade de France, north of Paris. South Africa had significantly less crowd support, less possession and less territory than Les Bleus, but still walked away with the win. To win, you first have to believe you can win.

2. Play as a team
   
   Each person in a rugby team is there to do a job, and you need to work together to do it. There may be superstars in your team, but it’s also the background support that matters. There are players on the bench, doctors, physios, psychologists, coaches and marketing people who help the Springboks shine. It’s the full performance of the entire team that matters.
   
   
3. Be humble and say thank you
   
   The first thing Siya Kolisi did in his post-match interview following the match was to praise the opposition for their brilliant play. Then he thanked his own team, their families and the millions of South Africans who supported the Springboks.
   
   
4. Dream big
   
   South Africa are tantalisingly close to winning their fourth Rugby World Cup title, following victories in 1995, 2007 and 2019. No team has ever done this before (New Zealand are fighting for the same record). The Springboks have taught us again and again to dream big. After all, if you don’t have dreams, they can never come true.
   
   
5. Strength in diversity
   
   Coaching brains trust Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus have built a Springbok team that is magnificently diverse in terms of skills, experience, age and specialisation, allowing impressive agility in team selection ahead of each match. This has made South Africa dangerously unpredictable to its opponents.
   
   
6. Discipline and creativity are equally important

When playing at the top levels of the game, small infringements can easily lead to penalties. South Africa’s discipline in the 2023 Rugby World Cup so far has been excellent – for example, receiving only one yellow card in the tournament by the end of the quarterfinals (for Eben Etzebeth, in the France game).

At the same time, the Boks have been creative, surprising their opponents with team selections, for example, and announcing their teams early in the week for many matches in a row, then leaving the announcement to the last minute just before the quarterfinal, no doubt to keep the French guessing.

As Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids told SA Rugby magazine: “At this level, teams analyse each other to the bone, so you have to find ways to outsmart the opposition, while staying [true] to your core – the things that are important to you.

“That will stay part of our approach – to find that edge to doing something differently. It won’t be something new, in terms of our approach. That’s how we look at our strategy going into this game.”

7. The small things count

Cheslin Kolbe’s charge down of French fullback Thomas Ramos’s attempted conversion following France’s second try was an athletic feat hardly ever seen in rugby. Kolbe needed to run about 20m in only a few seconds, and to get his arms up at the right angle to stop the ball as Ramos kicked it goalwards. Going into the match, Ramos was the leading points scorer in the tournament on 74, including 21 conversions. By thwarting the conversion with quick thinking and even quicker running, Kolbe saved two near-certain points, which could have made all the difference to the Boks, who won the match by only a point.

8. Be resilient

The Springboks have modelled tenacity and resilience throughout the tournament, by never giving up, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. By the end of the match, Springbok centre Jesse Kriel was covered in blood, symbolising the physicality and toughness of the contest. Hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who was named the official player of the match, said in his post-match interview: “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy playing the host team in their backyard with a sold-out crowd singing their national anthem the whole time. We’ve still got two more games to go, this is still nothing. We were just focused on what we had to do and we stayed on task. It was a great game of rugby.”

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POLICE WARNS HITCHICKERS AND MOTORIST AGAINST ROBBERYS AND ATTACKS ON OUR NATIONAL ROADS.

The police is warning all hitch-hikers as well as motorists who offer lifts to strangers to stop their actions immediately .

The warning follows after a sudden increase of armed robbery cases where hitchhikers or motorists were robbed of their cars and valuables on our national roads.

Hitchhiking dangers includes the following :

1) It increases the risk of injury at the roadside as some of the hitchhikers’ are not visible enough at night and get hit by trucks and other motor vehicles.

2) While standing on the road you might be arrested as some drivers or hitchhikers are wanted suspects and you might end up arrested as well .

3) May leave you stranded at an unfamiliar places for unstipulated time .

4)May subject the passenger to verbal or physical abuse e.g. rape , assault or robbery .

5) Some of the passengers pretend to ask a lift but would in turn rob the driver who picked them up, sometimes raping or killing them.

6) People are also in danger of hit and run accidents, especially at night .

The police finally appeal to the community to use formal modes of transport rather than hitch-hiking and also for motorists not to give lifts to strangers.

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Solidariteit Fun Run at Volksrust Rugby Club/Klub.

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THE PUBLIC IS URGED TO ASSIST IN LOCATING THEMBA YENDE REGARDING AN INVESTIGATION OF A MURDER CASE.

Nelspruit: 29 October 2023 – Members of the public are urged to assist the Wakkerstroom Police in locating Mr Themba Yende (pictures attached) who can be of great assistance in resolving a case in which Ms Thobile Mayisela (29) was murdered last weekend. Yende is believed to be residing in Sterkfontein farm.

From information that the Police have gathered so far, on Saturday, 21 October 2023 Ms Mayisela, a resident at Waaihoek farm is said to have attended a funeral in Driefontein and whilst returning, she was reportedly seen walking with someone. It was a shock when her lifeless body was discovered at a certain house in Wakkerstroom the next day, Sunday 22 October 2023.

A case of murder was then opened and the motive for the killing is unknown at this stage. No one has been arrested yet but preliminary investigation suggests that Mayisela was strangled to death possibly on that very same Saturday (21 October 2023).

When Police investigators connected the dots, they stumbled upon crucial information that may lead to a breakthrough on this case. This new development propelled members to seek for Yende who has not been found yet in spite of several attempts to locate him.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call Detective Sergeant Nonhlanhla Khoza on 076 376 9430 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Ends.

Media Enquiries:

Colonel Donald Mdhluli

082 608 6540

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Art & Wine in Wakkerstroom.

All small towns are known to be arty in nature, and Wakkerstroom is high on the list of platteland towns meeting that criterion, with its annually organised music festival, and its arts and crafts fair.

Combined too with the many resident artists who get easily inspired by the changing colours of the landscape, sunsets, the wildflowers, farm life, the animals, birds and people. Many of these people don’t consider themselves as Artists, but produce amazing work, so lets call them Undiscovered if you wish! Save the date … Saturday, 25th November to enjoy an outing to Wakkerstroom, spend some time hunting for gifts and support these local artists. There will be water colour, oil paints and even
pencil drawings.

There’s another popular saying about Wakkerstroom being known “as a birding town with a drinking problem”, or was it; “a drinking town with a birding problem?”

And so, yes, Wakkerstroomers and its visitors are certainly known to also love their wine. Wine is also an art. That’s why we’ve paired the Art in Park idea in the beautiful summer garden of DeKotzenhof from 10am to 3pm with free entrance, and a wine tasting by Johan Kriegler from Vinemark at R50pp from 2.30pm, at the same venue. Like art, we all have our own taste preference, so it’s great to get the opportunity to try before you buy.

All profits of the wine tasting will go to Operation Snowdrop who does wonderful work in Wakkerstroom and beyond.

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Wakkerstroom on track to #TurnOffThePlasticTap.

Wakkerstroom – Following the successful 2023 Wakkerstroom Arts & Craft Fair (WACF) that was held over Heritage Weekend, recycling in Wakkerstroom is gaining strong momentum.

This year the WACF theme was “RE-IMAGINE”, focusing on reusing, remaking and recycling. At the festival launch on 2 September, residents cleaned up the town and afterwards gathered on the stoep at the Wakkerstroom Hotel to help Engela van der Hoven construct her giant installation, #TurnOffThePlasticTap.

The aims of the installation were to draw attention to the dangers of plastic pollution and to support the local recycling initiative, uThaka. Under the leadership of Dr Carol Preston and Sarina Viljoen, uThaka has established a permanent recycling centre at The Beehive on the grounds of the Youth Development Centre. Here, residents may drop off their clean mixed recycling from Tuesday to Friday. Three staff members then sort the items, which are collected by a buyer from Piet Retief every week.

“The fact that we live in such an outlying area is challenging,” says Viljoen. “Fuel is expensive, so the buyer deducts the transport costs from what they pay us for our recycling. But it is the support of the community that pulls us through. They support us through donations and with our fundraising efforts, such as the film we showed on Friday, 27 October. At the moment, the money we raise allows us to run the recycling centre. Our ultimate aim is to raise enough to tackle numerous other projects, including the rehabilitation of the waste dump in Wakkerstroom.”

Many Wakkerstroom residents and project supporters choose to make donations through the Snowdrop Foundation (www.snowdrop.co.za)because then they can deduct their contributions from tax.

One of the projects that will soon come off the ground is a recycling system at Dana Retirement Village. Dr Preston’s presentation to the residents was received with enthusiasm and the plan is currently being finalised. “Recycling is probably the easiest way in which every one of us can contribute to job creation,” she says. “Our waste has value, and by recycling it, we can create value in other people’s lives.”

Wakkerstroom already has a successful glass recycling plant, run by Cynthia Shabalala not far from The Beehive. Residents simply drop their glass over the wall into giant bale bags. The glass is crushed by hand and when a full load is ready, collected by a truck.

On the cards for the future is keeping as much waste as possible out of the dump; encouraging residents to use reusable bags for shopping instead of taking plastic bags; and getting an e-waste recycling system in place.

“We are talking to eWASA regarding the recycling of e-waste. They are registered under the new Extended Producer Responsibility regulations to assist with the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, lighting, portable batteries and paper and packaging. We are working hard to have good news for Wakkerstroom residents about recycling e-waste soon. By working together, we are #StrongerTogether, and that is how we make a difference,” says Dr Preston.

Contact persons:
For Cleaning and Recycling projects:
Sarina: sarina.viljoen@gmail.com
Carol: cranmore.lodge@gmail.com

Engela van der Hoven
Organiser: Wakkerstroom Arts & Craft Fair
vanderhoven@mweb.co.za
mobile: 083 628 8636

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