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Secunda Reformed Church morning service 11 July 2021

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Secunda Reformed Church morning service 11 July 2021

Welcome to the Secunda Reformed Church morning service, 11 July 2021

“The Holy Spirit” by Anton Knoetze

Secunda Reformed Church Morning Service 11 July 2021

Acts 1 – King James Version

1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Also read: Secunda Reformed Church morning service 4 July 2021

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.

13 And when they came in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,)

16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.

21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Kruik se Oggenddiens 11 Julie 2021

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Kruik se Oggenddiens 11 Julie 2021

Welkom by Kruik se oggenddiens van 11 Julie 2021

Vanoggend se tema: Die lewe gebeur

Kruik se Oggenddiens 11 Julie 2021

Die lewe gebeur elke dag, met elkeen van ons, op baie verskillende maniere.

Also read: Kruik se Oggenddiens 4 Julie 2021

Wanneer die lewe gebeur hoe kan ek dit gebruik om my geloof te versterk? Preeknotas + besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/48726996

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​

Daar is niemand soos U S. Jansen van Veuren ©️2009 MAR Gospel music Publishing CCLI# 573661

Good good Father A. Brown & P. Barrett ©️ Pat Barett Music CCLI# 573661

Suspected serial rapist denied bail!

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Suspected serial rapist denied bail!

Suspected serial rapist Mr Mapanga was denied bail today in the Evander Magistrates court.

Mapanga faces 4 charges of kidnapping and 4 charges of rape. 

The Presiding Officer, Mrs Singh (Magistrate Singh) delivered her judgement today.

Mapanga (34) is a teacher in eMbalenhle and stand accused of kidnapping and raping 4 women, 2 of which are minors, between March 2021 and May 2021. 

The charges fall under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Offences Act. The offences listed in Schedule 6 are the most serious violent crimes, namely murder, rape. and robbery.

Magistrate Singh took several factors into consideration when she delivered her Judgement. 

Here is a brief summary of the judgment.

Mapanga did not divulge his previous convictions when he was questioned. During the police investigation, it surfaced that he had a previous conviction of assault (2015).

An affidavit was filled with Mapanga’s application for bail and he refused to avail himself for cross-examination thereafter.

The applicant for Bail (Mapanga) through his affidavit denied his involvement in the commission of the rapes against all victims and stated that he will plead “Not Guilty” at trial.

Magistrate Singh then weighed several factors to determine if the conditions for bail have been met and that it is in the interest of justice that bail be approved.

“For a Schedule 6 offence, the accused has to adduce evidence to satisfy the court that exceptional circumstances exist in which the interests of justice permit his release.”

suspected rapist

The applicant, Mapanga, in his affidavit stated the following as exceptional circumstances that justify his release on bail 

  • That he has permanent employment in the magisterial jurisdiction of Evander Court which establishes a sense of permanency and strike at the heart of bail proceedings in answering the questions whether the accused will stand trial.
  • The lack of confirmation of the perpetrator as being the accused in light of the procedural flaws of the identity parade as well as recognised identification by the complainant in one case at the Engen Garage.
  • Mapanga has given no clear instructions as to the Video footage obtained from the Shell garage in Kinross.

The respondents (victims) through the mouthpiece of Sergeant Malepela has opposed the applicant’s release.

Sgt Malepela detailed each incident that led to the 4 counts of kidnapping and rape but we will not include it here for the safety and dignity of the victims.

The Sgt described the conduct of the applicant as that of a serial rapist based on the similarities in all four cases.

In Brief, the similarities are as follows

  • In all four instances, the same motor vehicle was used.
  • In all four incidents, the manner of kidnapping and the conduct leading up to each act of rape are almost identical.
  • In all four incidents, the complainants are young females between 14 and 19 years old.
  • The complainants were made to wash their private parts with water that was kept in the boot of the vehicle.
  • The incidents occurred over a weekend as well as a few other similarities.

Sgt Malepela referred to another matter in the Tonga court where the applicant was charged with rape that had similar features as the matters at hand. The matter was struck off the roll after only two appearances by Mapanga. 

Magistrate Singh said that while Malapele struggled to connect the case to this one it is important to note that there are striking similarities.

Read more on the South African Justice System HERE

On this repetitiveness of the incidents, Sgt Malelea opposed the bail application stating also that they considered Mapanga a flight risk. This was due to the fact that the accused refused to give information of where he came from only saying that he is from Tonga near Nelspruit. Even the address in the Tonga rape docket was incorrect and vague.

Magistrate Singh said that not only are the applicant familiar with the criminal justice system but he exhibits conducts consistent with one who wishes to evade detection.

Did the applicant raise sufficient evidence to show exceptional circumstances?

The presiding officer also said that the interest of the applicant must be weighed against that of society.

The state highlighted the following area regarding the failure of the applicant to show exceptional circumstances.

  • The applicant did not testify orally, therefore, leaving his evidence untested and the state version unchallenged.
  • His previous conviction is a sign of his undermining the justice system.
  • His repeated conduct is a sign that he will endanger a member of the public again.
  • He failed to establish his permanency in the area.

The seriousness of the charges against the accused, Mapanga, will lead to if convicted, a lengthy term of imprisonment. This alone could move the applicant to flee.

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

Magistrate Singh said that a serial rapist is one that is defined to have committed two or more rapes. She also said that the cases of the four complainants are almost carbon copies of each other. The complainants corroborated each other stories. She also said that the four complainants did not know each other and so the likelihood that they conspired is negligible.

The fact that the applicants were made to wash is an important piece of information as it shows a high level of forensic awareness by the applicant as he considered the destruction of semen important.

The water is a further indication that the applicant planned the incidents.

The applicant removed the number plates of his vehicle in three instances and was caught on camera at the Shell Garage in Kinross doing so.

In one instance two good Samaritans noticed the emotional state of the complainant and insisted that they take her to the police, in the other, a driver of a bakkie chased after the accused and even fired shots at him to try and save the minor child.

Magistrate Singh concluded that the applicant did not successfully challenge the grounds levelled against him primarily because he did not have his version challenged in open court, also his lack of permanency and while he was employed at the time of his arrest he cannot be sure that he will still be employed at a school where there are vulnerable children. If he is no longer employed there will be nothing keeping him in this area.

Several other facts were also highlighted.

Mr Mapanga was instructed to rise. Magistrate Singh then informed the accused that bail is denied!

The case is then postponed until August to give time for DNA tests to be returned.

The Bulletin spoke to the investigating officer in this case prior to publishing the accused’s name. The investigating officer confirmed that the public need to know

Val Hotel celebrated 27 years with current owner Rita.

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Val Hotel celebrated 27 years with current owner Rita.

This small town named Val, the smallest town in SA with a postal code, is also home to the legendary Val Hotel.

The almost unknown little hamlet of Val is about 50 minutes from Heidelberg in Gauteng and only a stone’s throw from Greylingstad on the road to Standerton.

Although the hotel is over a hundred years old and dates back to the 1800s it celebrated its 27th year under the ownership of Rita Britz on July 6, 2021. “We bought the Val Hotel (which is pretty much the entire town of Val) at an auction on 6 July 1994, at exactly 10 am, for the “extravagant” amount of R18 000.”

Val Hotel
(Photo Rita Britz)

The Bulletin spoke to Rita about the hotel and Val in general, and it is evident that Val is a place to visit for peace and quiet. That said, it does not imply that there is nothing to do but it is not the place for lights and coins that city dwellers sometimes craves. There are a few surprises in this little town.

The Bulletin spoke to Rita Britz about Val Hotel

“It is not even a one-horse town,” Laughed Rita, “we share a horse with Greylingstad.”

Val Hotel has 12 rooms, 6 self-catering cottages and a backpacker. It can accommodate 50 or more guests and offers full catering. The hotel has a cosy private pub, large fireplaces and spacious entertaining areas for functions, conferences, weddings and all celebrations of life. The small and beautiful thatched church, “The Church of St Francis of Assisi, VAL,” further down the road is extremely popular for weddings.

val hotel
The Church of St Francis of Assisi, VAL. (Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen)

This little church has 12 benches and can seat 60 if there is no social distancing. It is also an exceedingly popular spot for small weddings and photographers alike.

(Photo: Michelle van Aswegen)

The façade of the hotel has remained much the same as in the old days. This section of the hotel has its original mud walls and was completed before 1896.

Val Hotel
(Photo: Rita Britz)

Initially, there was a sand road in front of the Val Hotel. One of the proprietors, Mr Pape, owned a parrot. Whenever an ox-wagon came past the hotel, they would halt promptly at the whistle of the parrot. Needless to say, the parrot was not very popular among farmers trying to get 16 oxen on the move on a sand road, which was no easy feat.

Visit the Val Hotel Web page HERE

(Photo: Rita Britz)

The area around Val is rich in history with the particularly important railway line that runs from the coast to the Reef (Johannesburg area). The British defended this line with all their might as it was utilised as a supply line.

(Photo: Rita Britz)

There is a very humorous story about the Boer war where the Boers derailed a train and found it full of whisky and Christmas cakes, needles to say it was a jollification afterwards. We will bring this story at a later stage.

(Photo: Rita Britz)

The Bulletin will bring you a few more stories from Val over the next few months.

Be sure to contact Val Hotel at info@valhotel.co.za if you need a quick outing for a day or for a few days. You will not be disappointed.

Also read: ANIMALS 101 – PET THEFT

Provincial Commissioner calls for tolerance

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Provincial Commissioner calls for tolerance
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER CALLS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO TOLERATE EACH OTHER AND AVOID VIOLENCE

NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has called on the public to be tolerant of each other as well as not use violence to resolve differences.

This comes after five suspects, Dean Venter 29, Frank van Meyeren 36, Jonathan Vermuelen 41, Sonia van Meyeren 47 and Johannes Vermeulen 50, were captured on video, which is making rounds online, allegedly assaulting a man who has since opened a case of assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The suspects were all arrested last week on 29 and 30 June 2021 respectively.

The video that went viral

According to information received, a 27-year-old man who is a victim in this matter, allegedly confronted one of the suspects, Sonia van Meyeren, after she reversed her vehicle and allegedly bumped his car. An argument ensued between the two thereafter, the suspect is said to have made a phone call. Moments later, four men arrived at the scene and severely assaulted the victim.

Also read: Three (3) suspects arrested for business robbery.

The victim then swiftly reported the matter to the police and a case was opened. The suspects made their first appearance at the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 30 June 2021 and were released on warning. They will appear at the same court on 27 July 2021.

Find your local SAPS contact details HERE

The Provincial Commissioner has strongly condemned this act and urged the community to resolve matters amicably or alternatively request police to intervene. ” We will not tolerate such conduct which threatens the lives of others. There are other ways in which issues can be resolved peacefully”, said General Manamela.

ANIMALS 101 – PET THEFT

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ANIMALS 101 – PET THEFT

Animals 101 – Understanding the risk of rising pet thefts and how you can minimize the risk.

There is an increase in the theft of cats and dogs everywhere! Your pets are your responsibility and protecting them from being stolen should be a priority. You can do this more effectively if you understand the WHY & HOW!

animals

WHY ARE DOGS & CATS STOLEN?

  • Dog fights – Power breeds are used in dog fights and the smaller pets, including cats are used as bait in the fights.
  • Re-selling – They are sold at robots and shopping complexes for as little as R50. They can be sold in neighbouring towns to avoid being caught in the town they were stolen.
  • Pedigree dogs are stolen to be bred and the pups sold. Once they steal the dog and realize it is sterilized and they can’t breed with them, they are just dumped on the road, lost confused and terrified.
  • Cats are often stolen for food.
  • Some dogs are used for illegal hunting.
  • Ransom – If you offered a reward before, this could be a reason, your or other pets are targeted again in future.

NO ANIMAL IS SAFE FROM THEFT!

HOW ARE DOGS & CATS BEING STOLEN?

  • Thieves watch public areas waiting for an opportunity to snatch an animal.
  • Stealing dogs/pets left outside shops or in cars.
  • Stealing the easily accessible pets who are allowed to roam the streets alone.
  • Dog thieves lure dogs to fences/ walls or gates with food and once they are in reach, they will grab them and pull them over the wall or throw a rope around the dog and pull them over even high walls.
  • Tranquilizers administered and then snatching the animal.
  • A bitch in heat is used to lure a dog out of their property.
  • Snares and traps are used to catch cats.

Also read: ANIMALS 101 – PET POISONING

Footage from a camera shared on SPCA Roodepoort and Krugersdorp

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

  • Ensure your property is secure and your dogs cannot be lured to the front wall or gate.
  • Dogs who are kept outside can easily be poisoned or in some cases hit or cut or shot. Have a rescue poison pack in your home which can win a few extra minutes to get your pet to the Vet and be on the look out for theft/break-ins in your neighbourhood after poisoning.
  • Neutered pets are less likely to wonder off or to be attracted by the scent of a bitch in heat.
  • Microchip your pets. This will help with identification and proof of ownership as collars can be removed.
  • It is also a good idea to place an ID tag on your pet’s collar, but do not put the animals name on the disc as thieves can then call them by name.
  • Do not take your dogs for unnecessary trips in the car. If your vehicle is hi-jacked your dog will be taken as well.
  • Teach them to not take food from just anyone and to be careful of strangers.
  • If someone other than you family has access to the gate, then have a stern talk about not leaving the gate open or letting the pets out. This includes garden services or builders.
  • Make your property cat proof. There are many ways to do this.
  • Do not let young children walk animals alone.
  • If you know an elderly person with a dog, walk with them or offer to take the dog for a walk.
  • Get to know your neighbours and their pets, if you suspect something seems off, contact your neighbours or report it to the local community watch group.
  • A survey done under jailed thieves showed that the top deterrents that keep most from breaking in is: CCTV cameras, Detection beams, Electric fence and most of all animals in the house!
animals

If your your pet is stolen, please report it to the nearest SAPS, alert your neighbourhood watch, share on social media, post flyers and contact your local animal welfare organisations.

READ MORE ON DOG FIGHTS HERE

Next week we will see how much you know about your pet’s microchip!

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Three (3) suspects arrested for business robbery.

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Three (3) suspects arrested for business robbery.

Bethal: Police in Bethal arrested three suspects including a woman for business robbery on Thursday morning.

The arrest came after the police received a complaint of a business robbery that occurred at a local shop in the central business district on 1 July 2021.

It is alleged that four suspects entered the shop where one of them was wearing a police uniform without a cap and other police uniform accessories, pointed at the victim with the firearm and took the employees to the storeroom and locked them in.

After locking the employees in the storeroom, the suspects then demanded money from the till. They then left the shop with a total amount of six thousand rands.

Also read: ANC votes in favour of tariff increases while DA opposes

While the suspects were trying to get away, the community members managed to apprehend the male suspect which was wearing a police uniform and was handed over to the police. The arrested suspect then informed the police about other suspects which were later arrested.

All suspects will appear at Bethal Magistrates Court facing charges of business robbery and the suspect which was found in police uniform will face another charge of impersonating a police official.

Acting Station Commander, Captain Anne Steyn thanked the community for apprehending the suspect and handing him over to the police. She further encouraged members of the community to continue working together with the police in the fight against crime.

Get all the contact details for Bethal SAPS HERE

Secunda Reformed Church morning service 4 July 2021

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Secunda Reformed Church morning service 4 July 2021

Welcome to the Secunda Reformed Church morning service, 4 July 2021

“The cure for heart trouble” by Anton Knoetze

Secunda Reformed Church morning service 4 July 2021

John 14 – King James Version

14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Also read: Secunda Reformed Church morning service 27 June 2021

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Kruik se Oggenddiens 4 Julie 2021

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Kruik se Oggenddiens 4 Julie 2021

Welkom by Kruik se oggenddiens van 4 Julie 2021

Vanoggend se tema: Die stories van Jesus

Kruik se Oggenddiens 4 Julie 2021

Hoe kan die stories van Jesus ons lewens verryk en vorm?

Kom luister en ontdek saam wat Jesus se stories ons kan leer.

Preeknotas + besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/48723885

Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 27 Junie 2021

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​

Hy Leef N. Bãchner, L. Brittz, R. Burger, & H. Meijer ©️ 2012 Urial Publishing CCLI#573661

Met My Hart R. Burger ©️ 2005 Urial Publishing CCLI#573661

Reckless Love C. Culver, C. Asbury, & R. Jackson ©️ Heritage Worship Music Publishing CCLI#573661

So is die Lewe: ‘N Lewe!

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So is die Lewe: ‘N Lewe!

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:

“Well I’m New York born and raised /

but nowadays I’m lost between two shores /

LA’s fine but it ain’t home /

New York is mine but it ain’t home no more /

I am I said /

to no one there.”

Niel Diamond, I am I said

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.

Lees ook: So is die Lewe: Karl Marx die Tweede

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. 

lewe
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.”

Toe kom die son op in sy verdonkerde oë.

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