Graceland Hotel, Casino & Country Club hosted the Annual Golf Fest event this past weekend.
This was the fifteenth year that this exclusive, invitation-only, event was hosted.
Golfers played a 9-hole sundowner on Friday, 8 October – where scores were added to the main event on Saturday, 9 October. A welcome party was held on Friday evening with prize-giving and dinner on Saturday. A succulent lamb was on the spit and the food was excellent.
“We were happy to be able to continue this legendary festival, although it came with changes due to restrictions, we had a successful event with just over 80 golfers attending,” said Pieter de Villiers, General Manager for Graceland, “Thank you to the sponsors and golfers & their families for attending and supporting the event. We look forward to another great event next year.”
“It was my first time being invited to the October golf event. I enjoyed it a lot, I had fun and everyone was friendly. I hope to be invited again next year.” Said Mervyn Naidoo, one of the golfers.
Michael Barnett was very pleased with the event, he is also a golfer “ We were so spoilt over the weekend. I had an enjoyable time, I really enjoyed the Friday night entertainment and vibe, the weekend went by too fast!”
Read more on Graceland Hotel Casino and Country club HERE
Winners details:
1st place: Johan and Pauline Gerber
2nd place: Jay & Pravin Nair
3rd place: Rakesh & Reetesh
4th place: Paul van Biljon & Neels van der Westhuizen
Mpumalanga Premier must act without delay and remove controversial MEC facing charges of murder
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga calls on Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane to immediately act on her controversial Agriculture MEC, Mandla Msibi, who is currently in custody facing charges of murder and attempted murder.
It has been reported that Msibi handed himself over to the Nelspruit Police Station on Monday morning in connection with two counts of murder and attempted murder which allegedly happened in August this year. Msibi appeared briefly at the Nelspruit Magistrate Court where he remains in custody.
Mandla Msibi, MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development
Msibi is not new to controversy. He has been in and out of courts since 2017 for a number of charges which include the following: murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property, robbery, and violent assault. Yet again, he is facing serious charges of murder and attempted murder.
• In July 2017, he was accused of smashing and vandalising a car belonging to a councilor. • In August 2017 he was accused of breaking into, trashing and vandalising a house. • Again in August 2017 he was accused of attempted murder and assault of a person who eventually became partially disabled. • He was also accused of battering a BMW X5 which was subsequently written off. • In 2018, there were reports that he was arrested for malicious damage to property after he allegedly retaliated to community members who accused him of corruption.
“Like a typical politician in the ANC, Msibi survived all the above charges against him,” Said Jane Sithole, DA Leader: Mpumalanga Province, “Leaders must act responsible and earn the trust of the community.”
The DA also calls on the ANC not to use its power to protect Msibi from law enforcement agencies. They must let the investigation take its course, and if he is found guilty, he must be imprisoned like all offenders. The DA will closely monitor such developments.
The DA urge Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane to immediately remove Msibi from her Cabinet if the ANC is serious about their own step aside rule until Msibi’s name is cleared by a court of law.
It is time for the ANC in Mpumalanga to put their money where their mouth is and stop harbouring alleged criminals within their ranks. Msibi must face the full might of the law like any other citizen.
If the Premier fails to act, that will show the people of our Province that she will always put the ANC and his comrades first instead of ensuring Mpumalanga is a safe place for all its citizens.
Only a DA government can restore law and order in our Province, a government that will ensure criminals are put behind bars and not in government offices – a government that gets things done!
A Boiler Water Pump Failure at the Sasol Secunda Operations claims a Life
On Sunday, 10 October 2021 at around 11:45, a foreman at the Nitro Plant at Sasol’s Secunda Operations tragically succumbed to injuries he sustained while attending to a boiler water pump failure.
He was switching boiler water pumps when there was a high-pressure release of hot water, leading to the employee sustaining injuries.
“I am deeply saddened to inform you of the tragic passing of our colleague, Mr Gansen Naidoo yesterday. Mr Naidoo, unfortunately, succumbed to injuries he sustained while attending to a boiler feed water pump. Four other employees who were at the scene were safely evacuated from the area and taken to the Sasol medical centre where they were treated,” Mr Fleetwood Grobler Sasol President and Chief Executive Officer, said in a letter to all employees.
“Mr Naidoo is survived by his wife and two children. We extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Please keep them in your thoughts during this sorrowful and difficult time,” concluded Fleetwood.
Mr Naidoo started his career at Sasol Fibres in Durban in 1993 and from there transferred to Sasol Solvents in Secunda. He was a production foreman at Secunda Operations, Tar, Phenosolvan, Nitro and Sulphur, Fertiliser plant.
Four other employees who were at the scene were safely evacuated from the area and have been taken to the Sasol Medical Centre for medical attention.
The plant has been barricaded and temporarily decommissioned. Sasol is working with the relevant authorities and has commenced an investigation into the accident.
Sasol remains committed to the health and safety of its employees, community, and the environment. Safety will always be prioritised at Sasol and is an area that Sasol will never stop working to improve, so that they eliminate workplace fatalities and high severity injuries.
Fleetwood also pleaded with employees to always treat operational discipline and effective management of safety risks in our plants as a critical priority
MEC in Mpumalanga arrested on charges of Murder and Attempted Murder
Voice note by Brig V Naidoo
Update on MEC arrested.
The MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mandla Msibi appeared in court today on charges of murder (2) and attempted murder.
The Mandla Msibi was remanded in custody for a formal bail application
Mandla Msibi MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development
Pretoria: 11 October 2021 – This morning a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) in Mpumalanga, accompanied by his attorney, handed himself over to police in Nelspruit in connection with at least two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The 45-year-old MEC is alleged to have been involved in a shooting where two people were fatally shot and a third person wounded on Sunday, 22 August 2021 in Nelspruit.
His arrest brings to three the total number of people arrested in connection with this case. On 17 September 2021 police arrested Joseph Charlie Ngwenya (35) and Tshepo Matsane (30). They both appeared in court at least twice before being granted bail of R20 000 each on Friday, 8 October 2021.
In the meantime, the MEC is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court soon on the murder and attempted murder charges.
The next step was to put all the wheels in motion for his rescue.
The Bethal SPCA responded immediately to the information received from The Bulletin.
Roger was found in extremely poor conditions. He had a very short chain around his neck and had no water or food. His ribs were showing and he seemed to have lost his will to live.
It was clear that Roger has been neglected for a very long time.
Bethal SPCA confiscated Roger from these squalid conditions on the spot.
Roger now had to be treated for several issues. His hair was falling out due to malnutrition. He did not know how to respond to people. He was very skinny and weak.
The slow road to healing began.
Dr Bosch in Secunda treated Roger.
Roger has now recovered and is eager to find a new home.
The stay in the kennels are also now affecting Roger and he desperately needs his new forever home.
If you could help to give Roger the home he needs please contact Bethal SPCA at 0663971630.
Let us make a difference in his life.
There are also two beautiful Border Collies at Bethal SPCA that were surrendered to them. The owners emigrated and hoping that someone will adopt them, they surrendered the pair to Bethal SPCA. They are very playful and friendly.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER DELIGHTED OVER HEFTY SENTENCE HANDED DOWN TO MAN AFTER MURDERING THE MOTHER OF HIS SON
Nelspruit: The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela is delighted over the hefty sentence that was handed down to a 30-year-old murderer. The sentence was imposed today, Wednesday, 06 October 2021 by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court which was sitting at Breyten to a man who murdered the mother of his two-year-old son at Piet Retief on 11 February 2021.
The decision to sentence the accused (his name is withheld for the protection of the minor) was taken after enough evidence was presented in court which revealed details on how he brutally stabbed the 20-year-old woman to death.
The court heard that on the said day the man went to visit the mother of his child where she was residing with her grandmother and her son. Upon his arrival, the grandmother, at the time was unaware that their relationship was over, she (grandmother) then went and informed her granddaughter that she had a visitor. The two were left whilst the granny baby looked after the child.
Moments later the boy child was sent to fetch something in her mother’s room and that is when it was discovered that the victim was stabbed and left bleeding profusely in a pool of blood by the accused who fled the scene thereafter. She was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics and a murder case was opened accordingly by the police at Piet Retief. An investigation commenced and a manhunt was launched for the suspect.
The following day (12 February 2021) the accused handed himself to police at Piet Retief and he was charged accordingly but never pleaded guilty when he appeared in court even throughout the trial. Nonetheless, he was convicted yesterday (05 October 2021).
Prior to his sentencing today, the accused surprisingly asked the Acting Judge of the High Court, Takalani Vincent Ratshibvumo, to apologize to the woman’s family. When he was offered the opportunity to do so, the accused then said that he killed the victim, motivated by selfishness and jealousy after she decided to end the abusive relationship.
However, the Acting Judge was unequivocal in his decision and indicated that he does not have a reason to deviate from the prescribed sentence of life imprisonment for similar charges as the accused showed no remorse throughout the trial hence he was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner further applauded the sterling work done by the team of Detectives, the Prosecution team as well as the Judiciary which culminated in the hefty sentence. The General also took the opportunity to send a stern warning to perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence that tough punishment will be imposed on such offenders.
ThisMedia statement was issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga
ANIMALS 101 – HERE ARE SOME TRAVEL & SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR FUR-FAMILY.
Travelling with your animal family members can create wonderful memories, but it’s not always easy. Make sure you’re well prepared before you hit the road. There are many things to consider before you take your pet on a road trip, including the temperament, size & safety of your pet.
FIVE TOP TIPS for a Doggy Road Trip by Dr. Karen Becker (a holistic veterinarian in Canada)
1. Help Your Dog Love Car Rides — Some dogs seem to be hard-wired to love car rides. Others, not so much. If your dog has extreme anxiety about car travel, you may want to rethink a road trip, but there are ways to help your dog learn that a car ride is fun, starting with baby steps. Taking shorter rides can help. Experiment with taking trips when your dog has an empty stomach versus a few treats first. Some dogs do better travelling on an empty stomach while others do best with a small amount of food in their tummy.
Motion sickness – Some pets do experience motion sickness when travelling. Just about every cat we know hates car trips, and many show their displeasure by throwing up as soon as the key is turned in the ignition. A veterinarian in Avon, Connecticut made a fascinating discovery when one of his senior feline patients was fitted with an E-collar (veterinary cone) after a minor surgical procedure. For the first time in his life, the kitty didn’t throw up on the car ride home. Since then, the vet has recommended the E-collar for several more cats and a few dogs, and it has worked to relieve their motion sickness as well.
2. Put Safety First — You probably wouldn’t even consider driving in your car without a seat belt, and you shouldn’t allow your dog to ride unrestrained either. When your car is in motion, I recommend most dogs stay in a crate that fits your pet snugly, with enough room to be comfortable but not excess room (which poses a risk to your pet in an accident). Alternatively, you can use a safety harness to restrain your pet in the car, but be sure it has been crash-test certified for safety. See more safety tips below!
3. Plan Extra Time for Pit Stops — Travelling with a dog is not unlike travelling with a small child, in that you’ll need to plan extra time for plenty of stops along the way. Your dog will need to stop to go to the bathroom and let your dog stretch his legs every few hours. Plan to have clean up supplies on hand, along with your dog’s leash and harness, water bowl and fresh water to drink. Be sure to plan for mealtimes.
Ideally, feed your dog in the morning before you leave and again at night once you’ve settled into your hotel. If you’ll be stopping to eat along the way, plan to do so at a location where your pet can accompany you, as pets shouldn’t be left unattended in cars.
4. Pack for Your Pet — When travelling with your pet, you’ll need to bring all necessities, including items like poop bags and food bowls, but don’t forget to also pack some of your dog’s favourite toys, blankets and, depending on size, even his bed to remind him of home. You should also make sure your dog is wearing a collar with a current ID tag at all times, and pack a pet first aid kit in the event of an emergency. A recent photo on your phone is also recommended, in the event you become separated. A registered microchip is advised as collars can be removed.
5. Expect the Unexpected — If you’re expecting a road trip with your dog to be entirely free of hiccups, you may want to re-evaluate your expectations beforehand. Bringing your dog on vacation may provide you with wonderful new memories together and extra time to bond, provided your dog is truly up for the adventure. However, it can also cause extra stress on both you and your pet, especially if things don’t go exactly as planned. Be prepared to be flexible in your plans and keep your dog’s best interest in mind, even if it means skipping an activity or two.
If your dog is generally nervous or fearful, he’ll probably prefer to stay home, but even outgoing, confident dogs may have some anxiety when thrust into a new environment and routine. In this case, spraying your car or hotel room with Rescue Remedy or other anxiety-reducing flower essences may help take the edge off a potentially stressful situation. Talk to your veterinarian in advance about the options.
Photo from Dr. Karen Becker (Facebook)
LET US TALK SAFETY!
A recent study confirms what almost all of us already know — pets riding in cars should be restrained. The study showed that free-roaming pets in vehicles increase driver distractions, unsafe driving behaviour, and stress for both drivers and pets. For everyone’s safety, including your pet’s, it’s important to secure him or her with a preferably crash-tested harness, travel crate, or travel carrier. You also get clips that go around the safety belt and then attached to their harness (Don’t use a collar for travel!).
Never drive with your pet in the front seat — In the event of a collision, your dog or cat can be thrown into the windshield, even if restrained. Deployment of the passenger side airbag can also be dangerous to a small pet.
Never drive with your pet on your lap — It is not only a serious distraction to driving, but your pet can get caught under the steering wheel and cause an accident or be thrown forward in a collision.
Never drive with your pet unrestrained — Not only can your pet be a distraction, but an abrupt stop can cause him to fall and be injured. In the event of an accident, your frightened dog or cat may jump from your vehicle and run into moving traffic, be hit by other vehicles, or become lost.
Never allow your pet to lean out your car window — Debris can fly into your pet’s eyes and cause abrasions or punctures that could result in blindness.
Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle — Depending on the breed, level of anxiety, and the time of year, some people may be tempted to leave their pet in the car while running a short errand. Even during cooler months, never leave your dog unattended in your vehicle, no matter how short a period of time, to avoid extreme temperatures and hypothermia / heat stroke.
Thousands of dogs get hurt or die annually when travelling on the back of a truck/bakkie. You would not let your 3-year-old ride alone on the truck, would you? They are your responsibility, keep them safe!
Thanks for tuning in! Next week we will look at pets, noise phobias and thunderstorms.
Ready for fun, mud, laughter and team work at the annual Warrior Princesses?
Warrior Princesses – a fun muddy obstacle course for ladies!
Fun, laughter and teamwork, throw in some muddy obstacle courses and you have the Warrior Princesses! Every year the ladies come together at Lake Umuzi Kamp Oase and have loads of fun going over, under and through the obstacles. Twenty twenty-one will be no different! For the 5th year, Laerskool Goedehoop and Lake Umuzi Kamp Oase will be hosting the Warrior Princesses on 16 October 2021.
The event was first held in 2017 and grew from strength to strength. 2021 is no exception even though we are still struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic. Participation will still be extremely fun, and all Covid-19 regulations and procedures will be adhered to at all times.
Warrior Princesses are only for ladies aged from 9 to 99 years. The oldest participating lady was 66 years young – age is but a number!
No worries if you don’t go to the gym, the course is designed to accommodate ladies young and old! Click here to register for Warrior Princesses 2021 – you don’t want to miss out!
Ready for fun, mud, laughter and teamwork at the annual Warrior Princesses?
The event will be overseen by a team of safety guards, marshals and professional medical services, so participants can rest assured that they will be taken care of throughout the course of the day. Non-participating family members and friends are also welcome, as designated areas will be available for spectators providing moral support. To always be in the loop visit us at Secunda Warrior Princesses.
From 23 to 25 September 2021, the Misty Waters Music Festival took place at Lake Umuzi Kamp Oase in Secunda. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the festival organisers had to reschedule numerous times, but by September all indications were that the festival could go ahead without any complications or regulations hindering the plans.
Misty Waters was the first festival to take place since Covid-19 struck South Africa. The excitement could be felt and festies were hungry to come out and see their favourite bands on stage. People from all over the country and even Swaziland came to enjoy this 3-day musical adventure.
The line-up was jam-packed with the best blues, rock, folk and indie bands that South Africa has to offer. Pilgrim South, a local rock band was the closing act on Thursday, and it was noticeable how starved festies were for music as they stayed up until the early hours of the morning to enjoy this Secunda band.
All accommodation at Lake Umuzi sold out quickly and the limited number of tickets that could be sold created an intimate open-air musical experience.
The organisers are excited to announce that the plans for the next Misty Waters Music Festival are well on their way and that tickets will be open for sale by the end of October 2021.
The next Misty Waters will move back to its original date, the first weekend in May, and the line-up will be just as jam-packed with local talent, as always.
If you are one of the unlucky few that could not attend the festival then we have a consolation prize. Albert Frost will be performing at Zebra Lounge for 2 nights in October.
Albert Frost is a South African blues singer, rock guitarist and producer who has been performing since 1989. In 2017 he won the SAMA Award for Best Rock Album for The Wake Up. He was also voted as Best Blues guitarist in South Africa by Stage Magazine. This fact, however, shouldn’t let you underestimate the man’s serious Rock abilities.
Be sure to purchase your tickets to witness this man rock the Zebra Lounge stage. Tickets can be bought on Quicket.com
