The Bulletin News – Page 114

Dads Charity visits Sasol N17 Plaza

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October 20, 2021

Dads Charity visit the Sasol N17 Plaza today and donated to Marietjie school

It was time again for the yearly visit by cycling enthusiasts with great hearts.

Dads Charity visited the Sasol N17 Plaza today as they have been doing for the past few years. Last year, COVID played havoc with their plans but this year things are nearly back to normal.

“We would like to give to this community also, said Nadia from Dads Charity, “we will be donating R5000 to Marietjie school for learners with special education needs.”

Dads Charity visited Sasol N17 Plaza today and donated R5000 to Marietjie school

DADS Charity is short for Dedicated Ambassadors Delivering Support
to children in need (DADS)

Founded in 2005 with a very humble beginning, DADS Charity is a growing community making a difference. Born in cycling, their core mission is about doing what they love and using the resources available to them to make a difference to the people they support.

The focus is children and education through the four main charities they are connected to.

The charities are:

CHOC – Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (https://choc.org.za/)
TDSAG – The Down Syndrome Association of Gauteng (https://tdsag.co.za/)
Kids Haven (https://kidshaven.co.za/)
Fulton School for the Deaf (https://www.fulton.org.za/)

There is a dream inside the heart of every man, woman and child, to be loved and to love.

The following is directly from their website https://dadscharity.co.za/

WHY do we exist…

People don’t always support WHAT you do… they tend to connect more with WHY you do it. Our aim is to then always connect beyond that by highlighting the WHO.

By connecting our community with WHY we do what we do and for WHO – we are able to connect directly with the part of the brain that controls behaviour.

This is what being part of DADS is all about and we share a common purpose.

Founded in 2005 with a very humble beginning, DADS Charity is a growing brand & community making a difference. Born in cycling, our core mission is about doing what we love and using the resources available to us to make a difference in the lives of the people we support.

Our vision is in our name, being Dedicated Ambassadors Delivering Support to children in need.

The focus of our support is children and education through the 4 main charities we are currently connected to:

CHOC – Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa
TDSAG – The Down Syndrome Association of Gauteng
Kids Haven
Fulton School for the Deaf

The DADS community is connected through our WhatsApp group, Facebook page, Newsletters and various events. We raise support through time, money and things – connecting those who have to those who need it.

Not everyone has a budget to spend, but everyone is able to offer a skill, resource or a bit of their time to make a difference.

WHAT we do connects us, WHY we do it defines us and WHO we do it for inspires us to keep doing it. Anyone can be part of DADS Charity – get in touch with us today.

It is absolutely great that people such as those supporting the DADS Charity would invest in children with special needs.

So often society neglects these children.

Kids Haven

Kids Haven is in Benoni, in the Ekurhuleni Metro in Gauteng. The Organization has two sites in Benoni.

The center accommodates older boys age 12+ and is next door to our administration building and community preschool in Cranbourne Avenue in Benoni town.

We have six houses sharing a common garden in the nearby suburb of Mackenzie Park North. Our younger children and older girls live here.

Fulton School for the Deaf

Fulton School for the Deaf is an establishment devoted to the education of profoundly deaf and hearing-impaired children and offers them quality Pre-Primary, Primary and High School education. It is over 50 years old, founded in 1959, and has a proud history of achievement in its specialised educational field.

The school is situated at 8 Roosevelt Road, Gillitts (near Hillcrest, outside the city of Durban), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is driven strongly by its Vision of “Excellence in Deaf Education” and lives by its motto “Intellego et Procedo (I Understand and I Advance)”. The school offers boarding facilities (Monday to Friday) to those children whose families live far afield. The school provides a daily bus service to Pinetown and surrounding areas for day scholars.

Fulton School for the Deaf is assisted financially by the Department of Education but relies heavily on private funding.

CHOC – Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa

CHOC is a non-profit organisation made up of caring, committed and passionate people who stand up for and support the well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families.

CHOC aims to save lives through early detection and making the journey of those who are affected by childhood cancer, less burdensome through the comprehensive support programmes we offer.

The Down Syndrome Association

In South Africa, Down syndrome is the largest single cause of intellectual disabilities,
affecting 1 in every 500 children born each year.

Down syndrome is not a disease and is not contagious. It is a chromosomal disorder arising at conception. It is no one’s “fault”. It cannot be cured.

Down syndrome causes delays in intellectual development, and also affects physical and cognitive development.

Also read: Minister of Police opens Daggaskraal police station.

Minister of Police opens Daggaskraal police station.

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 19, 2021

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Minister of Police opens Daggaskraal police station.

ACCESS TO A RESPONSIVE POLICE SERVICE IS NOT A PRIVILEGE BUT A RIGHT: POLICE MINISTER

The leadership of the police have descended to Mpumalanga Province to officially opened Daggakraal Police Station. The Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, the MEC for the Department of Community Safety, Safety and Liaison, MEC Vusi Shongwe, the National Commissioner, General Kehla Sitole as well as the Deputy National Commissioner: Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Ntshinga also formed part of the dignitaries at the event.

The event was hosted by the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela and amongst the leaders in the Province, was the provincial traditional leader, Inkhosi Ngomane and The Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, Councillor Chirwa as well as the Representative of the Mayor of Pixley-ka-Seme Local Municipality, Councillor Simelane and the Provincial Board Chairperson, Mr Pillay.

“The South African Police Service must continue to fast track the accessibility to a police officer or police services for all South Africans and those who live within our borders,” said Police Minister, General Bheki Cele

This as the Police Minister and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service together with the Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, on Monday 18 October 2021, opened a state of the art police station in Daggakraal in Mpumalanga.

The rural community of Daggakraal is grappling with high incidents of stock theft, housebreaking and various cases of assault and sexual violence. Residents of this area had been reliant on a satellite station to access police services.

Also read: 7 dead in Horror crash between Bethal and Kriel

As part of efforts by the South African Police Service to bring services and resources closer to the people, the newly unveiled police station boasts amongst other things, a community service centre, holding cells and victim-friendly rooms (VFR) to accommodate victims and survivors of Gender-Based Violence. 51 operational and non-operational officers will report to work at this station to better serve the 35 thousand strong Daggakraal community.

The occasion of the official opening of the Daggakraal police station also saw the Police Ministry and the SAPS top management conduct a community engagement session, to better understand and respond to the needs of people living in and around the area.

“SAPS is continuing its service delivery programme that’s informed by population growth and spatial development.” Minister Cele told the residents gathered in response to some concerns raised that included the concerns about long distances residents have to travel to report a crime as well as the slow response time of law enforcement.

“The access to a responsive police service should not be a privilege but a right that we as government are working each day to achieve, the strategic deployment of resources must mean that residents of any community don’t have to walk kilometres on end or rely on an expensive taxi or bus ride to access policing services. People should not have to choose between putting food on the table and going to report a crime.” – Cele concluded.

The Daggakraal police station joins the list of 1 159 police stations that are servicing communities across the country.

Find the contact details of your SAPS HERE

7 dead in Horror crash between Bethal and Kriel

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 17, 2021

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7 dead in Horror crash between Bethal and Kriel

7 people killed in horror crash early this morning on the R545

MEC Shongwe saddened as R545 Road claims seven lives

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe has called for increased cautious driving following the loss of seven lives on R545 Road between Kriel and Bethal early this morning.

The seven were killed at the scene when an articulated truck and a minibus collided head-on. The deceased were all occupants in the minibus and they include the driver.

The driver of the truck escaped with slight injuries.

It is not clear as to what caused the crash but the investigation is already underway.

It is believed the minibus was from Bethel to Kriel while the truck was travelling in the opposite direction.

Also read: Poacher sentenced to long prison time

” It sad that during October Transport Month when road safety is under the spotlight, we lose so many people in a single incident. We are once more appealing to motorists to obey the rules and always prioritize their safety and that of other road users,” says MEC Shongwe.

He is sending condolences to the bereaved families.

Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison

Kruik se Oggenddiens 17 Oktober 2021

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 16, 2021

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Welkom by Kruik se oggenddiens van 17 oktober 2021

Vanoggend se tema: “Wysheid Mites”

Kruik Oggenddiens 17 Oktober 2021

Daar is ‘n groot verskil tussen informasie en wysheid! Is jy wys? Of… hoe kan jy wysheid bekom of met wysheid omgaan?

Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 10 Oktober 2021

Preeknotas + besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/48781904

Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 maniere:

1.Gee Aanlyn (Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, Rek nr: 1510140016)

2.Gee deur Zapper – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.

Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (072 133 6130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za

Geniet die diens saam ons!

Die Naam van Jesus D. Carson, E. Cash, M. Redman, J. Reeves & C. Tomlin ©️ 2010 Vamos Publishing CCLI#573661

What A Beautiful Name B. Fielding & B. Ligertwood ©️ 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI#573661

Laerskool Kruinpark se Landsdiens Groentetuin Projek

Schools Cultural

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 16, 2021

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Laerskool Kruinpark se Landsdiens Groentetuin Projek

Laerskool Kruinpark se Landsdiens het 3 jaar terug besluit op ‘n groentetuin as ‘n projek.

Die doel van hierdie groentetuin is om die senior Landsdiens lede die geleentheid te gee om in die tuin te werk wat een van die liefdes van Landsdiens is, naamlik Liefde vir Arbeid. So saam met die arbeid leer Landsdieners ook dan meer van plant, groente en hoe om na ‘n groentetuin om te sien. Die oeste word dan onder meer deur Laerskool Kruinpark se Landsdiens aan instansies so Davies Hof, House of Mercy en Janelle Huis geskenk.

Die groentetuin beeld liefde vir die medemens uit. Dit is ‘n hartsprojek om week na week na die groentetuin om te sien, om te sien hoe die groente groei en die groente te versorg. Meneer Corrie Smit, het die afgelope Oktober vakansie saam met ‘n paar van die Landsdiens lede in die tuin gewerk, en die groente wat so paar weke terug geplant is kom al mooi op.

Corrie het ook ‘n besproeiingsstelsel geïnstalleer. Dit help baie om gereeld vir die groente water te gee. Sodra die volgende oes reg is sal dit weer aan die bogenoemde instansies geskenk word. Binne die volgende paar weke sal die eerste groente reeds gereed wees om geoes te word.

Kruinpark se besproeiingsisteem. — Meneer Corrie Smit het ‘n besproeiingstelsel gedurende die Oktober vakansie installeer.

“Dit is so lekker om te sien hoe trots die kinders is as hulle sien dat daar vrug op hulle arbeid was,” het Juffrou Jolinda van der Merwe, Hoof van Laerskool Kruinpark se Landsdiens gesê, “Deur deel te neem aan projekte soos dié, ontwikkel kinders ook ‘n sin vir verantwoordelikheid en trots op hulself, wat uiteindelik ook selfbeeld bou.”

Die Landsdiens Groentetuin is een van die projekte waarop Laerskool Kruinpark baie trots is. Die hoop is dat hierdie projek in tyd sal momentum kry en dat dit ‘n langdurige volhoubare projek sal wees waarby Landsdieners vir jare lank nog by betrokke sal kan wees.

Laerskool Kruinpark se Groentetuin vorder. — Laerskool Kruinpark se Groentetuin het al mooi gevorder.

Daar is nog baie ruimte vir groei en die Landsdiens verwelkom enige hulp en raad om hulle in hierdie projek te ondersteun! Natuurlik het hulle ‘n hele paar planne vir die toekoms, soos ‘n kweekhuis en ‘n tonnel/skadunet, as enige persoon by dit wil betrokke raak, is hulle welkom om die skool te kontak by bemarking@kruinpark.co.za, hulp is altyd welkom.

Die kweekhuis sal dit makliker maak vir die Landsdieners om saadjies in ‘n veilige plek te kweek voor hulle dit oorplant en ook gereedskap mooi te kan bêre.

‘n Tonnel of skadunet vir die groentetuin gaan die groente beskerm teen die somerhitte, dit verlaag ook die temperatuur waarin die groente moet groei. Sou dit hael, beskerm dit ook die groente teen skade. Die grootste voordeel van ‘n skadunet is dat terwyl dit beskerming bied, dit steeds genoeg sonlig deurlaat en ook reënval water deurlaat. Dit bied ook ‘n effense skut teen voëls wat baie van die groente hou!

As daar groentetuin liefhebbers is wat wil saadjies of saailinge skenk aan die Landsdieners, wat hulle weet maklik in Secunda sal groei, is julle ook welkom om met die skool kontak te maak en sodoende die projek sal help om te groei

Lees ook meer oor Laerskool Kruinpark se Redenaars prestasies HIER.

“Almal by die Laerskool Kruinpark geniet dit terdeë om te sien hoe die groente groei en week na week ontwikkel,” het Me. Anita de Beer, Laerskool Kruinpark se Bemarker aan die Bulletin gesê.

Om meer van Laerskool Kruinpark se nuus, gebeurtenisse en spognuus te weet of te sien wat die skool alles bied, volg hulle op FB by Laerskool Kruinpark Amptelik.

Poacher sentenced to long prison time

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 16, 2021

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PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER GLADLY WELCOMES A SENTENCE HANDED DOWN TO A POACHER

Nelspruit: 15 October 2021 – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has gladly welcomed a sentence handed down by the Skukuza Regional Court to a poacher, aged 38 yesterday, Thursday, 14 October 2021.

The court sentenced Simon Mahumbane Lubisi after enough evidence was presented by the state against him. It is said that on 26 October 2014 a white rhinoceros was killed in the Lower Sabi section.

Field rangers from the Crocodile Bridge, Lower Sabi and Skukuza that reported on duty that day were on high alert after the said incident and as they were patrolling the area, they came across a group of poachers. That encounter was followed by a gunbattle resulting in one of the poachers fatally wounded whilst Lubisi was amongst the three that were arrested.

Also read: 5 Suspects arrested with explosives, AK-47

The accused as well as two of his teammates were granted bail when they appeared in court but thereafter they absconded. After failing to attend court, warrants of arrest were issued against them. A manhunt was then launched for the three men and in 2019 Lubisi was arrested but his fellows are still at large.

The accused went on trial and on Thursday (14 October 202) the case was finalised at the Skukuza Regional Court where Lubisi was convicted and sentenced as follows:

On a count of trespassing in the national park, he was sentenced to three years imprisonment. Meanwhile, on a count of hunting of rhinoceros in the national park, the accused was sentenced to ten years imprisonment. The accused was further sentenced to five years imprisonment for a count of conspiracy to commit a crime. Lastly, the accused was slapped with one-year imprisonment on a count of being in possession of a dangerous weapon. Therefore, Lubisi was effectively sentenced to languish in prison for 19 years.

The Provincial Commissioner further indicated that the sentence would serve as a deterrence to others who might consider emulating the actions of the accused.

Find your local police station details HERE

5 Suspects arrested with explosives, AK-47

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 16, 2021

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5 Suspects arrested with explosives, AK-47

JOINT OPERATION YIELDS POSITIVE RESULTS AS FIVE SUSPECTS WERE NABBED AND EXPLOSIVES, AS WELL AS AN AK-47 RIFLE, CONFISCATED

Nelspruit: 15 October 2021 – A joint operation between members of the SAPS from Komatipoort Crime Intelligence and Vispol at Matsulu yielded positive results as five suspects aged between 20 and 37 were arrested yesterday, Thursday, 14 October 2021.

The suspects were apprehended at Matsulu and Pienaar respectively for possession of explosives, possession of an AK-47 rifle, as well as for armed robbery and for contravention of a protection order.

According to information as reported, the said members intercepted a group of about four suspects who were on a mission to commit crime around Matsulu area. An operation was then conducted where certain identified houses were searched and as a result, explosives as well as the said rifle, which is prohibited by law were recovered.

Also read: Msibi arrest will have far-reaching repercussions

Police believe that their arrest will assist in resolving some of the robbery cases in the area and the surrounding areas. The seized rifle will form part of the probe and one of the arrested suspects has been in the run for quite some time as he was sought for other crimes that he allegedly committed.

Meanwhile, the fifth suspect was arrested by the said members after information was brought to them (members) that he allegedly violated a Protection Order. The suspects are due to appear before court soon.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has welcomed their arrest and applauded the members for their resilience in ensuring that illegal firearms are removed from society.

The General further admired the collaborative work displayed by the team in ensuring that the suspects were brought to book.

Find your local police station details HERE

Msibi arrest will have far-reaching repercussions

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 13, 2021

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Msibi arrest will have far-reaching repercussions

THE ARREST OF MPUMALANGA ANC STRONG-MAN MANDLA MSIBI WILL HAVE FAR-REACHING REPERCUSSIONS IN THE ANC BODY-POLITIC IN THE PROVINCE, WRITES BENZI KA-SOKO.

**Benzi Ka-Soko – Independent Political Analyst and Writer.**

ANC strong man in the Mpumalanga Province Mr Mandla Msibi has been arrested and charged with serious allegations of murder and attempted murder.

The charges stem from fatalities that took place in one of the ANC meetings as the party is galvanizing its members for the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Matter of fact, Mr Msibi has been running the ANC Elections Campaign as its Manager.

It should also be stated that he forms part of the political faction popularly known as Focus led by Mr Mandla Ndlovu who is the current Acting ANC Chairperson.

This development will undoubtedly and arguably weaken the Focus faction and strengthen the faction led by Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane and by extension, other factions including the DDD faction marshalled by Dr David Dube.

The political situation in Mpumalanga is volatile as a result of factionalism, gatekeeping, patronage and cronyism.

This is the province that has notoriously become known for political assassinations pivotal amongst those are Jimmy Mohlala, Parks Mpatlanyane, James Nkambule, Bomber Ntshangase to name just a few.

The ANC Step-Aside Rule has caused a lot of political brouhaha in its political anatomy.

There is a serious political dichotomy of opinion wherein opposing factions argue that it is being implemented to purge one group against the other and that its implementation is wearing factionalist spectacles.

The ongoing violence and anarchy characterizing ANC meetings is an attestation of the fact that the party is at war with itself.

Also read: MEC Msibi removed from PEC

In the final analysis, the recent developments in Mpumalanga confirm the fact that the ANC is facing serious intra-party divisions brought about by the Sins of Incumbency.

The political pandemonium taking place in ANC branches is a microcosm of the ANC in all Provinces across the length and breadth of the country.

The fact that Mr Msibi is arguing that the charges against him are politically motivated reveals the deep-seated nature of differences in the ANC Political Hierarchy.

Perhaps, it is time that the ANC should decisively deal with its demons in a more pragmatic manner as opposed to papering over cracks for political expediency and posturing.

Whether the ANC will succeed in these endeavours of unifying its members, only time will tell.

The clock is ticking!!!

Benzi Ka-Soko writes in his personal capacity as an Independent Political Analyst and Writer.

ANIMALS 101 – HOW TO COMFORT YOUR STORM-PHOBIC PET

Community news

Ancois van Zyl

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October 13, 2021

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ANIMALS 101 – HOW TO COMFORT YOUR STORM-PHOBIC PET

ANIMALS 101 – IF YOUR PET BECOMES ANXIOUS OR FEARFUL DURING STORMS OR FIREWORKS, THEY MAY HAVE A NOISE PHOBIA.

Some pets become anxious or panicked not only due to the noise of a storm but due to the flashes of lightning, rain, wind, odours or changes in barometric pressure and this could indicate a storm phobia. Storm phobias tend to get worse over time instead of better, so for this reason, the earlier you start treatment to help your pet cope, the better.

There is always an increase in lost pets after thunderstorms or fireworks and it is preventable! Remember you are responsible for their well-being!

TOP 4 TIPS

Creating a safe space for them to retreat to, is one of the first things to do!
Make sure your yard is secure and safe as many pets who try to escape get stuck on palisades or hurt on other fencing.
Make sure they are micro-chipped AND that you registered the microchip on more than one database. Make sure your micro-chip information is up to date as well as your animal having an up-to-date tag on their collar. This is a big challenge when we find pets with out-of-date details.
Consult with a fear-free trainer to help desensitize you pet.

Also read: ANIMALS 101 – TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PETS.

NOISE PREPARATION TIPS (From Beyond Behaviour)

Use a teaspoon to knock on various surfaces around the house and follow up with a treat. This teaches your dog that startling sounds predict yummy food.
Teach your pet to use a Kong or chew toy so that they can engage in this calming activity during the next thunderstorm occasion.
If you know your pet is prone to extreme stress during this time, then see your Veterinarian before the time for some medication. Do not use human medication! Talk to your vet about natural calming remedies.

Watch this video for more details.

ANIMALS — Photo from Dr. Karen Becker (Facebook)

WHAT TO DO DURING THUNDERSTORMS

On the day of the expected thunderstorms, look for your animals, especially cats, before it starts.
Close windows and curtains so your pet is not startled by sudden flashes.
Keep your pets indoors with windows, doors and pet doors shut & secured so they can’t escape when spooked.
If your cat is not used to being indoors, provide extra litter boxes inside.
Provide your pet with food before the thunderstorm as it can help calm them or they might be too stressed to eat later.
Create a safe spot for your pet to retreat to when they’re feeling anxious about an approaching storm. It should be indoors, in an interior room of your home, one with no windows, if possible. Place a crate in the space along with bedding, water, treats and a toy. Anything that can help mask the sounds. Cats also feel secure in and loves boxes.
Put on the TV or soft calming music, to mute the thunderstorm bangs.
If your pet is hiding, don’t try to lure them out. This can make them become more anxious & stressed.
Distract your pet with treats or play time if they are pacing or displaying nervous behaviour. Give them something to chew. Play with your pet during thunderstorms. Creating an association between play and the cracks of lightning will aid in generalizing a positive emotional state during thunderstorms or fireworks.
Stay home with your pets in these frightening times as you would with frightened children.
Stay calm as they can feel your anxiety.
For some, a weighted blanket or wrapping helps too.

NOTE: If you find a lost dog, please take them to the SPCA or local shelter.

Thank you for tuning in! Next week we will look at animal enrichment.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

MEC Msibi removed from PEC

Encee van Huyssteen

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October 12, 2021

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STATEMENT BY PREMIER REFILWE MTSHWENI-TSIPANE ON RELEASING HON MANDLA MSIBI FROM HIS ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS MEC

The Premier of Mpumalanga, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane heald a press briefing this afternoon. Here is her full statement as received from her office.

premier msibi — **Mandla Msibi MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development**

I hereby wish to announce that I have decided, after consultation with the ANC leadership in the Province, to release MEC Mandla Msibi, responsible for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, from his position in the Provincial Executive Council, with immediate effect. I am doing so in the light of his much-publicized detention yesterday the 11th of October 2021.

The decision to release MEC Msibi has been taken into consideration of the seriousness of the charges he is facing, as well as the impact that same will have on his work as an Executive Authority in government. After all, it is to be expected that he should dedicate a fair amount of time to the case he is facing. It is common cause that the governing ANC has set itself a particular moral standard that all of us as its public representatives have to abide by.

Also read: DA calls on Mpu Premier to act on Murder Accused MEC

Whilst I release MEC Msibi from his role and responsibilities, I wish to emphasize and accordingly observe the two basic pillars of our jurisprudence: the right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise, and the right to equality before the law.

In the meantime, I have determined that MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, MEC Busisiwe Shiba, will continue to act in Hon Mandla Msibi’s position until it would have been filled substantively.

Mandla Msibi is a comrade of mine, whom I have known and worked with over many years. I hold him in very high regard. and shall continue to so do until proven otherwise. In this regard, I can only hope that this unfortunate event will afford him the opportunity to reflect deeply.

It remains for me to thank Cde Mandla Msibi for his collegiality and commitment during his tenure as MEC in the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.