South Africans will not be allowed to own guns for self defence under a newly-revived legislative proposal.
The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service (CSP) on Friday published a call for public comment on a 2021 draft of the Firearms Control Amendment Bill in the Government Gazette. Despite a promise in that notice, it did not publish the actual contents of the draft law on its badly outdated website – but revealed in a summary that it contains an effort to restrict gun ownership that is likely to be controversial.
The draft law seeks to “provide for the applicant for a firearm [licence] to provide a valid reason for possessing a firearm”, said the CSP in its description of the Bill.
The DA has launched a petition against the Firearms Control Amendment Bill which proposes a ban on firearm ownership for self-defence. We must protect gun ownership for self-defence as it is the last line of defence for millions of South Africans.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Disarming law-abiding citizens in the current crime-ridden environment is reckless, ill-advised and places many innocent civilians at the mercy of criminals.
SAPS is in a state of disarray, its dismal failure can be felt by South Africans from all walks of life, especially those in rural and gang-infected communities where police stations are understaffed and under-resourced.
SAPS should be making it easier for South Africans to feel safe, not more difficult.
Die Radiodrama Slypskool word eersdaags op Secunda aangebied. Spertyd vir aansoeke is die 28ste Mei. Die slypskool word tydens die naweek van 4 en 5 Junie aangebied by Boesies.
Kom geniet die dag saam met Kobus Burger van RSG asook Hendie Grobbelaar. Dit beloof om ‘n wonderlike ervaring te wees. Kom leer van stories, spanning en klanke.
Die slypskool word gewoonlik nie buite die hoofstede aangebied nie en hierdie is ‘n gulde geleentheid om sommer hier in ons dorp die skool by te woon.
Kobus Burger is die uitvoerende regisseur: drama by RSG. Sy debuut-drama, Mara wie?, het in 2008 die top 5 van die Nagtegaal-tekskompetisie gehaal en is in 2011 met die ATKV Mediaveertjie vir beste radiodrama bekroon.
Hy is die voormalige kunsredakteur van Beeld en was ook vir sowat 18 jaar ‘n toneel-, musiek- en kabaretresensent. Hy was vir ‘n hele paar jaar die voorsitter van die Absa KKNK se Kunstekabinet en later die fees se programbestuurder.
Naas die toneelverhoog en popmusiek, is kreatiwiteit sy ander passie. Hy is reeds in 2007 deur dr. Eric Maisel, die VSA se voorste kreatiwiteitsafrigter, opgelei om kunstenaars in bykans alle kunsdissiplines te help om hulle talent en kunstenaarskap uit te leef. Kobus se kreatiwiteitslypskole is al tydens die Nasionale Kunstefees in Grahamstad en die Moshito-musiekkonferensie aangebied. Hy was ook tot onlangs ‘n deeltydse lektor in die joernalistiek aan die Universiteite van Johannesburg en Pretoria.
Die RSG Sanlam radiodrama-skryfkompetisie was laasjaar24 jaar oud. En daar was altesame twintig finaliste. Die finaliste kon twee meesterklasse bywoon, is met RSG Sanlam geskenkpakke bederf en het mentorskap ontvang voordat die tekste in die eindronde weer eens anoniem beoordeel is.
Die totale prysgeld was R155 000 en die wendramas was van April 2021 in RSG se eerste Radioteater-seisoen vir 2021 aangehoor.
Daar was vanjaar twee rondes met twee afsonderlike panele beoordelaars. Die RSG Sanlam radiodrama-skryfkompetisie het vanjaar 385 inskrywings ontvang, sowat drie keer die hoeveelheid tekste wat gewoonlik ontvang word.
Volgens Kobus Burger, RSG se uitvoerende regisseur: drama, is die oorweldingende belangstelling in vanjaar se kompetisie ook in voeling met die groot toename in luisteraars wat RSG sedert die Grendeltyd vroeër vanjaar beleef het. “Selfs die potgooisyfers van Radioteater laat deesdae die rekords spat en dui op die passie wat luisteraars vir stories in klank het. So, op die vooraand van die kompetisie se kwarteeuviering, dui dit op ‘n dramagenre wat aanhou vernuwe en terselfdertyd nuwe stemme lok.”
Mariska Oosthuizen, Hoof van Handelsmerk by Sanlam, het gesê dat die RSG Sanlam radiodrama-skryfkompetisie, wat hul reeds van sy ontstaan die ontstaan borg, na aan die Sanlam-groep se hart lê.
“Vanjaar se toename in inskrywings wys net hoeveel Suid-Afrikaners van skryf hou en met hul kreatiwiteit gewoeker het tydens hierdie ongekende jaar vol uitdagings. As n groep glo ons daarin om welvaart te skep vir toekomstige generasies en ons sien vele ooreenkomste in die manier hoe skrywers hul teks skep. Hulle beplan versigtig aan hul karakters en storielyn om ‘n suksesvolle eindproduk te lewer.
Soos ons met waardevolle finansiële raad en daad ons kliente bystaan, bied hierdie skrywers vir Afrikaanssprekende luisteraars die voordeel van uitmuntende Afrikaanse literatuur en die lekkerte om eg Afrikaanse stories te geniet. Dit spreek beslis ook tot Sanlam as ‘n Pan-Afrikaanse handelsmerk wat almal steun om hul eie kultuur te omarm en te vier.”
Welcome to The Bulletin’s new weekly feature, ANIMALS 101.
The bond between humans and animals have been forged over thousands of years and for many centuries, dogs have been called “man’s best friend”. For those of us in animal welfare, all animal lives matter, from the smallest creature to the most majestic ones. We want to help you understand them better, raise awareness about the issues guardians, rescuers and animals face and provide guidance on what to do in various animal-related situations.
We want both you and the animals you share your lives with, to get the best out of your relationship. Join us on a weekly journey filled with information and tips on understanding them better, improving this relationship and being the best possible guardian you can be.
Welcome to The Bulletin’s new weekly feature, ANIMALS 101.
In animal welfare and together with many other countries, we recognize animals as sentient beings. This means that they are “able to experience feelings”. Feelings that we need to understand and respect. They are not objects or commodities to suit human needs. Being a guardian of any animal is a massive responsibility and the choice to have one (or more) is a decision, never to be taken lightly. It comes with challenges, but it is also very rewarding!
The 5 freedoms are a set of standards that we, as animal guardians (owners), rescuers and caregivers, have to acknowledge to ensure the welfare of the animals that cross our paths. These standards are recognized internationally and they are not just about what we want to do for our animals, but also what we have to do in order to be responsible guardians.
This week we kick off with some of the basics, the FIVE FREEDOMS OF ANIMAL WELFARE.
FREEDOM FROM HUNGER & THIRST.
This first freedom is about food and water, the basic needs provided to make sure the animal stays healthy and strong. Every animal deserves access to clean water and a safe, well-balanced nutritious diet.
FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY & DISEASE.
This freedom speaks mostly to the medical care of an animal. All animals should be entitled to immediate veterinary attention when they are sick or injured, to avoid unnecessary suffering. In certain cases, this unnecessary suffering from pain, injury or disease can be prevented through vaccinations, deworming and regular vet visits.
FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT.
This freedom is focused on providing shelter and the right environment. All animals should live in a safe and appropriate environment. The conditions and surroundings given to an animal contribute to their overall well-being. An animal that has proper shelter from the elements and a comfortable living and resting area, will be a healthier and happier animal.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS.
All animals deserve love and understanding. They deserve to be happy and not live in fear or distress. Preventing conditions that cause unnecessary anxiety and stress will help prevent mental suffering which can lead to physical conditions too. It is essential for animals to be in good physical condition, but a healthy mental state is just as important for the welfare of any animal.
FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR.
Animals need to be able to express normal behaviours. This can be defined as the way an animal acts in its natural environment or under natural conditions. It can include enough space, proper shelter and housing as well as adequate exercise, opportunity to play and the company of the animal’s own kind which all encourages the expression of normal behaviours.
We will add a sixth one and that is that we wish for all wildlife to be free! We will not fight until cages are comfortable, we will fight until they are empty!
The oval shaped engagement ring is a symbol of a forever promise. This unique and classy ring celebrates the creative mind and kindred-spirit. The other beautiful symbolism behind the oval ring is that this shape represents the promise of a happy family and many children.
The oval shape diamond is not quite a simple circle and it steers clear of the harsh-lines an emerald or other squared-shaped stone encompasses. The oval stands as a sign of uniqueness and a zest for life. The word oval comes from the Latin words ov or ovum, meaning egg. This shape represents rebirth, fertility and even immortality. Which is why this engagement ring promises a life filled with laughter and happy children. An oval engagement ring is a beautiful way to begin a new life together.
Whether you set the center stone with a Diamond or a Moissanite, the end results are always stunning.
1. Timeless Classic
The oval engagement ring is the perfect choice for the bride that’s intrigued by something that’s a little different than the norm, yet remains classic. The oval engagement ring is very popular amongst celebrities these days. Many celebrities such as Blake Lively, Haily Bieber and Julienne Hough have said the big YES to an oval shaped engagement ring.
2. Illusion of Long Appearance
This is perhaps the biggest advantages of an oval shaped engagement ring. The shape itself with its length gives an appearance of longer, more slender fingers to the wearer.
On top of the illusion of longer, slender fingers, another benefit to this stone shape is that it tends to look larger than say a round, in the same carat weight. The reason behind this is because ovals often have greater surface areas than round diamonds of the same weight.
4. Amazing Shine
The oval shape is a brilliant cut, which means they have amazing shine and do not cost more than rounds diamonds and moissanites when all other factors are the same.
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/4-reasons-we-love-oval-shaped-engagement-rings/
DUO ARRESTED FOR CONTRAVENTION OF EXPLOSIVES AND FIREARMS ACTS.
MPUMALANGA – Two suspects aged between 32 and 45 were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, on Thursday 20 May 2021.
This follows The Hawks team acted on information about the suspect who was in possession of illegal explosives and firearms, an operation was conducted at one of the workshops/scrapyards in Hazyview.
The team found illegal hunting rifles, 9 mm pistol, rifle barrels, handgun ammunition, homemade silencers and improvised active homemade explosive devices during a search and seizure operation at the business premises. The collection of firearms and explosives were seized for further investigation by experts from the Explosive Unit and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) who were called for assistance upon uncovering the weapons.
The business owner and his employee were arrested and they will appear before the White River Magistrate Court on Friday 21 May 2021.
If your favourite colour is green, you are in luck! Both May’s modern and official birthstone is the Emerald, which means the official colour of May is green. More recently the green gemstone, Chrysoprase has been added as an alternative stone for May.
Emerald is one of the Zodiac birthstones for Taurus, which lies between April 21 and May 21. The word ‘Emerald’ comes from the Greek word “smaragdos” which means “green stone.” This stone is associated with faithfulness and loyalty. How perfect is that for entering into a marriage?
If you are a lady who loves to stand out in the crowd and be prefer to go the unique route, rather than follow the basic trend, an emerald engagement ring is the ideal choice for you. Engagement rings with emerald gemstones has quickly rose to trending status within the last couple of years. With an emerald, both custom, unique engagement rings, and vintage, simple emerald engagement rings make big impressions.
Ralph Jacobs also offers a Green Moissanite that simulates the natural emerald perfectly.
Deciding on the metal that pairs well with emerald could be difficult, but that’s why we are here. Continue reading to find out which metals go well with the emerald gemstone.
Emerald’s showcase extreme clarity, inclusion, and delicate condition, and it is because of this that many jewelry professionals believe the stone pairs better with certain metals. Silver is a less expensive alternative to common white metals. Most professionals would insist that an emerald engagement ring should be with rose gold, yellow gold or platinum.. Yellow and rose gold metals complement the emerald’s hue and brilliance elegantly. Platinum is another great white metal, and it goes well with either emeralds alone or diamond and emerald engagement rings.
Keep scrolling to see different options of emerald engagement rings.
GMM Mayor misleads council to obtain condemnation for actions already taken while this will cost the municipality thousands.
The disciplinary case against the Municipal Manager took an interesting turn when High Court Judge HF Brauckmann issued his judgement in the case of GMM vs the Municipal Manager.
During this judgement, the ANC led Council were dealt another blow by the courts as they try and rid themselves of the Municipal Manager Filani Mndebele.
The council convened on the 30th of March and the item was presented to the council. In this item, the Mayor, Cllr Nhlakanipho G Zuma, explained the court action that the Municipal Manager took to try and have him reinstated at the council.
Cllr Nhlakanipho G Zuma, Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality
He proposed that council take the following resolutions.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. That the High Court (Mpumalanga Division, Middelburg) judgement on the matter between the Govan Mbeki Municipality and the Municipal Manager, Mr SF Mndebele, attached as ANNEXURE ‘C’ to the report, BE ACKNOWLEDGED.
2. That arising from the judgement referred to under point one, Council CONSIDERS the following options:
2.1. That an appeal be lodged against the High Court ruling. OR
2.2. That the provisions of the High Court be complied with.
This is an important fact on the timeline. The opposition parties vehemently opposed the possibility of an appeal. Unfortunately, the ANC majority decided to go ahead with this appeal.
The problem lies in the fact that the appeal had already been lodged at the high court on the 29th of March, without council approval.
THE RESOLUTION BY THE APPLICANT’S COUNCIL DATED 30 MARCH 2021
[24] Even if I am wrong on the above, Counsel for first respondent referred to a resolution by the applicant’s council that dealt with this application.
Applicant served and filed its application for leave to appeal on 29 March 2021. At no stage did it become apparent that the application was not authorised by the first applicant’s council but when the court’s attention was drawn to the fact at the hearing of the application for leave to appeal on 14 May 2021. The resolution was duly served and filed by the first respondent’s attorneys but did not find its way onto the court’s file. It seems that the applicant’s counsel also did not have it at hand.
At no stage did it become apparent that the application was not authorised by the first applicant’s council
GMM Municipal Manager Felani Mndebele
[25] The resolution “ACKNOWLEDGED” the judgment and resolved further “That arising from the judgment………….,an appeal BE LODGED against the High Court ruling”.
[26] It is firstly not clear which “ruling” an appeal should be lodged against. Rulings or findings are not appealable but orders are. Secondly, and accepting that it was meant to read that the judgment/order were to be appealed against, it is common cause that first respondent already, without authority to do so, served and filed an application for leave to appeal a day before the resolution was taken. The resolution does not ratify the unauthorised application of 29 March 2021. The application for leave to appeal was therefore served and filed without proper authorisation by the council.
The Bulletin spoke to Cllr Ciska Jordaan of the Democratic Alliance regarding the court ruling.
Cllr Ciska Jordaan. Democratic Alliance
She said the following in a statement to The Bulletin:
The Democratic Alliance is appalled by the manner in which the Govan Mbeki Council is pulled into the ANC executive’s continuous, obvious and failing witch-hunt against the Municipal Manager, Mr Felani Mndebele, which is now going to cost the municipality thousands and result in even more depleted finances and ultimately poorer service delivery for the people.
The DA has become aware that the municipality’s leave to appeal has been dismissed by the High Court and the municipality is ordered to pay the legal fees of the municipal manager in its case against him. Shockingly, the judgment indicates that the appeal had been submitted to the High Court unlawfully before the council had permitted such an appeal.
This unlawful action only confirms that decisions are being made by a select few behind closed doors and that the battle against the municipal manager is not a battle of the council but of the ANC who would attempt to bulldoze anyone in their way at the cost of the municipality with or without the approval of the council. Even the judge of the High Court was able to see the true intention of the appeal and indicated that the municipality was “having a second bite at the cherry”.
The DA maintains that this council should be dissolved just as the Lekwa council had recently been dissolved. It is totally unacceptable that the people of Govan Mbeki should suffer at the hands of those who would abuse their power in such a way and are clearly incompetent and undeserving of the leadership of this municipality. Residents of Govan Mbeki will have a chance to remove the ANC from power on the 27th of October this year. We urge all and sundry to go out and register to vote for real hope and real change now.
The Judge ended his ruling with the following paragraph:
[26] Therefore and for all the above reasons the leave to appeal is refused and the application is dismissed with costs.
The municipality is facing tremendous financial challenges at the moment only to have money squandered on court proceedings that had no guarantee of success but rather every indication that it would not succeed.
Who will now pay these legal fees? Will it be GMM and ultimately the residents of GMM or should this be paid by those that lodged the appeal without an authorisation? Maybe even those that voted to hide this illegal action by the Mayor?
This action to rid the municipality of the Municipal Manager Filani Mndebele waisted a lot of money. Money that could have been used to repair potholes, water leaks and even solve some electrical problems.
This municipal council continues to take very poor decisions under the current ANC majority. Only time will tell how long this will continue, how long the residents will allow this to continue.
The MM may be back at work but GMM still has an acting municipal manager. Stability might return to the municipality once this matter has been resolved. The turnaround in Acting Municipal Managers has only damaged and weakened the current administration.
TRICHARDT: On Tuesday 18 May 2021 at about 16:00 police received a complaint from a member of the community who was horse riding at the farm. He reported that he found an African female lying in the field who seemed to be dead.
On the arrival police found a woman lying facing the ground naked with an ANC T-shirt around her neck. The body had multiple stabbing wounds around the upper body and was burned on her thighs and lower abdomen, she was certified dead by paramedics on the scene. The deceased is unknown but she might be between 30 and 40 years of age.
All role players were summoned to the scene, a case of Murder was opened as per case no 30/ 05/ 2021. The investigating officer is D/ constable Amukelani Brian Kwinika he can be contacted on 082 465 2364 or 017 638 0241.
Police are urging anyone who might have information that can assist in this case, or might know the deceased or any family that has a missing person fitting description to contact the investigation officer or Trichardt SAPS on 017 638 0241.
A different side of Mrs Marietha Cole, principal of Laerskool Secunda
Marietha Cole, head of Laerskool Secunda, landed in Secunda when her husband, who was stationed in the army in Oudtshoorn, got a job at Laerskool Goedehoop in 1980. She played netball until she was 40, refereed until age 57 years and still plays social tennis when she has the time. It goes to show that age doesn’t define you.
Marietha Cole in her office
When asked if one of her children followed in her footsteps, she answered that one of her daughters did a postgraduate in education and loves her teaching job. I made the mistake of asking her which schools she worked at during her career, and lost count and names at about number 4. What a repertoire.
Mrs. Cole describes herself as a perfectionist and someone who thrives on structure. Loyalty is also one of the things that makes her very angry if absent – give her loyalty and you will go far. She recalls one of her most embarrassing moments in her younger years, hanging onto the air ventilation window frame on the top of the door on the outside of the classroom, trying to persuade the children to finish their work and then, when turning around, stared at the faces of shocked and/or amused parents!
“Another funny moment I can recall involved a very innocent boy, when I started at Laerskool Secunda and all the kids formed a guard of honour for me.” The boy innocently whispered: “How can a woman be a ‘Meneer Hoof’?” To him, it was obviously a new experience. “When another Grade 1 boy recently heard I was retiring he asked his mommy and myself if I cannot be cloned.” The knowledge of a seven-year-old!
On Covid she said – agreeing with me – that it takes away your personality – you only have the eyes and body language to read a child’s demeanour.
“On the first day that the kids returned to school after the lockdown,” said Marietha, “I could sense that the children seemed completely lost.” Together with her team they managed to turn the situation around, even using things like telling kids that they could wear any mask they want. “I don’t have much contact with the children anymore, but any contact with them is by far the best part of my work,” said Marietha.
“Are there always ‘naughty’ and ‘nice’ kids in class?”, I asked? Marietha smiles and nods. “And it usually stays the same throughout their school years!”
“Did you ever have a problem child who turned out successful?”, I asked Marietha. “Yes,” Marietha replied. “One of these children became deputy head boy in high school”. Children change, never lose hope! Work hard, be yourself, be honest and loyal, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you can become.
“What was the weirdest thing a child has brought to school?”, I asked. Mrs. Cole started her story with one of the teachers of Hoërskool Oosterland panting as she entered her office, saying something huge was wrong. It was exam time, and the kids weren’t allowed to have any type of pencil case on their tables. The one boy was VERY apprehensive to remove his pencil case and after a small altercation the teacher managed to get the pencil case open…it was crawling with small baby snakes! I don’t know the history afterwards, but I can just imagine!
I asked about the sports in the school and was surprised. They have swimming and bowls which are wonderful additions to your everyday school sports!
“Did you ever hit a kid at school – while it was still legal?” “Yes, and the weapon of choice was called ‘Ben Brand’. Although I am against physical school discipline, I feel it’s the parents’ work at home to discipline their kids – not the teachers’.”
When asked what in life she regrets the most, her answer was that she didn’t start earlier with her netball referee course. Also, that while studying, she regrets not pursuing vocal skills and reverberation. “If I could get a qualification with the snap of a finger, I would like a doctorate in Afrikaans,” replied Mrs. Cole. “I would love to have been able to teach tourism – which is only available in high school – to take the children to different worlds through my visual approach in teaching any subject.”
If she could add school subjects to the school syllabus in high school, she would add sport sciences and more intense art and drama as choice subjects. “The primary school is just a vehicle to prepare the kids to make career choices,” Mrs. Cole replied.
She thinks about her life when I asked her what she would change about it. Her eyes gaze at the ceiling as she sifts through the possibilities. “Sing,” she answers, she wishes she could sing (and by this, I mean sing beautifully – we all can sing…..).
I asked her what her most valuable item in her office is, my eyes gazing from object to object, seeing if I can find something of value or which might have deep meaning, awaiting her answer. The answer……..? The heater under the desk (which I couldn’t see). I immediately got it. It’s the best…
On being asked what the most useless thing she bought on the internet was, she answered that it was a cotton candy machine, to entertain and treat her grandchildren. “It was useless, sending a few sweet-tasting clouds into the air with very little landing on the stick.”
“What would you do if R 100,000 fell in your lap now?” It didn’t take her long to answer that she would buy a Persian carpet (there is one on her office floor and as I left after the interview, I noticed her mouse pad is a miniature Persian carpet). “I would also buy furniture and decorations,” as she sees her retirement as a new beginning in her life and wants to materialise it this way.
“What according to you is the biggest evil in children’s lives these days?” Without hesitating, she replied that it is social media and games, BUT, during Covid cellphones were their saviour academically.
“Teens or toddlers?” “Teens,” Mrs. Cole replied, “I get along great with them.” It doesn’t mean she dislikes toddlers and little children, but to see them grow, physically and emotionally is out of this world.
On asking if she could have a second job, what it would be, her answer surprised me: real estate. Buying and beautifying houses before putting them on the market. The chameleon in this woman doesn’t disappoint me.
I asked Mrs Cole what her biggest fear was, “heights,” she replied. “That is until I did the Big Swing in Graskop which made me look at heights and the fear thereof differently.” The same with snakes – after giving a demonstration with a snake in class, her fear of snakes diminished.
“What goal in life would you still want to achieve?” “I want to write a book on education, providing a roadmap to teachers and pupils,” was her answer. She would love to do gardening as well.
What is one life lesson you would share with parents regarding their children? “Please don’t feel ashamed to take your child for therapy. You are hurting your child more by not taking them. It’s not a shame or a sign of weakness.”
On my question if she would have any regrets if she passed on tonight, after a few seconds of deep searching, she said: “Nothing. I had a full, satisfying life. The only possible regret might be not seeing my grandchildren growing up and how their lives form.”
Her motto in life? A quick answer followed: “Be the best YOU can be!”
