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ANIMALS 101 – ADOPTING A PET (PART 1)

Ancois van Zyl
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ANIMALS 101 – ADOPTING A PET (PART 1)

ANIMALS 101 – WHY SAVING A LIFE THROUGH ADOPTION IS A GREAT IDEA!

South Africa is overflowing with unwanted dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, even rabbits, birds and other animals. It’s sad to think that most of these animals in shelters will never experience a loving home and the security of a family they deserve.  

We have a massive overpopulation crisis on our hands because people: 

  • don’t sterilise their pets 
  • actively breeds animals 
  • support breeders/pet shops/animal dealers 
  • don’t take responsibility for their pets 
  • let their animals roam the streets 

The reality is that there are just not enough homes for all the animals. Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born find a forever home and millions of animals are euthanized (put to sleep) every year. More unwanted animals end up as bait dogs/cats/rabbits for dogfighting or get passed from one owner to the other until they eventually, if “lucky” end up in a shelter instead. 

We understand that it seems easier to buy a pet, but let us share with you why buying a pet is part of the problem.  The pet industry in South Africa is not regulated and pet shops do not promote responsible pet ownership (sterilizations, home checks, etc.). They make their profits by promoting IMPULSE BUYING. These animals can also come from a questionable source. 

animals 101

WHAT IS ADOPTION? 

Many animals come in as strays found and other animals are dumped, abandoned or surrendered by their owners. If these animals are not claimed by their owners within the pound period, the shelter has two options namely, euthanize or adoption. Adoption is when you give an animal from a registered rescue organisation/shelter a second chance, as part of your family. You will pay an adoption fee and go through a process of responsible homing.

It is never just about a good home, but rather good placement for that animal! 

There are many BENEFITS to adopting. You not only save a life but will also make resources and space available for the next one to be rescued. If you can do the math, you know you will save money by adopting! Pets are good for our physical and emotional health and adopted ones for the most part are already “trained”. You also help to lighten the load of a shelter that rescues animals and make the rescuers go on for just one more day. 

Image from Rustplaas Dog Shelter

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADOPTING 

  • Are you ready for a pet? 
  • Can you afford pet care in the long term? 
  • Have you researched their specific needs and can you meet these needs? 
  • Does the animal fit your family’s lifestyle? 

Also read: ANIMALS 101 – PETS & MICROCHIPS

  • If you live in a townhouse complex, written approval from the body corporate, that pets are allowed, must be obtained.   
  • Municipal By-laws must be adhered to with regards to allowed number of pets.  
  • You may never know their breed, medical history or behavioural history. 
  • You will have to pet-proof your home beforehand. 
  • Get the necessary items for your car and for travel. 
  • You will still need to buy beds, blankets, toys, leashes, deworm every 3 months, vaccinate every year, buy good food every month, this does not even include saving for an emergency!  
  • They need to be spayed/neutered and a form of identification added. 
  • Social animals should not be the only animals in the house.   
  • They might need some training and patients to build trust, more time to adjust and might not get along with all people or animals. 
  • If you think adoption fees are too expensive, then we will advise that you rather not get a pet.  If you do the math a responsible pet owner would do, then you will know that the adoption fee which includes sterilisation and more, is at least half the price you would normally pay for everything which is included and that is excluding the animal itself.  
Image by Best Behaviour now operating as Beyond Behaviour

Rescue is the best breed! We always advise you to go and meet the animals available at your local shelter.  Shelter pets are not broken, they were only failed by humans.  Adopting an adult pet can even be better than a puppy.  You might just fall in love with one that you never thought of. Choosing the right breed for your lifestyle is however especially important. NEVER MAKE A DECISION based only on a dog’s LOOK or SIZE or BREED etc. The energy level of that animal should fit with that of your family. 

If you like a particular breed, there are many different ones up for adoption through breed-specific rescues (e.g. google “Poodle” rescue SA).   Be careful with any organisations that do not do responsible homing which should include sterilisation and a home-check.

Changing a life through adoption is priceless! ADOPT DON’T SHOP!

Next week we will look at how the process for adoption works. 

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER! 

Murder and Inquest files opened in Bethal

Encee van Huyssteen
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Murder and Inquest files opened in Bethal

A murder docket, as well as an inquest, were opened by the Bethal Police after the discovery of two bodies

Yesterday 2021-07-19 at about 08:30, police received a complaint from a neighbour where a domestic worker could not access the house where she was working and that she tried to call both her employers but none of them answered their phones.

According to the neighbour, everyone in the neighbourhood joined the neighbourhood watch group where they call each other to check if everyone is still ok.

Yesterday, one of the neighbours tried to call Mr and Mrs Du Randt and could not get reach them. The neighbour then called another neighbour and informed her that she cannot get hold of any of the family members.

She then took her car and drove to the Du Randt’s house as she was worried about their whereabouts.

On arrival at the Du Randt’s house, she found the domestic worker and she(the domestic worker) opened the main entrance to the house for her and the neighbour to check what might be the problem.

After the opening of the main door, both the neighbour and the domestic worker noticed that the security door leading to the bedrooms was closed and locked.

Also read: Municipal Manager sacked by GMM

They both found it strange that the dog, which sleeps in the house with the family used to bark when hearing people’s movement in the house but it didn’t bark. When checking the house, they noticed that all the cars were parked and in good condition.

The neighbour continued to phone both Mr and Mrs Du Randt but only the wife’s phone was ringing. The neighbour then called the police and informed them about the strange situation and requested police assistance in checking the house for safety reasons or measures.

The police swiftly responded and attended to the complaint. On arrival at the given address, police found the neighbour and the domestic worker who then informed them (police) about the situation and requested them to use force to gain further entry to the house.

The police then forced opened the security door to the bedrooms as well as the bedroom door which was closed and locked.

After force-opening the bedroom door, police found both Mr Du Randt(61) and Mrs Du Randt(60) laying on the bed with gunshot wounds on their heads and the lifeless dog in the bathroom. A rifle and shotgun used for the commission of crime were found in the room on the floor with two cartridges. 

Police then summoned all role players to the scene and a paramedic from Netcare 911 attended the scene and certified both the husband and the wife dead.

No one knows the motive behind the death of the couple and police are now investigating murder and inquest case. Police, therefore, request anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant December Jele on 0608022876 or SAPS National crime stop number 08600 10111 or sms crime line on 32211.

Secunda Reformed Church morning service 18 July 2021

Encee van Huyssteen
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Secunda Reformed Church morning service 18 July 2021

Welcome to the Secunda Reformed Church morning service, 18 July 2021

“The Church” by Anton Knoetze

SRC morning service 18 July 2021

Matthew 16 – King James Version

16 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

Also read: Secunda Reformed Church morning service 11 July 2021

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Kruik se Oggenddiens 18 Julie 2021

Encee van Huyssteen
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Kruik se Oggenddiens 18 Julie 2021

Welkom by Kruik se oggenddiens van 18 Julie 2021

Vanoggend se tema: Wie of wat is jou anker in stormtye?

Kruik se oggenddiens 18 Julie 2021

Wie of wat is jou anker in stormtye? Kom ontdek meer oor wat Paulus gehelp met om te “cope” en selfs te floreer in die stormtye van sy lewe.

Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 11 Julie 2021

Preeknotas + besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/48731558

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!

Kruik CCLI lisensie nr: #573361​

Ek Weet Dat U My Liefhet C. Visser ©️ 2009 MAR Gospel Music Publishers CCLI#573661

Immanuel U is Hier G. Stander ©️ 2020 Gustav Stander CCLI#573661

Municipal Manager sacked by GMM

Encee van Huyssteen
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Municipal Manager sacked by GMM

Secunda – The Govan Mbeki Municipality resolved on Friday, 16 July 2021 to terminate their contract with the Municipal Manager, Mr Felani Mndebele.

In a council meeting that was described by Cllr James Masango as a Cangaroo Court to fire the Municipal Manager, the ANC voted as per their party caucus decisions leaving the Municipality open for further lawsuits and expenses.

“The virtual meetings at this council will not pass any law in SA,” Said Cllr James Masango, “No procedure to conduct the meeting and too much corruption on quorum and voting results.” James has vast experience in the provincial and national legislature where he served with distinction in the past.

Also read: GMM Municipal Manager still not at work despite ruling.

The GMM council resolved that the mayor should enter into negotiations with the Municipal Manager to terminate his contract. This was opposed by the Democratic Alliance and other opposition parties.

GMM Municipal Manager Mayor condemns
Felani Mndebele

These negotiations reached a dead end and the item was once again brought to council to make a decision that will no doubt cost the municipal dearly according to DA Cllr Ciska Jordaan.

In the discussion of the item, Executive Mayor Cllr Zuma acknowledged the fact that Felani obtained a court order against the Municipality compelling them to allow the MM to return to work and halt all proceedings against him.

This court order was given by Acting High Court Judge, AJ Brauckmann. Case number 775/2021, at paragraph 60(2) states: “the first Respondent is interdicted and restrained from continuing with the disciplinary proceedings against the Applicant on the 16 October 2020 until the first Respondent complies with the Local Government: Municipal Regulations on financial misconduct procedure and criminal proceedings dated 30 May 2014 “Regulations 2014”

“The ANC decided to push through their agenda without regard to the high court judgement,” Said Ciska Jordaan, “We all have to follow and respect the law in South Africa and clearly this council does not!”

The item in the agenda states the following, “Council has since taken a decision to source a legal opinion on interpretation and implementation of the court order. The opinion has since found that the council should have appealed the order which council had seen this route also as costly and time-consuming while the municipality is in financial constraints.”

This clearly shows that the mayor thinks that legal opinion carries more weight than the High Court Judgement.

Also read: MM placed on suspension by ANC majority

In a document (that the Bulletin obtained a copy off), addressed to the Executive Mayor Cllr NB Zuma, Mr Mndebele made it abundantly clear that they will pursue legal action.

Water restrictions as Rand Water demand more
Executive Mayor, Cllr Zuma

The following points were raised in the letter:

  • As far as we are concerned, there is nothing that prevents our client from returning to work. Hence, he will be available and hereby notify yourselves that he will return to his workstation on Monday, 19 July 2021.
  • In the event that the Municipality prevents or obstructs such an event, we hold instructions to hold the Municipality and/or all the officials that may be found to be implicated in contempt of Acting Judge Brauckmann’s order liable.
  • We further hold instructions to launch, separately, an action to cause the Municipality to compensate our client for all the losses he incurred as a result of the breach of contract contemplated in paragraph 60(4) of Acting Judge Brauckmann’s order. This will include all legal fees incurred by our client in defending the unlawful process, which legal fees currently stand at approximately R2 million.

Although there were no judgements on costs it is highly likely that if Mndebele proceeds with his legal action costs could be awarded against the municipality.

In the judgement by Acting High Court Judge, AJ Brauckmann costs were awarded against GMM. This was after the team from GMM tried to mislead the High Court regarding the Council resolution taken by the council regarding the appeal.

Read Mayor misleads council to push ANC agenda for more on this.

The initial charges against the Municipal Manager stemmed from the previous Mayor Cllr Thandiwe Ngxonono.

In his response Mndebele stated that there is massive political interference,” there is massive political interference meted out by the Executive Mayor since my appointment on the following issues, namely: recruitment/appointment of staff, the appointment of Service Providers to do business with Council and Payment of Service Providers.”

Thandiwe Ngxonono was implicated by the much talked about Section 106 report. But was still awarded a full-time post as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) after her resignation as mayor. This is a post that carries a substantial salary.

Also read: Damning section 106 report tabled to GMM council

The Section 106 report stated in recommendations that “council invoke the Code of Conduct of Councillors and take appropriate action against Executive Mayor Cllr TY Ngxonono and MMC NE Nkosi for their interference in the appointment of employees at the municipality.”

NE Nkosi was promoted to another post by the ANC executives.

The Democratic Alliance were particularly vocal in their opposition to the termination of the MM’s employment. “No measure of good advice was considered by the ANC majority,” said James Masango.

All other parties voted against the resolution, but the ANC used their majority to resolve on the termination.

The executive mayor wasted no time in writing to Felani Mndebele to inform him of the council’s decision.

“The ANC is continuing to push their political agenda to the disadvantage of the residents of Govan Mbeki Municipality,” said DA Cllr Ciska Jordaan.

“The termination of Mr Mndebele’s contract is nothing more than a witch hunt and internal strife within the ANC. If he decides to retaliate with legal action, the municipality faces the risks of hefty legal costs and judgments against what surely cannot be seen as a legal termination, also considering the ruling of judge Brauckmann.” continued Ciska, “This is money that should be used to serve our communities! Sadly, we can see in current affairs in our country how the ANC’s battles can boil over into the public and harm our nation, and this is no different in Govan Mbeki.”

Read more about GMM on their Facebook HERE

ANIMALS 101 – PETS & MICROCHIPS

Ancois van Zyl
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ANIMALS 101 – PETS & MICROCHIPS

ANIMALS 101 – HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR PET’S MICROCHIP?

When your pet goes missing, you can drastically improve the chances of being reunited with them, by having them microchipped! 

Some sources suggest that 1 in 3 pets will go missing at some point during their life. Studies suggest that dogs with microchips were twice as likely to be reunited with their owners as those without and cats a whopping 21 times more likely. 

Shockingly more than 50% of owners do not know much about their pet’s microchip and how it works. Many do not even know whether and where it is registered. 

animals

Microchips are rice grain-sized, safe and hurts no more than any inoculation. The procedure can be done by a Veterinarian, a qualified animal welfare worker or a registered microchip service provider representative.  

A responsible Veterinarian will scan for the microchip before any other procedure is done. They should scan the whole body if the chip is not found immediately. Just in case it migrated.  It is important that animals be scanned at their yearly check-ups as well as, before moving or possible traumatic events (thunderstorms or festive times when fireworks can be expected) to ensure that their chips still work. 

Also read: ANIMALS 101 – PET THEFT

When choosing a provider, apart from research on the microchip, providers and their platforms, you can also ask your Vet and local shelters which one is commonly used in your area or can easily be scanned by local shelters or Vet’s scanners.  Always choose an anti-migrating microchip.  

Microchips are not as expensive as people think. Prices can vary from R180 at some SPCA’s to R450 at a Veterinarian. Divide even the most expensive ones by 10 years, it is only R45 a year for peace of mind and double the chance of your pet being reunited with you after being lost. That is money well spent! 

Some countries use different frequency microchips. So, if you are travelling abroad or emigrating with your pet, make sure you check this!  

animals 101

THE IMPORTANT PART AFTER MICROCHIPPING – REGISTRATION! 

No one else, but you are responsible to make sure the microchip is registered after the procedure.  A microchip is not a GPS and only stores an identification number.  If this is not linked to your information on a database, it is useless!  The Vet or service providers do not do this automatically.   

You should be able to register any brand of microchip across multiple registries/databases/platforms and in most cases it is free. Registries are however not required to share owner information, so if a Vet or shelter does not search on all databases, they might not find the owner. Owners must ensure their pets are registered across all platforms.  

Details required by platforms can include Pet details, medical information, owner details, medical insurance details, breeder details, photo, second/third contact person, your Veterinarian’s contact details, injector’s ID number or practice number. Make sure you have these details prior to avoid frustration or delay or incomplete info when registering. Add a photo on all databases which has this feature and make sure it appears in the search.  

Some of the popular databases in SA include: 

Virbac (backhome), Identipet, GetMeKnown, FivestarID, Petlookup, KUSA and others. The two main search platforms we use are Chip-n-Doodle and Animal Microchip Lookup Africa (AMLA).  

EXAMPLE: We have 3 pets. 2 with Identipet and 1 with Fivestar chips. They are registered on GetMeKnown, Virbac – BackHome, FivestarID and Identipet platforms. If we search for them on Chip-n-Doodle then it shows “found” under FivestarID and GetMeKnown only. If we search for them on Animal Microchip Lookup Africa they are “found” under Idetipet and Vibrac. Make sure you are registered on at least one of each of these search facilities. 

You can download a certificate op registration from all sites to keep it safe. 

WHAT ABOUT A COLLAR ID? 

A collar with a tag, in addition to the microchip, is advisable. An ID collar might get your pet home faster, so never underestimate its value, however, a collar ID can fall off or be removed by animal thieves. We only prefer an updated contact number without the pets’ names on the tag, for safety reasons.  Cats should have break-away collars to prevent them from getting stuck or injured.

IMPORTANT! Microchip your pets, register their chips on a few databases and keep the information up-to-date! READ MORE ON MICROCHIPPING HERE

Next week we will look at why adopting a pet is a great idea! 

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER! 

Fire destroys house in Bethal

Encee van Huyssteen
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Fire destroys house in Bethal

Bethal – A fire ravaged a house in Golden Ray Street early this morning.

The fire started in a gym area of the house and quickly spread to the rest of the house.

The owner said to the Bulletin that he was fortunately already awake as the fire spread so quickly that they would not have survived if he was still asleep as they locked a gate in the passage. That was their only escape and also where the fire was.

The fire in the Gym area Photo: By house owner

The Bulletin spoke to the relevant authorities that confirmed that the fire started in all likelihood as a result of some electrical problem.

fire destoyes house
Photo: by house owner

No foul play is suspected.

Also read: Fake news creates panic.

A video quickly made the rounds this morning stating that this was a result of a petrol bomb but is untrue.

The same video also claimed that the Fire department did not respond but that is also not true. They responded quickly according to the information that I received. It took approximately 10 minutes from when the call was received until the Firetruck stopped at the scene. This still needs to be confirmed with call logs but it would appear that the timeline is true.

Video with false claims

The house was completely destroyed by the fire.

What most likely shortened the time to a complete fire might be something that is called a Flashover. This is a very deadly and dangerous time in the life of a house fire.

Below is an article, taken from Mercortecresa, and it explains the Flashover in detail. Written by ACTUALIZADO A FECHA

WHAT IS A FLASHOVER AND HOW DOES IT OCCUR?

A flashover is the near-simultaneous ignition of most of the directly exposed combustible material in an enclosed area. When certain organic materials are heated, they undergo thermal decomposition and release flammable gases. Flashover occurs when the majority of the exposed surfaces in a space are heated to their autoignition temperature and emit flammable gases (see also flash point). Flashover normally occurs at 500 °C (932 °F) or 590 °C (1,100 °F) for ordinary combustibles, and an incident heat flux at floor level of 20 kilowatts per square metre (2.5 hp/sq ft).

An example of a flashover is the ignition of a piece of furniture in a domestic room. The fire involving the initial piece of furniture can produce a layer of hot smoke that spreads across the ceiling in the room. The hot buoyant smoke layer grows in-depth, as it is bounded by the walls of the room. The radiated heat from this layer heats the surfaces of the directly exposed combustible materials in the room, causing them to give off flammable gases via pyrolysis. When the temperatures of the evolved gases become high enough, these gases will ignite, throughout their extent.

NIST Video illustrating Fire Progression To Flash Over
Flashover Indicators

The following are some of the signs that firefighters are looking for when they attempt to determine whether a flashover is likely to occur.

– The fire is in a ventilated compartment, so there is no shortage of oxygen in the room.

– The neutral plane is moving down towards the floor. In this situation, a flashover is plausible.

– All directly exposed combustible materials are showing signs of pyrolysis.

“Rollover” or tongues of fire appear (known as “Angel Fingers” to firefighters).

– There is a rapid build-up of heat given off by the rapidly burning (i.e., deflagrating) gases. This is generally the best indication of a flashover.

– Firefighters memorize a chant to help remember these during training: “Thick dark smoke, high heat, rollover, free burning.

The colour of the smoke is often considered, as well, but there is no connection between the colour of the smoke and the risk of flashovers. Traditionally, black, dense smoke was considered particularly dangerous, but history shows this to be an unreliable indicator. For example, there was a fire in a rubber mattress factory in London in 1975 which produced white smoke. The white smoke wasn’t considered dangerous, so firefighters decided to ventilate, which caused a smoke explosion and killed two firefighters. The white smoke from the pyrolysis of the rubber turned out to be extremely flammable.

Flashover Demonstration

Fake news creates panic.

Encee van Huyssteen
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Fake news creates panic.

The panic that is created by spreading fake news is real.

Fake news is defined as “Fake news is false or misleading information presented as news. It often has the aim of damaging the reputation of a person or entity or making money through advertising revenue.”

The country’s eyes were glued with horror at the mayhem caused by the looters, firstly in Kwazulu Natal and then later in Gauteng.

The absolute chaos that ensued the incarceration of Jacob Zuma can only be described as utter madness and criminal.

This created a breeding ground for fake news.

Fake news

The latest message that is causing panic saw the rounds on Whatsapp as well Facebook.

Here is the message:

morning everyone just a update its regarding the big strike in SA.

Secunda already started to clean the shops most of the car garages are empty..

kinross also start to clean they shops…

please be on the look out…on a other emergency group they warn the people.. they recieved messages they gona come secunda then kinross today…

Sasol also put people and army tents with trailers at the gates…

please be safe and keep your eyes on the road…

we dont know about leandra yet but lets stand together and pray it will al go away before it comes to us..

i put this on our group because there are many people from eendracht working in these towns…

This message is false and is only intended to spread panic.

“We tend to believe that fake news has a greater impact on those who lack life experience or are less educated; however, this only occurs in the initial stage. “In the age of technology, fake news has greatly improved, taken on new forms, and of course, it has an impact on an increasing number of people. The most important thing is to stop dividing people into two camps – those who believe in lies and those who do not – because that is the purpose of any type of propaganda. It divides us and creates a sea of mistrust,” said The Editor of Delfi Lie Detector, Aistė Meidutė

The Newspaper IOL posted about the negative effect that Fake news had on the students at Durban University of Technology (DUT).

Read the article here: Fake message adds fuel to the fire as violent protest rocks DUT

The article describes the fake news that was spread encouraging students to go to DUT as they would help them with the registration process.

Yesterday The South African posted an article on Violent protests: STOP sharing fake news and videos

Read the article HERE

The sharing of fake news or content that incites violence and looting is a crime. The government urged people to stop this behaviour.

Also read: GMM continues to contribute to drinking water contamination

Social media pages are littered with valse news from people that do not even bother to verify any facts in the messages, not even once taking into consideration the negative effect this might have on people.

Our country is in the grip of a lack of direction and leadership that manifested in riots that affects every single one. Scenes of violence spread like wildfire causing people to be concerned and in some cases even panic. Fake news does not help at all as it is only fuelling the flames of panic and despair.

Verify your message first before placing.

Stop spreading fake news.

So is die Lewe: Vandag is die dood midde in die lewe.

Encee van Huyssteen
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So is die Lewe: Vandag is die dood midde in die lewe.

Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.

‘n Duitse gedig van Rainer Maria Rilke het nou meer aktueel as ooit geword.

Der Tod is gross.

Wird sind die Seinen

Lachenden munds.

Wenn wir uns mitten im Leben meinen

Waget er zu weienen

Mitten in uns.

Vryelik vertaal sou mens kon sê: Die dood is groot. / Hy doen wat hy wil met ‘n laggende mond. / As ons in die middel van die lewe is, / wag hy in die midde van ons om ons te laat huil.

Antoinette Pienaar skryf in die bundel Wreed en mooi is die dood: “Ons is nie hier vir die verblyfste nie. Ons is hier vir die vergaanste.”  Die word “vergaanste” het in hierdie tyd nuwe betekenis gekry. Vriende in die bediening regoor die land steier onder die las van begrafnis na begrafnis. Twee, drie begrafnisse per week in een gemeente het skynbaar vele plekke die norm geword. In Gobabis in Namibië het die leraar 15 begrafnisse van Covidslagoffers in drie weke gelei, vier daarvan op een dag. 

‘n Epidemiologiese verslag van die Oos-Kaapse department van gesondheid het bevind dat slegs 21 236 (64,3%) van 33027 pasiënte wat by hospitale toegelaat is, weer by die deure uitgestap het. Alles, absoluut alles word deur die virus geraak. Rapport berig dat 14 Springbokke die Covidvirus opgedoen het. Dit bring internasionale toere in gedrang. 

Lees ook: So is die Lewe: ‘N Lewe!

Desondanks word ons gebombardeer deur mense wat leef asof die virus nie bestaan nie, soos tonele op die nuus van optogte, opruiende toesprake en plundering wat tans aan die gang is in ons land, duidelik wys.  Geen sosiale distansiëring, geen maskers nie. Baie argumente woed op sosiale media oor inentings, al dan nie.  Tog is, volgens die gedig van Rilke, die dood versinnebeeld deur die eeue oue beeld van die grimmige, swartgeklede afmaaier (the Grim Reaper) wat jou, wanneer hy wil, met sy swaaiende sens kom haal.  ons.  

Soos ‘n huisgenoot bly hy saam met ons, maar soos ‘n inbreker kom hy op die mees ongeleë en verkeerde tydstip ons huise, skryf Okke Jager.  In jou werksomgewing, vriendekring, famile en gemeentes. 

Van Wyk Louw praat in sy gedig “Paniese angs” van ‘n “wit-ogige vrees.”   Die doodsberigte in die Burger het op een spesifieke dag ‘n verstommende twee vol bladsye volgemaak. Mense wat wou leef, maar toe in die middel van die lewe onverhoeds betrap is. Die donker kring sluip al hoe nader.  Dis nie meer statistieke alleen nie; dis bekendes, ouers, kinders, broers en susters, akteurs, sangers, skrywers, politici, noem maar.  Sosiale media soos facebook bevestig dit.

Die bron van angs, soos wat Immanuel Kant onder andere sê, is dat die mens nie die vermoë het om oor sterflikheid en onsterflikheid te praat nie. Die dood wat oral manifesteer, is dus spekulatief, totdat dit jou direk tref.  Hoe is dit om nie meer te leef nie? Kan die kissie met die as van my ma wat ek in my studeerkamer bewaar, ‘n manifestasie wees van die oerangs van alle mense? Jy sien, hoor en lees huidig van mense wat sterf.  Abnormaal baie. Jy weet dit is onomkeerbaar, daar is nie ‘n terugkeer na hierdie wêreld toe nie. 

Mense leef voort deur hulle afwesigheid; die leë plek aan tafel, die oproep wat nie meer kom nie, die sagte gebaar van deernis en dankbaarheid wat net ophou om te wees, dit word ‘n akklamasie van weg-wees, van doodwees. ‘n Gesin wat nie meer volledig is nie, niemand wat die kennis en wysheid, die omgee en ondersteuning van die leë plek kan vervang nie.  So word die dood die ewige teenwoordigheid van afwesige finaliteit, die eindigheid van aardse bestaan.  Altyd daar, maar nie meer daar nie.

Dis ‘n werklikheid, maar tog is ons so bevrees om openlik daaroor te praat.  Soos die gedig Toemaar die donker man van Ingrid Jonker so treffend beskryf.  Die gesprek tussen haar en haar dogter Simonè oor die dood, waarin sy net nie so ver kan kom as om die koue, ongenaakbare realiteit van die dood te verwoord nie.

Op die groen voetpad van die horison

vêr om die aarde skat, stap ‘n ou man

wat ‘n oop maan dra in sy hare, nagtegaal in sy hart

jasmyn gepluk vir sy oop knoopsgat

en ‘n rug gebuk aan sy jare.

Wat maak hy, mammie?

Hy roep die kriekies, hy roep die swart

Stilte wat sing soos die biesies, my hart

en die sterre wat klop tok-tok liefling,

soos die klein tok-tokkies in hul fyn-ver kring.

Wat is sy naam, mammie?

Sy naam is Sjuut, sy naam is Slaap

Meneer Vergeet uit die land van vaak

Sy naam is…

Toemaar

Hy heet, my lam…

Toemaar, die donker man.

Mammie?

Toemaar, die donker man.

Laurika Rauch – Toemaar die Donker man

Hoe kry ek en jy lewe uit die doodgaan aan die virus wat ons omkleef?

Miskien eerstens deur ons perspektief te verander.  Ja, dit kan met jou gebeur. Al was jy gereeld hande, vermy jy openbare plekke en dra jy ‘n masker oral waar jy gaan. As jy jou koerant soggens voor die deur optel, onthou iemand het dit in daardie plastieksakkie gesit.  As jy die melk uit die yskas haal, iemand het dit op die rak gepak. As jy die reling of die roltrap se armleuning vashou, iemand anders het ook. Baie mense wat die virus gekry het, weet nie waar dit gebeur het nie. 

Die meeste van hulle was uiters versigtig. Om jou te laat inent, is jou keuse. Maar dis een van die mees effektiewe maniere waarop jy voorsorg kan tref. Dit bly egter jou keuse.  Intussen is ek oortuig dat die merk van die bees waarvan Openbaring praat, deur baie mense misbruik word as verskoning. Dis egter nie hier ter sake nie.

Tweedens, omdat ons almal so blootgestel is, is dit tyd om anders te lewe. Met liefde, met dankbaarheid, met vergifnis. Om so te leef dat jy selfs na jou vertrek van hierdie planeet af onthou sal word, is deel van die sin van jou bestaan.

Derdens.  Die Bybel leer ons wel dat ons tye volledig in die hande van God is. Ons dae is afgemeet, volgens Psalm 90 sewentig jaar, of, as ons baie sterk is, tagtig jaar.  Dit kan baie korter ook wees.  Vers 3 van hierdie Psalm sê God maak ‘n einde aan die mens, Hy sê net: “Word weer stof.”  So, die sin van ons lewens is nou meer as ooit ondersoekbaar. Omdat die broosheid van lewe so akuut is, is die besef dat daar iets anderkant die lewe is, iets ewig, onvernietigbaar, meer as ooit belangrik.

Lina Spies skryf in die Geloofsbelydenis van ‘n afvallige:

Ek glo in die skeppende God van die wordende heelal wie se Naam te heilig was om uit te spreek: Jahwé, die God van Israel, wat ‘n Vader geword het vir Jesus van Nasaret, die wonderskone boodskapper van die onmoontlike liefde, deur wie God my Vader is. Ek glo in die Heilige Gees wat mense in alle tye inspireer tot werke wat die stempel dra van die ewige.  Ek glo dat omdat ek lewe ek aan alle lewendes sorg en deernis verskuldig is, en ek glo dat as ek sterf ek opgeneem sal word in die durende siklus van vernuwing en dat die lewe triomfeer in elke geboortekreet, omdat die lewe magtiger is as die dood.

GMM continues to contribute to drinking water contamination

Encee van Huyssteen
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GMM continues to contribute to drinking water contamination

Govan Mbeki Municipality continues to pump and spill raw sewage into the water systems around the municipal area.

This is despite the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) findings that GMM is violating the residents Human Rights.

In December 2019, the SAHRC released a damning report regarding the state of 3 municipalities in Mpumalanga province. The three municipalities are Nkomazi, Lekwa and Govan Mbeki Municipalities.

Govan Mbeki Municipality is continuing with the same practices that landed them in hot water at the SAHRC. The SAHRC report had clear guidelines and directives that GMM had to take to rectify the pollution problem.

The raw sewage spilling from the pump station in Evander, situated between Rhodes street and Aahrus road, is just one very good example of this. This pump station had, over the past few years, been the cause of numerous spills in the municipal area. Residents are complaining about the strong stench that emanates from the spillage.

Evander Pump station. DA Cllr Mariaan Chamberlain explains what is the latest

The latest problem is that there is no pump and that GMM allows the sewage to flow unabated into the nearby stream. This has been ongoing since 2020.

The stream flows past eMbalenhle on its way to the Vaal dam where all the drinking water for GMM are sourced. The stream flows into the Vaal River near Villiers. Streams and rivers from Bethal flow into the Vaal River before the Grootdraai dam, contaminating the system from there.

Also read: Val Hotel celebrated 27 years with current owner Rita.

Other spillages are also ongoing, and the smell will remind you of the seriousness thereof.

The Bulletin wrote to the SAHRC regarding the report.

Unfortunately, we found that although the SAHRC addressed the complaints and that they made recommendations it is not able to force GMM to implement the recommendations and instructions.

The first complaints were made in 2012 regarding sewage spillages in GMM. The complaints that the SAHRC responded to was made on 10 February 2016, 11 October 2016 and 10 July 2018. Similar complaints were received against Govan Mbeki Municipality in April 2012 and May 2013

The Bulletin enquired about the reason for the long delay in responding to the complaints. SAHRC answered as follows: “The SAHRC responds to complaints as soon as they are received. In instances where issues raised seem to be systemic, and warrant an enquiry, reference to all or most of them is made to show the linkages and justify the investigative methodology as well as any costs implications. Note also that the systemic challenges complained of related to many more municipalities in the province other than Govan Mbeki, Lekwa and Nkomazi municipalities. These three municipalities were sampled. Complainants interact with the SAHRC processes immediately and throughout the process.”

continues
Sewer flowing into the water system in Evander

The question of feedback was raised by The Bulletin to the SAHRC to which they replied that “All Municipalities have submitted at least one feedback report. In the feedback reports submitted, they merely re-iterate the submissions made at the hearing. In the case of Lekwa, the same plan of action was submitted. Evidence on the ground however suggests that little progress has been made in resolving the identified challenges, however.”

The replies by Mr Eric Mokonyama, Mpumalanga Provincial Manager SAHRC, indicates that the three municipalities did not regard the report from the SAHRC as important.

“Despite so many formal complaints with the SAHRC and the Department of Water and Sanitation on sewer spillages in Govan Mbeki and Lekwa Municipalities nothing is changing. Instead, it is getting worse and worse,” said DA Cllr James Masango, “The sewer spillages flowing out of the resident’s houses into the streets of Embalenhle started in 2008 in Govan Mbeki Municipality after the Provincial Government declare and celebrated the Mpumalanga as a bucket free province. That was during Thabang Makwetla as the Premier.”

“The DA complained so much to the municipality and escalated the problem to the provincial government, but it was all in vain. In 2012 we wrote to the SAHRC to intervene. In Lekwa municipality, it has been the same especially at Rooikopen.” James continued, “I also reported the matter to SAHRC to intervene. We had site inspections with the HRC member in Lekwa at WWTP and pump station. There were reports produced and communicated with recommendations. The Department of Water and Sanitation was also roped in to assist. But they couldn’t assist at all.”

“All along the residents of Lekwa and Govan Mbeki Municipalities have been and remain exposed to a health hazard. I personally on behalf of the DA and Lekwa residents, opened a case in this regard.”

The following questions posed by the Bulletin show how low the municipalities rate the SAHRC.

  1. What progress have been made by these municipalities regarding the directives? “Very little progress has been made in most municipalities.”
  2. Have the time frames been kept to? “No”
  3. Have all the new developments been halted as per directive? “No”
  4. Did the SAHRC receive any sanitation master plans? “No”
  5. Did the SAHRC receive any time bound remediation plans as per directive 14.1.4.4.11? “Yes but it was a re-iteration of what was submitted at the inquiry.”
  6. Did the municipalities provide council resolutions reflecting such Agendas? “No”.
  7. Did the SAHRC receive plans for the regular and routine pre-emptive maintenance of their sewer systems? “No”.
  8. Did the SAHRC receive any reports from the Department of Water and Sanitation regarding their monitoring of the quality of the effluent emitted into the water systems? “No”

The report from the SAHRC paints a very bleak picture about the spillages in our municipalities. Unfortunately, no municipality regards the spillages as serious enough to address.

Sewage spillages are in every town within Govan Mbeki Municipality. From Bethal all the way to Leandra. Small leaks are attended to at an ad hoc basis it would seem.

The non-maintenance of the sewer network throughout GMM has resulted in many blockages and breakdowns.

Theft of equipment is not attended to for very long periods of time such as the small pump station in Kinross next to the old Golf course dam. Sewage had been spilling for more than a year from that pump station. In Dorfan street the sewer has been rerouted to the stormwater system.

Bethal dam can only be described as a sewer dam as raw sewage had been flowing into the dam from both sides. Most pump stations are not pumping in Bethal to either a breakdown at the pump station or sewer lines that need fixing.

“Unfortunately, the SAHRC have no teeth to bite. Parliament needs to come up with an amendment that will ensure that the recommendations of the SAHRC are bidding. Failure by parliament, we then need a ruling from the court.” Concluded James, “The sewer spillages have become life as usual in this municipality, and it must come to an end.”

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