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
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
