MEDICLINIC HIGHVELD NOW OFFERS DIRECT BOOKING FOR COVID19 VACCINATION
Mediclinic is currently operating more than 30 COVID-19 vaccination centres across South Africa, providing access for any eligible member of the public who still needs to be vaccinated. Accessing a vaccine has now become easier, with the launch of the Mediclinic Vaccination Booking portal – allowing direct access to booking at any of these facilities.
To date, we have been serving those clients allocated by the Department of Health’s EVDS system and a limited number of walk-ins. Mediclinic is proud to confirm that our clients now have the convenience of booking their own appointment at Mediclinic Highveld or any other Mediclinic vaccination centre at a time and date convenient to them.
“We are very encouraged by the influx of requests for vaccination since the last age restrictions for eligibility were removed. Our vaccination centres have noted the uptake in vaccinations, and we are pleased to make this process more accessible,” says Dr Gerrit de Villiers, Chief Clinical Officer of Mediclinic Southern Africa. “However, we feel it is vitally important for all ages to get vaccinated, which is why we are trying to make it simpler and easier to get a vaccine. The community around our hospitals will no longer need to concern themselves about transport or unknown waiting times as our hospitals are conveniently located.”
Mediclinic strongly emphasises the need for the public to protect their own health and the health of others by being vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccinations have demonstrated that they dramatically reduce the risk of becoming severely ill from the virus, as well as reducing the risk of death. We ask community members to please assist others who need help with registering.
A list of facilities and the specific vaccine being offered are available on the Mediclinic website or via direct link.
The process is a simple one:
Make sure you are registered on the Department of Health’s EVDS system (https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/)
If needed, you can cancel a booking, and make a new one should you need to change the date or time for any reason.
Visit the vaccination centre on your appointment date and make the choice for a healthier future!
Vaccination services are offered to both medical aid and non-medical aid members. Walk-ins will continue to be assisted, but priority will be given to those individuals who have made an appointment. This ensures that we can best manage the flow of individuals through the facility.
We trust that this will allow the community around our hospitals to fast track their appointment to protect their health. Bookings can be made for first or second Pfizer vaccines at those facilities offering that vaccine, with the proviso that the 42 day period has elapsed for the second vaccine at the date chosen for the second dose.
Get your vaccine today – it is #OurBestShot at a healthier future!
Mariaan Chamberlain, Secunda’s own Iron Lady, we’re treated to a day of pampering as a token of appreciation for all her dedication and hard work.
Mariaan Chamberlain Photo by Zelda Terblanche Photography
Mariaan Chamberlain is known to most people as the one with all the answers regarding Power interruptions, water problems and refuse removal, not to mention sewer spillages,
Govan Mbeki is plagued with service delivery issues. Residents complain on all social media platforms regarding their municipal problems.
The one person that always responds is DA Councillor Mariaan Chamberlain. Mariaan serves on the technical portfolio committee and serves her community with pride and commitment.
This also means that Mariaan is contacted at any time of the day. She faces constant abuse from residents but still makes sure that the problems are addressed or that feedback are given on several platforms.
The Bulletin thought that this cannot continue unabated and decided to give Mariaan a well-deserved break from her daily routine.
The Bulletin contacted a few people and the stage was set. First, we had to get someone to join her as any amount of pampering will not get her relaxed if she has to do it alone.
Sharon Wickens was commandeered to join and she agreed. We also confiscated Mariaan’s phone for the day.
Next, we needed to secure partners for the day. The first stop was the new Wellness Spa at lake Umuzi, MVUA. They immediately agreed.
Genade Shoppie provided snacks for the day and Jodine from Depeche Mode did her hair.
Genade Shoppie Snacks
Althea Rossouw, Make-Up artist for shows such as “Krone” and “Dans in Jou Taal” did her make-up.
Althea Rossouw doing MAriaan’s makeup
The last session was a photoshoot with Zelda Terblanche Photography to capture the final moments of the day.
Thank you to everyone involved. Please do not hesitate to contact our partners for the day. They would surely go the extra mile to make your day special.
“So kry ek ‘n oproep…wees in my kantoor …8.45…moenie laat wees. Gehoorsaam maak ek so. WAT ‘N VERRASSING‼️…wil aan almal wat hierdie dag spesiaal gemaak het ‘n GROOT DANKIE sê. My vriendin en myself was op die hande gedra by MVUA, grimering, hare, fotos…dit was ‘n onvergeetlike dag…my batterye is nou gelaai daar is nie stop nie.” said Mariaan
English: “So I received a call, be in my office, 08H45, don’t be late. Obediently I oblige. Wat a surprise!! Would like to thank everybody that made this day so special. My friend and I were carried on their hands by Mvua, Makeup, Hair, Photos, it was an unbelievable day. My batteries are loaded again, there is no stopping now.” Said Mariaan
MVUA
“Mvua” is a Swahili word meaning Rain, this gives you insight into what you can expect at Mvua Wellness Spa. The rain forest theme with the scent of pine trees will help you relax upon entering this wonderland.
True to the rainforest we strive to only stock truly natural products that will help your body to perform at its best.
We plan to have an array of spa treatments on our spa menu, at affordable rates. Different massages, facials, mani- and pedicures will be available. Our very special pedicure station will be overlooking the small Umuzi Lodge dam with water features that will create a tranquil atmosphere for you to enjoy while getting pampered.
Our spacious rooms will be available to cater for couples’ massages as well as mother-daughter days, not to mention those girl’s spa days.
You can choose to have your treatment indoors or on our deck overlooking the Umuzi Lodge dam, with the Mallard ducks swimming underneath creating a serene forest feel.
Depeché Mode Hair Salon
Depeché Mode Hair Salon is a small hair and tanning salon that specialises in personal attention to all its clients
Contact Jodene @ 017 634 4569 to book an appointment.
Genade Shoppie
Genade Shoppie is a farm styled shop that provides excellent farm-fresh produce. They also cater for functions and events. Become part of their family.
Phone them at 066 241 1954 and get added to their Whatsapp group to be informed of what is available.
Althea, A Luxury Nail Affair
Althea is an enthusiastic nail technician and makeup artist. She worked in Pretoria under the name Althea, A Luxury Nail Affair and people had to book well in advance for a spot.
She creates pieces of art with passion and precision.
Althea created a name for herself when she established herself as a very sought after nail tech in the Pretoria East area, earning herself top ratings on the booking app Booksy as well as Facebook.
She also worked with big names in the entertainment industry for example Angelique Gerber, Amor, Ansu Visser to name a few. She also did makeup for two big shows namely “Dans in jou Taal” and “Krone”.
Zelda Terblanche Photography
Capturing eternity, one snap at a time
Zelda Terblanche is the photographer behind Zelda Terblanche Photography. Her passion is capturing moments to last a lifetime with passion, energy and creativity!
She has a friendly spontaneous personality and always have time to crack a joke.
“My photo sessions have a good relaxing fun vibe as clients need to be at ease when capturing moments which create more “true” memories,” said Zelda, “Every couple is so unique and I love capturing the uniqueness of each couple I meet. I want you to see them as I see them, to capture the beautiful story behind the photo.”
She had exposure to a wide range of client personalities, client expectations and wedding themes. This has taught her to think out of the box, on that specific moment and to be creative to capture memories. This helps put her clients at ease, which creates a more enjoyable and memorable wedding experience.
“I help ease the stress and tension on your wedding day. I believe that after working with me, you will feel that you have made the best choice possible.” Concluded Zelda
GMM – Enpower Machite is warning customers to be wary of imposters requesting money from customers to be removed from a municipal disconnection list.
Enpower Machite recently received information from a newly converted customer that someone has called posing as an employee of the Municipality indicating that they are due for disconnection as a result of not purchasing electricity. This impostor subsequently requested that the customer deposit money into their bank account to be removed from the disconnection list. This is a scam to rob customers of their money.
Please note that all customers converted to Smart Prepayment will not be disconnected for not having purchased electricity until now. Furthermore, Enpower Machite will never request customers to deposit money for removal from a disconnection list.
Customers are urged to please report such matters to the LPU and Commercial Customer Care by calling 087 550 0765.
Leerders van Laerskool Secunda het uitgeblink in dans en stoei met leerders wat opgeneem is in die provinsiale spanne
Laerskool Secunda se danssport leerders het die naweek van 24 en 25 September deelgeneem aan die IPT’s.
“Ons is trots daarop om te sê dat al die leerders wat deelgeneem het opgeneem is in die Mpumalangaspan,” het Paul van den Berg, Verhoudings en Reklamebestuurder by Laerskool Secunda aan die Bulletin gesê.
Die volgende leerders is opgeneem in die Mpumalangaspan:
Brüssow Francke het die afgelope naweek sy skitterende form voortgesit met ‘n eerste plek in die vrystyl afdeling. Die byeenkoms het in Pretoria plaasgevind.
Brüssow Francke
“Baie geluk aan Brüssow Francke wat opgeneem is in die Mpumalanga stoeispan!” het Paul gesê, “Brüssow gaan aan die SA’s deelneem wat plaasvind vanaf 6 tot 9 Oktober 2021 by die Universiteit van Pretoria in Pretoria.”
The South African Defence Force Association celebrated Heritage day in true military style.
On Friday a symbolic 2,4km walk took place at Lake Umuzi. On Sunday, a church service was held at the Bikers church that included the SADFA members and a small ceremony at the Makumbura shell hole. The service was led by Pastor Jackie van Dyk.
The 2,4 took place early in the morning with veterans walking to the south bank where hand grenades (small cooldrink bottles) were thrown at a target and sharpshooting were done with ketties.
Target shooting with Ketties
The group then walked back to Bosveld Lapa for a great breakfast. Every participant received a medal and a certificate.
The church service and small ceremony on Sunday were to remember those that lost their lives in the line of duty.
The names of all the servicemen and women from the Govan Mbeki area were read. A symbolic protea was also placed at the Moths shell hole in remembrance of those that have fallen in conflict after the second world war.
Gerhard Claassen, Old Bill of the Moths, spoke about the Battle of the Lomba that took place in Angola on October 3, 1987.
Here is the full account of that day and the leading events:
3 OKTOBER 1987 – THE BATTLE ON THE LOMBA
According to history books, the SADF lost the fight for Quito Cuanavale, but Quito was not the goal.
In 1987, 61 Battalion were stationed at Omuthia basis.
In July a company large group of soldiers from infantry school arrived at Omuthia and established themselves in a temporary base near the basis.
A few days later, the entire battalion was taken to act on the paradise ground. This was a sign that something was going on, and it was confirmed when Commandant Smit announced: “it has become clear to the South African government that Fapla is preparing a major offensive…”
What he didn’t tell everyone was that Fapla has already done much more. 4 brigades and 2 tactical groups were already on the march to Jamba, Unita’s headquarters in South Angola. Another 6 brigades were prepared in the final stages of war and prepared to move south and 2 more brigades were held in readiness.
In manpower terms, the force dispatched on route to Unita totalled at least 25000 soldiers of mixed ability with the elite and most heavily equipped forces at the vanguard.
Commander Smit continued “the battalion will immediately prepare for full combat readiness. We move out at 02h00 tomorrow, travelling to the border crossing near Rundu to await further orders.”
At 02h00, the first of 150 fully charged vehicles, staffed with about 400 young men, started the exit from Omuthia.
61 Mech Battalion was moving.
Battle preparations ended on 24 august and 4 days later on 1 September 1987 at about 04h00 they cross the border over in Angola.
Ops modular begins.
Fapla has already sent 12 well-equipped brigades from Luanda to Quito Cuanavale, which is 120km north of the Lomba river and the river is 300 km north of the SWA (Namibia) border.
Russian generals and specialists devised an operation, involving 2 waves of attack, each of four brigades and the vanguard consisting of 2 tactical groups which include a battalion of tanks and 4 hardened mechanized brigades. A total of about 10000 men was tasked to create a buffer zone at the strategic Lomba river.
61 Mech Batt’s orders were: “it is imperative that they are not allowed to cross the Lomba. Make the best speed to the Lomba river, engage and stop the enemy there… ”
The enemy had a great advance over 61 Mech Batt. The 16th, 21st, 59th and 47th Brigades had been moving for more than a month and were near the Lomba. Their 66th brigade was also in the background with another 2,000 soldiers while 61 mech batt was another 300 km from the river.
A brigade is equal to 3 battalions.
Fapla’s first group of 4 hardened brigades was more than 5 times the size of all the SADF troops on the border, before one more the MBT’s (main battle tank) at tel.
SADF= zero, Fapla = 100+. Fapla also controlled the air space.
The 47th brigade, the largest mechanized power from both sides had 3 squadrons T-55 MBT`s (Main Battle Tank) as well as ultra-modern rockets systems, AA-installations (Anti Aircraft) as well as approximately 60 armed vehicles and 2,000 foot-soldiers.
On September 9, 61’s Bravo Group launched the first full-scale attack in Ops Modular on the enemy which still moved south and overrun some of Unita’s logistical bases. This was just south of the Lomba river where they dug themselves in.
On September 11, Bravo and Charlie again tried to disperse Fapla’s 21st brigade where they were entrenched. Bravo also ran into a squadron T-55`s.
The prototype Ratel-ZT3 attacked the first T-55 in Ops Modular and destroyed 3 MBT`s on the end.
The Ratel-90`s struggled and only destroyed 2 MBT`s at the cost of one Ratel and its crew, all from of 32 Battalion.
For the rest of September, there was no rest, constantly moving, attacking, moving and seeking hostile entrenchments. Attack and withdrawal, again and again.
Fapla has meanwhile had more than 10,000 soldiers of different nationalities in place.
October 3, 1987.
At 04h00, right on schedule, vehicle commanders checked comms, confirmed battle readiness and pensively awaits further orders.
A short time later the order came through: “All vehicles start.”
Two minutes later next the order came: “Charlie Squadron, move out.”
Just after sunrise 61 mech batt reached the point where they left the logistical vehicles and continued forward in battle formation.
“Charlie squadron, we`re holding for` ripple` bombardment. Close all hatches now ”Captain Cloete’s command came through to the 12 90mm-Ratels that formed the front line.
Ratel (Source: military-today.com)
An unbroken barrage of high explosive and anti-personnel ordinance erupted 100 to 400 meters in front of Charlie Squadron`s ratels. Mortars, in concert with their long-range artillery and MRL counterparts, released 9 well-coordinated ripples of shock and awe onto enemy positions, lasting a good 3 to 4 minutes.
Then Captain Cloete`s command: “Charlie Squadron, move out in formation, may God be with you all.”
Now, after 20 months of training, preparation, small attacks and contacts, the final piece of the puzzle is falling in place.
It was Fapla, backed by Cuba and Russia against 61 Mech Battalion of the SADF. Goliath against David.
Now finally, the stage was set for the battle on the Lomba.
During the first half-hour of the war, the live-fire didn’t become less from the front, just more and more. Fapla targeted the front line as well as the support groups.
October 3 looked like a Russian weapon dealer’s catalogue, everything, from BRDM`s, MRL`s (multiple rocket launcher), Stalin Organ, SA-9 as well as three SAM-8 high tech systems, something that America wanted to get their hands on.
BRDM
“Tank at my 12” `
A T-55 MBT target 31 Charlie who is trying to stay everything from his fire line, the MBT fire, misses. The ratel’s crew moved to the attack and 4 shots later the MBT was a burning wreck, the first of 18 hostile MBT`s for the day.
T-55 Main Battle Tank(MBT)
The arrival of Russian MBT`s in theatre heralded a new, even deadlier phase as the 47th Brigade began moving their biggest badest boys up the frontline. These were supported by yet more, lightly armoured, BTR`s, BRDM`s, and platoons of infantry.
Whatever happened, the Ratels had to stop, aim, and fire and be moving again within 45 seconds to prevent becoming a static target which could definitely be an attraction of hostile fire.
Some of them shot, and recharge and shot again within 8 seconds. Across the line, the guys were encountering heavy, mechanised, resistance – a squadron of medium skinned 90mm Ratels was taking on Russian MBT`s, and heavy armour and they were still doing ok.
Move forward, fire, reverse 20 to 30 meters, constantly engaging in manoeuvres to miss incoming fire. That’s how it was for Charlie squadron. it was about 3 hours of continual fire in motion, it as a well-oiled machine on the chassis of 61 mech battalion group.
A Ratel develops problems. 32 Alpha’s re-action. “Driver forward, 10 o clock, fast. Load heat ”
The manoeuvre was high risk, the angle of approach exposed their right flank, but whatever, there was no time to waste, three brothers’ lives were at stake.
“Gunner, follow my tracer rounds. Very short-range target. Fire now, fire now.” Boom, bomb away and smack on target.
3 times Charlie squadron withdrew to reload and cool down weapons, and then rushed back into battle and continued fighting as if they were there all the time. A Ratel 90 carries 71 bombs, 29 in the turret and 47 in bomb racks in the vehicle and it was not designed to fight MBT`s.
But Charlie squadron was giving Fapla more than just a bloody nose.
32 Alpha received a hit from an 81mm mortar, luckily it hit the back inside the spare wheel with no serious damage to the Ratel or crew.
And then it happened, over the dense fog of war, the call came over the squad net – “Charlie 33 has taken a direct hit…”
Commandant Smith immediately ordered that a fire plan or fire belt be thrown in front of Charlie 33. Every rifle, Canon and artillery available fired everything they could.
Graham Greene ran and fetched Adrian Hind, who was shot from the Ratel and was fatally wounded, while the driver and gunner were picked up by a Buffel (armoured vehicle).
The fire plan was the last straw and Fapla fled. Some of them tried to swim across the river, others tried to ride the t-55`s through the river to try to form a bridge, others just dropped their weapons.
Fapla se 47ste brigade is totaal verwoes en die wat weg gekom het is in van die ander brigades opgeneem. Dit was die grootste oorlog in afrika sedert die slag van el alamein gedurende die 2de wêreld oorlog.
Fapla`s 47th brigade was wiped off the face of the earth.
Adrian Hind, Charlie 33 Ratel`s Commander, was the SADF`s only casualty on that day.
History books say that there were about 6000 South African soldiers on the front line and that Unita did most of the hard work, but in reality there were only 36 South African teenage boys on the battlefront that day, October 3, 1987.
The South African Defence Force Association states that: Military veterans should be acknowledged for their contribution to the development of the RSA – men and women that made sacrifices and served their country with honour and dignity. People that had served their Country unselfishly and deserves to be recognized, remembered and be taken care of. The South African Defence Force Association (SADFA) was established in February 2009 with the sole purpose to ensure this.
Who is SADFA?
SADFA is the veteran organisation that will give you as a veteran the optimal opportunities to belong somewhere, to participate in Memorial Services, to be looked after and will ensure that your voice will be heard on the highest levels. SADFA creates a support structure to assist you as a member on different levels and to strengthen communities. We focus 20% on the past (Memorial Services and events where experiences of the past are recalled) and 80% on the future by creating projects to offer our members a better future.
The areas they focus on are as follows:
Support
Recognition
Commemoration
Nation Building
SADFA also assists its members to be registered on the Department of Military Veterans (DMV) Data Base to be able to apply for benefits provided by the Military Veterans Act.
ANIMALS 101 – MOST PETS LOVE TO PLAY, BUT ARE YOUR TOY CHOICES SAFE?
Most healthy dogs and other pets retain their love to play throughout their lives, but some don’t and that is fine. Nando Brown calls them disco dogs vs. library dogs. “You don’t take your library dog to the disco; they’re not gonna like it.” There are two types of play pets engage in, namely social and solitary. Social play involves a playmate, either a dog or human or another species of animal. As the name implies, solitary play involves the pet and an object. Hopefully, it is an appropriate toy and not your favourite pair of shoes!
As with humans, we might have similar interests to another person or a sibling, but we are not carbon copies and this goes for pets too. There are some basic requirements for your pets, but to really fulfil your pets’ individual needs, even within the same breed, you have to find out what they really love. Our one dog loves a ball, another loves an empty Coke bottle or a soft toy. He rarely touches a ball and he is a solitary player. Keep this in mind when you play with them!
Your pet’s temperament, size and age all play a role in determining which toys are safe, and there are considerations, too, based on the toy itself (materials used, size, shape, and more). Here are some guidelines below, compiled by VetStreet, to ensure the toys you choose for your pets keep them enjoying play, but also keep them safe.
Photo by Josh Sorenson – PEXELS.COM
TIPS FOR SELECTING SAFE PET TOYS
Choose toys that are the right size for your dog. Giving a small toy to a large dog poses a risk of inhalation and choking. Generally speaking, you should choose large toys for large dogs and smaller toys only for smaller dogs.
Avoid toys that have small parts that can be chewed or pulled off.
Avoid toys with sharp edges or that can be chewed into sharp points.
When playing fetch, avoid toys that are heavy or hard enough to damage your dog’s teeth or injure him.
If your dog likes to de-stuff toys, be sure he’s not eating the stuffing. Some dogs really enjoy stuffing-free toys.
Photo by Cottonbro – PEXELS.COM
SOME TOYS REQUIRE CLOSE SUPERVISION
Long rope-like or tug toys, since they can become wrapped around your dog’s neck.
Squeaky toys if your dog likes to play “rip out the squeaker”.
Battery operated toys, because if your dog manages to get the batteries out and swallows them, it can result in battery toxicosis.
Tennis balls, can be a choking hazard for large dogs, and the abrasive fuzz may wear down the teeth of an aggressive or persistent chewer.
Frisbees and similar flying disks that may cause your dog to jump up and twist simultaneously, which can lead to leg and back injuries.
TOYS TO AVOID
Pet toys are not regulated, so they can be made with virtually any material.
String, ribbon, pantyhose, socks, and rubber bands, all of which can be swallowed and cause life-threatening complications in the digestive tract.
Children’s toys (such as stuffed animals); they’re not designed to withstand the type of play dogs engage in.
Toys stuffed with beads or beans.
Rocks & Sticks.
Containers (including bags) large enough for your dog to put his head in; if it becomes stuck, he can suffocate.
Tug toys for dogs with neck or back problems, such as herniated disks.
Rubber toys with a hole in only one end, as they can form a vacuum that catches your dog’s tongue.
Rawhide chews aren’t recommended for several reasons, one of which is that they pose a high risk of choking and intestinal obstruction.
Potentially toxic toys – Plastic toys, in particular, can be dangerous, as many contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA).
Old or weathered toys (such as those left outside) leach higher concentrations of harmful chemicals.
Photo by Blue Bird – PEXELS.COM
OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
PLAYING FETCH – Although fetch can be a great way to get rid of some energy, it also has a dark side you should be aware of. This articleexplains it well. There is healthy fetch and then there is “fetch-fall-out”. It is a great enrichment activity, but should never be the only one. There are many other enrichment games available. There is nothing wrong with changing up your routine to cut the problem out of the picture and doing this can often lead to big improvements in health and behaviour outcomes for both dog and human.
Mind and Manners suggest playing fetch 1-5 times per week for 10 minutes at a time, but again it might depend on your dog. Playing such a high-intensity game for too long can put them at risk for certain injuries.
LASER PLAY – Dr Karen Becker says: “While your cat may be driven to pursue the laser light, even if they are successful, there is no tangible reward for the effort they put in. This type of pointless play can lead to behaviour problems such as developing a tendency to compulsively chase shadows or reflections.” This goes for all animals with all games. You need to give them some wins!
RESOURCE GUARDING WITH TOYS – Mind and Manners explains resource guarding as a serious behavioural issue where the guarding dog acts aggressively towards dogs and or humans who approach them when they have a ball or other toy. They do this because they (often correctly) assume that the oncoming dog or person will take their toy away and they really want to keep it! Dogs who mildly resource guard balls may retreat or play “keep away” when approached, or may growl when asked to relinquish the ball.
In moderate cases, the resource guarder may growl or snap and if left untreated resource guarding may become severe enough that the guarder bites the approaching dog or person, or even swallows the ball to prevent it from being taken. If your animal presents with this behaviour, do some more reading on the topic or contact a behaviourist to assist you.
Finally, don’t underestimate your ability to stimulate your dog’s interests. A session of playtime with you, whether playing fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek, will be far more stimulating to your pet than any toy could be.
Thank you for tuning in! Next week we will look at some tips for travelling with your pets.
The SAVF Silverjare old aged home in Bethal held its AGM on Friday 23 September 2021.
The Annual General Meeting was well organised and very informative. The Bulletin received a folder with all the necessary items neatly presented. Thank you to the organisers.
The meeting was opened in the usual manner with Ds Evert Bergh opening with prayer and a few words.
Ds Evert Bergh opening with prayer.
Ranelda Bergh addressed the group, speaking about “forgetting”. In a speech that had the occasional humour popping up, we were reminded that we all forget. When older people forget it is not because they are dumb or stupid, it is because… well… they forget!
She said that her 81-year-old mother always jokes “How do old people keep fit? They keep looking for their things,”
Ranelda Bergh addressed the group, speaking about forgetting.
“We all live with the frustration of forgetting,” said Ranelda, “I often walk to my room only to forget why. I then have to return to where I started just to remember.”
“What happens to our lives and those close to us when the Forgetting becomes strange?” she continued, “What happens if the Forgetting becomes a stumbling block, changing your quality of life?”
“How do you feel when the one that knows you the best in the whole world can not remember your name and face? What happens when your mother can recognise your picture as a child but cannot recognise you when you are seated in front of her?”
Sister Christa Botha spoke about Dementia, Alzheimer’s and related illnesses.
Sister Christa Botha spoke about Dementia, Alzheimer’s and related illnesses.
It is a sad reality of life that such illnesses affect some people as they grow older. It is not an illness that is easily diagnosed in the early stages.
She explained how they treat people with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and related illnesses. She also explained how to keep them occupied and how to help them keep their dignity. “We tend to take things out of their hands if they cannot do it,” Christ explained, “leave them to try and figure it out by themselves. Don’t take it out of their hands. Even if it takes them 10 days to accomplish the task.”
Hennie Jordaan, Chairman of the Service Management, thanked our Heavenly Father for His Kindness, Greatness, Love and Grace.
Hennie Jordaan, Chairman of the Service Management delivering his Year report.
“Last year I said that I did not want to experience another year such as the past year but we are still gripped in the devastating grip of the Covid pandemic,” said Hennie
“We were very unfortunate to have lost people that have passed in this past year. The passing of residents that were here for several years made the loss so much harder.”
Hennie continued to thank those that contributed to the success of SAVF Silverjare, both the staff and the service management.
Hennie made an appeal to every volunteer to try and recruit at least one more volunteer for the next year.
SAVF Silverjare is a Home for needy, frail, aged persons of all racial groups above 60 years. They also cater for people, over 60, with physical disabilities.
Magriet Scholtz reported on the Home and its finances. “SAVF Silverjare continued, despite the covid restrictions and isolations, to render quality and professional services,” she said.
Magriet Scholtz addressing the meeting
The staff and volunteers when out of their way to make it possible for families to keep in contact with each other. They used every available method to help families to keep in contact.
The home serves 97 people currently. This includes the day-care patients that are looked after during the day before returning to their families.
It is also clear that the staff are emotionally drained due to several factors that include the loss of residents, colleagues and family.
One of the biggest fears is that the staff would bring COVID into the Home infecting the patients.
One positive from Covid is that more and more families are trying to care for their elderly at home.
Magriet Scholtz explained all the measures that they took to keep the home viable and stable.
“The audited financial statements are available for those that need to have insights into it,” said Magriet, “The contribution, compensation during the lockdown, from the Government was a mere R25000. We are extremely happy about it but it is a drop in the ocean.”
“Fundraising and Donations drop by over R530000 during the reporting period, but we managed to cut our expenses etc to cover the deficit. It took extreme financial control,” concluded Magriet. “I am very pleased to report that we ended the year with a positive financial position.”
A new Service Management Team was elected and it was unanimously decided to keep the same team as the past year.
SAVF Silverjare Service Managent team: Back VLTR: Kruger Spies, Jan Uys, Hennie Jordaan (Chairman), Ben Greyling (Secretary), Magriet Scholtz (Manager SAVF Silverjare). Front FLTR: Ingrid Human, Fatima Danka (Vice Chairperson), Annatjie Fourie and Mariaan van der Westhuizen. Gretha Janse van Rensburg (treasurer) were not present.
