Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.
Die vlug in die beknopte sitruimte van die Kulula-vlug vanaf die Kaap het die man moeg gemaak. Om, hoewel lyfseer, van die vliegtuig af te klim, is ‘n groot opgewondenheid. Tafelberg is nou op ‘n ander planeet. Die sintuiglike waarneming van die Hoëveld op die trappe van die vliegtuig is eensklaps soos koue water wat op hom gegooi word.
Dit word ‘n poort na ‘n ou geleefde wêreld. Bekende reuke en gesigseinders is bykans oorweldigend. Die soel lug en die deinserigheid van die Magaliesberge in die verte, maak diè wêreld ‘n heimat, ‘n roering van lank vergete gevoelens. Dis steeds net onder die oppervlak, al is dit lank reeds deel van gister. Asof sy sintuie hulle aanslag op sy gemoed wil versterk, begin Neil Diamond in sy kop dreun:
Wanneer hy die bekende dorp waarheen hy op pad was binnery, is hy verstom om te sien hoe groot, maar hoe vervalle dit geword het. Daar waar mielielande was, is nou die een meenthuiskompleks na die ander. Die bekende het onbekend geword. Maar die onbekende is steeds bekend. Elke straat, elke gebou word eensklaps ‘n storie, ingekleur deur name en gesigte.
Stories wat herhalend onthou en herleef word. Een gedagte begin loskom in sy kop: wat maak ek met die stories van gister en eergister? Want baie van sy stories is geweef rondom die huise, strate en mense van hierdie dorp. Ook die klanke, die treine wat rangeer in die nanag, die trokke se hake wat slag-teen-slag gekoppel word, die eentonige druising van SASOL dwarsdeur die nag wat hom herinner aan die see by Langebaan.
Mooi storie, dink hy. Soet, nostalgiese stories. Soms hartseer, soms bitter, meestal mooi. Maar is dit nodig om dit oor en oor te lees? Baie van die kiekies in daardie stories is in elk geval reeds weg. Hulle het aanbeweeg. Hulle pronk nou in ander plakboeke, hang teen ander hartsmure, word in ander geselskappe aangehaal en geniet. ‘n Nuwe gedagte begin by hom posvat: Lees mens nie die ou, bekende stories van jou lewe so herhalend, dat jy die kans verbeur om nuwe stories te skryf nie? Is jy nie verantwoordelik daarvoor dat die narratiewe van jou lewe steeds na gister en eergister bly terugdwaal nie?
Die wêreld waarin jy leef, bestaan uit baie stories, besef hy nou, asof vir die eerste keer. Vele daarvan ongeskryf. Gister se verhale is goed, dit is mooi. Maar as jy aanhou dit vertel, verloor jy dalk baie stories wat net so mooi kan wees, indien nie beter nie. Dit is jou keuse of jy die ou hoofstukke wil lees, tot vervelens toe, en of jy nuwe hoofstukke wil begin skryf, met onontdekte ervarings, nuwe horisonne wat getrap moet word.
Hy dink aan die Duitse volksverhale oor Tyl Uilspieël wat elke dag van sy lewe sy ervarings sorgvuldig met sy vulpen in ‘n groot boek met ‘n deftige leeromslag geskryf het. Op die leer was in goue letters gedruk: My Lewe. Hy het die boek oral waar hy gegaan het, saam met hom gedra. Op ‘n dag is hy in stormweer met ‘n wankelrige hangbrug oor die Rynrivier. Die brug het so geswaai dat hy sy balans verloor het en in die rivier geval het.
Tyl Uilspieël
‘n Visserman met ‘n boot het sy benoude geskreeu gehoor, en hom uit die malende, kolkende water gaan red. Sy eerste vraag was: “waar is my boek? Na ‘n gesoek het hulle die uitgespoelde boek gekry. Die swierige leeromslag was steeds daar, met die goue woorde: ”My Lewe” Maar binnekant was daar niks. Elke letter, elke woord en sin was weggewas deur die water van die Rynrivier. Tyl Uilspieël moes op lyn een van bladsy een begin om ‘n nuwe verhaal van sy lewe te skryf.
Die man dink daaraan dat dit nie beteken het dat Uilspieël die ou verhale vergeet het nie, maar dat hy met die nuwe verhale wat hy opskryf, kan seker maak dat hy nie die ou stories se slegte dele weer sal opskryf nie. Mense wat hom seergemaak het, hoef nie weer genoem en opgeskryf te word nie. Die foute wat hy gemaak het, kan nou vermy word.
Dis klaar vertel. Dit hoef nie weer te gebeur nie. Gesigte, drome en name is in sy geheue ingegraveer. Dit hoef nie langer in sy boek te wees nie. Daar is nou baie plek vir die opskryf van nuwe name, nuwe stories. Stories oor lag en liefde en vriendskap. Nuwe onthou-oomblikke kan nou gekoester en opgeskryf word.
Op die vliegtuig terug draal dit deur sy kop. Hy is inderdaad “nowadays I am lost between two shores”, soos Neil Diamond sing. Nog hier, nog daar. Hy sit weereens in die beknopte ruimte van die vliegtuig, en begin inventaris neem van die stories in sy boek “My Lewe.”
Die beskrywings van slegte ervarings, die mismoediges, die teleurstellendes, die onvoltooides skeur hy een-vir-een uit. Frommel die blaaie op. As tipe van ‘n soort binnepret verbeel hy hom nog ‘n storie. Hoe hy vroegoggend met sy sleepwaentjie gelaai met uitgeskeurde, opgefrommelde bladsye vol muwwe stories na Langebaan se munisipale ashoop ry, so vroeg en gretig dat hy moet sit en wag dat hulle die hekke oopsluit. Hoe die wag by die hek nuuskierig in die waentjie sal loer en vra: “Wat het meneer hier?” Hoe hy met ‘n groot glimlag sal sê: “’n Lewe.”
ANIMALS 101 – HOW TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OR HANDLE POISONED PET SITUATIONS.
There has been many recent cases of animal poisoning reported in and around the Secunda area and therefore it is important to know, in advance, what to do if this happens or how to minimize the risk. Poisoning is probably one of the worse deaths a pet can experience.
Your pets are living beings and they are your responsibility, including keeping them safe from any danger. It is sad too see how many people see pets as disposable objects and just use them for “protection”, instead of protecting them.
COMMON TYPES OF POISON
Temik also known as Two Step or Aldicarb. It is a black granular pesticide fed to dogs inside a form of food and thrown over the fence.
Rodenticides like Rattex or Finale
Accidental poisoning with corrosive or petroleum-based toxins like spirits, thinners, petrol, or diesel.
Accidental poisoning with non-corrosive toxins, medication or poisonous plants.
The symptoms may vary depending on the type of poison, but generally can include the following:
salivation
lacrimation (excessive tearing)
excessive urination
diarrhea
vomiting
muscle tremors
loss of appetite
depression
panting
bleeding from nose or skin
pale gums
burns on the lips and mouth
rapid heart beat
convulsions
disorientation
anxiety
paralysis and more
These pet poisonings can be prevented, or the risk can be minimized with certain measures.
BEFORE IT HAPPENS
Save your veterinarians emergency number and one or two alternatives in case yours is not available. You do not want to be searching for numbers in the moment when time is of the essence.
Buy your poison rescue packs from your local welfare organisation for as little as R30. This could possibly win a few life-saving minutes to take your animal to the veterinarian. It usually includes charcoal, salt, syringes and gloves. In addition to this we also bought Pet-e-med on Takealot for around R200. Read through the instructions prior to an emergency, so you are prepared.
Your animals are safer in the house or away from the front gate where others have access to your yard.
Always check your yard for foreign object before you let the pets out. Make this a daily ritual.
Rescue packs
IF IT HAPPENED
Keep calm!
If the animal is still alive, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible after administering the poison rescue pack. Withholding medical care is an act of cruelty!
Use towels, plastic bags or gloves and do not touch the poison.
You still need to take your pet to the veterinarian even if you administered a rescue pack. The veterinarian can possibly safe them or end the excruciating suffering humanely.
If possible, take a sample of the poison to the veterinarian too.
Inducing vomiting will depend on timing. Read the instructions in advance!
Keep your other animals and kids away from the affected areas.
If your veterinarian confirms poisoning, please inform your neighbourhood, local organisations, SPCA (as it is a case of cruelty) and open a case at your nearest SAPS. Even if you believe nothing will come from it, it creates a paper trail!
Contact one of the businesses that specialize in the removal of the corps and neutralizing the affected areas. Agricall pest control secunda / Monteviro environmental services
Although there are those who poisons with malicious intent, poisoned pets are usually an indication of possible break-ins. There may be various animals in your street poisoned around the same time frame, so share this information with your neighbours.
Dr. Rudolph Zinn from UNISA’s School of Criminal Justice conducted research into understanding and preventing house robbery in South Africa.
Based on in-depth interviews with convicted robbers, the following was part of what he found. These security measures are a major deterrent to crime:
•Electric fences
•Detection beams
•Circuit Television (CCTV)
•DOGS THAT SLEEP INSIDE THE HOUSE. Robbers consider this to be the biggest deterrent of all
So not only will you be alerted by your dog that is inside, but you can also protect them. Many animals get killed, hit, cut, poisoned during or prior to these robberies. You need to protect them!
Next week we will look at the rising pet thefts risk and what you can do to keep them safe.
ANC votes in favour of tariff increases, once again failing residents of Govan Mbeki Municipality
“The DA in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality is once again disappointed that the ANC has voted in favour of electricity tariff increases despite the unemployment crisis during a state of disaster,” said Terry-Lee Kleynhans, DA ward 30 Councillor, “It is becoming more evident that the citizens of this municipality need justified answers to the lifting of the administration in the municipality by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).”
“Despite the changes that have been affected as per the advice of the National Treasury, it is clear that the budget remains underfunded,” said Terry-Lee, “Even if by some miracle the municipality managed to collect all debt owed to them, we will still not be able to settle the enormous debt of Eskom and Rand Water that has accumulated, leaving an insolvent municipality regardless of tariffs being increased or not.”
Da Councillor Terry-Lee Kleynhans, Ward 30
“As a nation in a state of disaster, we find ourselves back to a level 4 lockdown which makes an increased unemployment rate inevitable – in addition to those that have lost loved ones and are struggling to get by.”
Communities cannot be punished for the municipality’s insolvency due to financial incompetence, maladministration or inability to successfully deal with water and electricity losses.
Follow the DA Govan Mbeki Constituency Facebook page HERE
Debt incentive schemes and indigent programs are initiatives that have been promised to the community. However, this faces a possibility of failure due to lack of correspondence and feedback to the community on their applications, leaving the DA with little faith in this initiative.
In addition, public consultation has shown us that members of the community cannot cope with tariff increases considering numerous integrated development planning (IDP) consultations ended with members of the public who did not condone or accept the budget that was formerly presented.
It has to be noted that the municipality then blatantly ignored public opinion that arose out of public consultations. Tariff increases will kick our people while they are lying down. The fact that the budget remains underfunded without any hope of seeing a turnaround in the finances of the municipality, is a reason for concern and we object to the recommendations of the Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, and do not accept the budget.
SEVEN SUSPECTS APPEARED IN COURT FOR DEALING AND POSSESSION OF DRUGS
MPUMALANGA – Male Mkolo(33), Mukembani Justin Kasindo(34), RudeA ngeKishuke(24), Bongiwe Manengela(41), Enewere David (34), Mwambaza Hamisa(31) and David Chicoloko(26) were arrested for dealing and possession of drugs and appeared before the Bethal Magistrates court on Tuesday, 29 June 2021. The case is postponed to 2 July 2021, for the appointment of the interpreter.
Bongiwe Managela
This follows the arrests made by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal during the clamp down operation which emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal.
David Chikoloko Illegal Immigrant
It is alleged that in June 2020, information was received by the team about the suspects who are dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal. Intelligence-driven information gathering was conducted and presented before court resulting in a warrant of arrest being issued. During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the team and the public for working together in the fight against drugs abuse within the community. Major General Mokoena urged the public not to get tired in reporting crime which is happening around their neighbourhoods.
Se the gallery below of the remaining 5 suspect on the webpage
The Bulletin hosted an U/15 Soccer tournament on Saturday at Sasol Club in Kinross With Evander Gold Mines as the main sponsor.
The month of June is Youth month in South Africa. In celebration of this, The Bulletin hosted a soccer tournament at Sasol Club in Kinross.
Eight teams entered and the excitement was high. Unfortunately, COVID regulations put a damper on proceedings with a 100 person restriction at an outdoor event. After consultation with the Club manager, we managed to stay within the COVID regulations.
Trophies and medals sponsored by Evander Gold Mines. Soccer Balls by The Bulletin
There are a large number of the u/15 boys that played in the Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge and it was only fitting that Johan Rosslee, Lake Umuzi owner, handed a small bakkie to Jacob Mtakwende, organiser of the Lake Umuzi Soccer challenge, at the tournament.
Johan hand the keys for the bakkie to Jacob.
The teams started at a high note and the scores keep ticking.
The weather started as a nice day but the wind picked up and it was difficult to control the ball at times. But the young stars made it all look easy as they controlled the ball in the difficult wind.
During the mornings play 4 teams were eliminated leaving four teams for the semifinals.
After the mornings play all the players were treated to “Boerewors rolls” that were arranged by Evander Gold Mines. Tee’s Cooking Addiction prepared the food. Thank you to Evander Gold Mines for sponsoring the food by Tee’s Cooking Addiction.
Tee’s Cooking Addiction, sponsored by Evander Gold Mines, dishing out food during the break.
The players were also treated to cultural dances by the Umdzabu Cultural Dance Group.
Umdzabu Cultural Dance Group
The two semi-finals were nail-biting stuff as the teams battled it out for a spot in the finals. In the end it was eMbalenhle against Thistle Grove. Carara Cicks against Thistle Grove.
The game was played in high spirit and no quarter was given. Tempers flared but were quickly quelled as the teams played in good spirit.
Some action shots as taken by Ses’khona news
The teams ended with a 1-1 score and the result had to be determined by penalty shootout. Thistle Grove won the penalty shootout with 5-4 and were crowned winners of the inaugural soccer tournament hosted by The Bulletin.
The Bulletin with some of the winning team players (Thistle Grove)
Thank you once again to Evander Gold Mines for their huge contribution of Trophies, Medals and Food for 200 people, Super Spar for the contribution of bread rolls, Kisme for their contribution with sanitisers and Max Metals for their contribution towards transport costs.
MAN DUE TO APPEAR FOR MURDER AFTER ATTACKING COLLEAGUE WITH AN ELECTRIC GRINDER
NELSPRUIT – A 36-year-old man is expected to appear at the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 29 June 2021, on a charge of murder. It is alleged that the man killed his colleague using an electric grinder, the incident occurred yesterday, Sunday 27 June 2021, at Magodongo Moloto in Kwamhlanga.
According to information received, the two men were hired to do roofing at a certain house in the area. While working, an argument broke out between the two, where the suspect accused the victim of stealing his cellphone. It is then that the suspect, who had a grinder in his hand, allegedly attacked the victim and cut him on his upper body in the process.
Police and medical personnel were summoned and the victim was certified dead at the scene. The suspect was swiftly arrested thereafter and is due to appear in court tomorrow.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General Thulani Phahla strongly condemned this heinous act and applauded the swift arrest of the suspect. “People should learn to solve matters in an amicable manner to prevent unnecessary loss of life,” said General Phahla.
SIX SUSPECTS DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR DEALING AND POSSESSION OF DRUGS
MPUMALANGA – Six suspects, five foreign nationals and a local aged between 31 and 34 are due to appear before the Bethal Magistrates court on Tuesday, 29 June 2021. This follows the arrests made by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal during the clampdown operation which emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal.
It is alleged that in June 2020, information was received by the team about the suspects who are dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal. Intelligence-driven information gathering was conducted and presented before court resulting in a warrant of arrest being issued. During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the team and the public for working together in the fight against drugs abuse within the community. “Drugs usage through the exchange of needles( so-called Bluetooth) might become a super spreader of many diseases including the current pandemic crises because there are no observations and adherences to the current regulations to fight against the pandemic”, said Maj Gen Mokoena. Major General Mokoena urged the public not to get tired of reporting a crime that is happening around their neighbourhoods.
Pretoria, 23 June 2021 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has revised its rest and service facilities rates for the first time since its inception in 1998. The new rates took effect from 28 January 2021.
SANRAL’s long-term strategy, Horizon 2030 is the blueprint for its development over the next ten years and among the key strategic interventions is the adoption of an Integrated Funding Model which entails the generation of its own revenue.
Furthermore, the diversification of revenue sources and the development of sustainable revenue streams from the identified business areas are among the key strategic objectives. SANRAL’s Business Development Strategy identifies key pillars and key focus areas through which SANRAL can derive or significantly increase its revenue. One of these is that of rest and service facilities.
“The previous levy/rate structure had been in existence since 1998 when SANRAL was officially formed. The revised rates were developed with the intention of ensuring fairness to the market for all parties,” explained Thabiso Malahleha, SANRAL’s Head of Strategy.
There is also an approved Rest and Service Facilities Policy that outlines potential developers’ planning and technical requirements. The revised rate card considers factors such as traffic, Gross Lettable Area, and location of the facility with regards to rural or urban. The intention is to also let out opportunities for development on SANRAL owned land through an open and competitive tender process.
“Noting that there may be cases where access to the facility is not direct, in the strict definition it is accessed through a SANRAL interchange which needs to be maintained accordingly,” continued Malahleha.
SANRAL will at intervals review both the policy and rate card to ensure reasonable alignment with the market. Noting that there are existing facilities with direct access off the national road network that do not have an agreement in place. A process to engage these facility owners or operators will be followed.
Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.
Op my daaglikse perlgrimstog om prioviand vir die beleggingstydperk te gaan bekom by die naaste winkelsentrum, kook my bloed meteens: in die veld langs die pad loop ‘n man en hou ‘n brandmaer, verflenterde hond vas aan ‘n nylontou wat om die hond se nek vas is. Die verwilderde hond se oë is angebevange, en kort-kort steek hy vas, waarop die man met ‘n plastieksambok in sy ander hand die verwilderde hond genadeloos slaan terwyl hy op die dier skreeu en skel.
My eerste impuls was om in die veld in te ry en die trogdoliese wreedaard onderstebo te ry, die hond op te laai en hom hom met liefde te gaan versorg. Dit is ‘n algemene ding hier in ons omgewing. Veral naweke sien jy die veghonde vol letsels wat iewers heen gesleep word vir hondegevegte. Daar is skynbaar baie geld vir weddenskappe op die spel. Daar is ook gerugte dat klein skoothondjies gesteel word om tydens sulke gevegte die vegters op te sweep en kwaad te maak.
Die herrinering word opgevolg deur berigte op sosiale media en die Burger. ‘n Man en vrou word afgeneem waar hulle sogenaamd iemand se lieflinghond “oppas”. Hondesitters, noem die tweetal hulself. Ongelukkig vir hulle het die eienaar kringtelevisie in sy huis geinstalleer, en daar word duidelik gesien hoe die hond genadeloos geslaan word, geklap word, aan sy nek gegryp word en deur die lug by die deur uitgeslinger word. Skynbaar was dit vir hulle snaaks, want die tweetjies geniet dit oënskynlik.
Met hierdie twee grafiese beskrywings hierbo sal menige hondeliefhebber onmiddelik die roering van woede en afgryse ervaar. Veral as jy self honde het wat jy soos kleinkinders hanteer, en wat jou hele lewe verryk.
Sy naam was Marx, ons swart worshondjie. Hy was die een wat op sy oupa se skoot aan die slaap geraak het, wat lief was om onder die komberse voor die gasverwarmer te lê, om saam met oupa sy Sondagmiddagslapie op die bed in die sonnetjie te vang. Sy grootste vreugde was om die sakke te deursnuffel as sy oupa dalk ‘n draai by Hospice se winkel gemaak het, want daar was altyd ‘n speelding iewers wat hy dan opgespeel het, die watte-binnegoed oor die hele huis versprei, soos hy instinkmatig geteel is.
Die ritueel met etenstyd was so voorspelbaar; hy sou geduldig sit en wag terwyl hy kyk hoe sy kos ingeskep word, dan sou hy, stertjie swaaiend, stip kyk hoe die sousie oor die blokkies gegooi word, dan het hy gehardloop na die hoekie waar hy sy aandete sou eet. Na ete het hy met ‘n behaaglike sug op die bank kom spring, en dan weggetrek met ‘n gesnork van kakofoniese omvang, reg vir die nag. Wanneer daar egter ‘n geluid was, het hy skielik opgespring, en met ‘n donderende stem gaan soek na die skelms. Marx het die hart van ‘n leeu gehad, die brein van ‘n jakkals, die lyf van ‘n wors, en die blaf van ‘n Rottweiler.
Drie weke gelede het hy egter net eensklaps begin om sy agterbeentjie te sleep. Hy kon nie meer opspring om op sy oupa se skoot te kom sit nie. Die verlamming het vinnig versprei. Eers was dit sy hele agterlyfie, toe sy voorlyf. Marx was binne enkele dae heeltemal verlam. Daaglikse besoeke aan die veearts het bevestig dat dit ‘n genetiese ding was wat worshonde so jonk soos vier jaar al kan plattrek. Geen medikasie, inspuitings of oefening het gehelp nie. Ons het alles probeer, dapper gebly. Ten duurste cannabisolie vir diere gekoop en getrou dit vir hom gevoer. Die hortende asempie het egter vir ons duidelik gemaak dat Marx se longspiere ook begin verlam raak het.
En toe.
Met die wintersonnetjie wat alreeds laag oor die see hang, het ons hom veearts toe gevat, na ‘n ander een toe vir ‘n tweede opinie. Toegedraai in sy nuwe rooi kombersie, met sy gunsteling teddiebeer langs hom. Die een waarmee hy so baldadig gespeel het.
Die veearts was egter klinies en reguit. Daar is geen kans nie. Nie eens ‘n peperduur opersasie nie. Sy het vol deernis ons gelos om totsiens te sê. Marx se ogies was dof, sy asempie was vlak en hygend. Hy kon nie beweeg nie. Ek het sy koppie in my hand gehou waar hy op die ondersoektafel gelê het. En toe, meneer, het ek gehuil. Hartstogtelik geweeklaag. Marx het sy verlamde nekkie opgedwing, sy koppie effens gelig, en die trane op my wange gelek.
Op daardie oomblik het ek uitgeloop. Ek wou nie by wees nie. My oë was te troebel om die mooi van die weskus se sonsondergang te sien, want my sonnetjie het ook so pas gesak.
Meneer die hondeslaner, en wag vir jou langs die veld. Miskien moet ek vir jou wys wat daardie sambok van jou nog alles kan doen.
