The Bulletin News – Page 136

Welcome to Animals 101

Community news

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May 23, 2021

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!

Also read: Mayor misleads council to push ANC agenda

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!

Read about primate care HERE

Are you providing all five freedoms for you pets?

For the next few weeks, we will guide you through various animal welfare scenarios and what to do when you find yourself in such a situation.

When you know better, do better!

Kruik se Oggenddiens 23 Mei 2021

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 23, 2021

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Welkom by kruik se oggenddiens van 23 Mei 2021

Vanoggend se tema is: “Pak jou tas en reis saam.”

Pak jou tas en reis saam. Hoe lyk hierdie reis en waaarna toe nooi hierdie reis my?

Kruik se oggenddiens 23 Mei 2021

Preeknotas + Besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/48702250

Kyk ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 16 Mei 2021

Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 verskillende maniere:

1. Gee Aanlyn – Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, 632005, Rek nr: 1510140016

2. Gee deur Zapper App – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.

Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (0721336130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za/.

Ons sal graag met jou gesels.

Geniet die diens saam met ons!

Kruik CCLI lisensie nr: #573361

Dans C. Combrink & L. Brittz ©️ Brittz, Louis CCLI#573661

You Never Let Go B. Redman & M. Redman ©️ 2005 Thankyou Music CCLI#573661

4 Reasons We Love Oval Shaped Engagement Rings

Ralph Jacobs

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May 22, 2021

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4 Reasons We Love Oval Shaped Engagement Rings

Engagement rings set with Oval Shaped center stones

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.

Source : Ralph Jacobs https://ralphjacobs.co.za/moissanite/shop-all/

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.

3. Appears Large

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/

2 Suspects arrested for illegal firearms and explosives

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 20, 2021

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2 Suspects arrested for illegal firearms and explosives

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.

Also read: Mayor misleads council to push ANC agenda

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.

Read more on the Hawks HERE

May Birthstone Engagement Rings

Ralph Jacobs

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May 20, 2021

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Engagement Rings you will absolutely love for the month of May.

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.

This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/may-birthstone-engagement-rings/

Mayor misleads council to push ANC agenda

Govan Mbeki Municipality

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 20, 2021

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Mayor misleads council to push ANC agenda

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.

Water restrictions as Rand Water demand more — **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.

Read more on the Municipality HERE

Judge Brauckmann said in his judgement:

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 Mayor — **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.

public invited to comment on annual statements mayor — **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.

Also read: BODY OF WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN THE FIELD

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.

Body found in field, SAPS need your help

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 19, 2021

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Body found in field, SAPS need your help

BODY OF WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN THE FIELD

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.

Also read: Councill must be dissolved! DA repeat calls

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.

Find details of your nearest SAPS HERE

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.

Remarkable Marietha Cole, Principal of Laerskool Secunda

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 18, 2021

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Remarkable Marietha Cole, Principal of Laerskool Secunda

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.

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.

Also read: Verkeer of skool, Marietha Cole hanteer albei met gemak.

“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’.”

Follow Laerskool Secunda on Facebook HERE

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!”

Written by Lizelle Hartman

Mayor’s speech aimed at canvassing says Freedom Front Plus

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 17, 2021

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Mayor’s speech aimed at canvassing says Freedom Front Plus

In their response to the “State of the Municipality” speech by the GMM Mayor, Cllr Aranda Nel-Buitendag, (FF Plus) said that the ANC has destroyed the once prosperous towns in the Govan Mbeki Municipality.

“We are convinced that this is just aimed at canvassing,” said Aranda, “the elections are approaching fast.”

The FF+ released the following statement (Afrikaans will be at the bottom of this article)

The municipal speech by the Mayor of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (GMM), Nhlakanipho Zuma, was solely aimed at canvassing votes for the ANC in the upcoming local government elections and made no mention of the pressing financial problems and the general decline of the Municipality.

Mayor's speech aimed at canvassing — **Cllr Aranda Nel-Buitendag, (FF Plus)**

The service delivery of GMM, which serves the towns of Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda and Trichardt, either falls far short or is non-existent.

Zuma, however, decided to focus on the expropriation of land without compensation for housing projects in his speech, but he failed to mention where the funds needed to provide these housing projects with the necessary water and sanitation infrastructure will come from.

The Municipality already has an outstanding utility account amounting to R2 billion due to non-payment by the community and businesses, thus, the Municipality simply does not have the funds to provide basic services to new housing projects.

Also read: Councill must be dissolved! DA repeat calls

The threat that he is going to expropriate land in Kinross without compensation to build a school and that he will make history with land grabs is dangerous and will only deter prospective investors in the local economy.

Zuma also referred to GMM’s so-called economic growth and he thanked former ANC mayors for their hard work. This is ironic in light of the decline of GMM and the financial predicament in which it finds itself since the ANC took control over the Municipality.

A town like Bethal, for instance, is constantly plagued by power outages and water problems due to the Municipality’s non-payment to Eskom and Rand Water. No mention was made of how the outstanding debt of R2,7 billion with the two bulk service providers will be settled.

The ANC has destroyed the once prosperous towns in the Govan Mbeki Municipality. Voters have the opportunity to stand up against this in the upcoming local government elections. Stand with the FF Plus and send a loud and clear message that this will no longer be tolerated. The decline must be brought to an end.

Afrikaans

Die munisipale rede van die burgemeester van die Govan Mbeki-plaaslike munisipaliteit (GMM), Nhlakanipho Zuma, is net gemik op opportunistiese stemwerwing vir die ANC met die komende plaaslike regeringsverkiesing en fokus glad nie op die wesenlike finansiële probleme en verval van die munisipaliteit nie.

GMM, wat die dorpe Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt bedien, se dienslewering bestaan nie of skiet ver te kort.

Zuma het egter verkies om in sy toespraak te fokus op die onteiening van grond sonder vergoeding vir behuisingsprojekte sonder om te meld waar die fondse vandaan gaan kom om die behuisingsprojekte van die nodige water- en sanitasie-infrastruktuur te voorsien.

Die munisipaliteit het reeds ‘n agterstallige diensterekening van R2 miljard weens die wanbetaling van die gemeenskap en sakeondernemings en die munisipaliteit beskik nie oor die fondse om die dienste met nuwe behuisingsprojekte te verskaf nie.

Volg die FF+ HIER

Die dreigement dat hy in Kinross privaateiendom sonder vergoeding gaan vat om ‘n skool te bou en geskiedenis te maak deur grondgrype, is gevaarlik en sal broodnodige potensiële beleggers in die plaaslike ekonomie afskrik.

Zuma het ook verwys na die sogenaamde ekonomiese groei van GMM en vorige ANC-burgemeesters vir hul harde werk bedank. Dis belaglik gesien in die lig van die verval van GMM en die finansiële verknorsing waarin die munisipaliteit verkeer sedert die ANC in beheer is.

‘n Dorp soos Bethal word geteister deur kragonderbrekings en waterprobleme weens die munisipaliteit se wanbetaling van Eskom en Randwater. Geen melding is gemaak hoe die agterstallige R2,7 miljard aan die twee grootmaatverskaffers vereffen gaan word nie.

Die ANC het die eens vooruitstrewende dorpe in die Govan Mbeki-munisipaliteit vernietig. Met die komende plaaslike regeringsverkiesing kan inwoners hierteen opstaan en saam met die VF Plus staan om ‘n sterk boodskap te stuur dat die nie langer geduld sal word nie. Die verval kan gestop word.

Councill must be dissolved! DA repeat calls

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 17, 2021

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Councill must be dissolved! DA repeat calls

Govan Mbeki Municipal Council must be dissolved as it is bankrupt and can’t pay creditors

Statement by James Masango, DA Cllr in Govan Mbeki Municipality

The Bulletin received the following statement in response to the recent “State of the Municipality” and the dissolvement of the Lekwa council.

The DA in Mpumalanga calls for the Govan Mbeki Munich Council to be dissolved. “Prior to his recent State of the Municipality Address, Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma had consistently indicated that the municipality was bankrupt and couldn’t afford to pay creditors,” said James Masango, DA Councillor in GMM, “However, on his State of the Municipality Address he made unfounded and empty promises of a litany of upcoming projects in the next financial year by projecting the municipality as viable.”

Democratic alliance dissolved — **James Masango**

This is of course not the case and it is for this reason that the DA calls for its dissolvement.
• The current government has failed to replace old electrical boxes that have exploded due to power outages in Bethal, Emzinoni, Embalenhle and Secunda. The people of this municipality need a government that will prioritise maintenance and bring a stop to illegal connections that are costing on average 70% of its electricity monthly.
• Sewerage spillages in Embalenhle has been an issue since 2008 when Mpumalanga was declared as “bucket free”.
• Refuse removal is a challenge and streets are filthy.
• Most of the street lights are dysfunctional in all residential areas and towns.

Read more on the Democratic Alliance (DA) HERE

These are but a few of the issues bothering residents of Govan Mbeki Municipality.

In order to make this municipality financially viable again, a capable government is needed. A DA government will prioritise the following:
• Have proper data of indigent and poor households.
• Ensure that those who can afford to pay are paying their bills on time, thus bringing back the culture of paying for services rendered.
• Employ a service provider that is able to do proper readings, capturing and billing of consumers. And ensuring payment is in accordance with their performances.
• Criminalise illegal reconnections by any consumer or by being assisted by the municipal employees.
• Employ competent and qualified staff that add value to the services rendered to the community.
• Pay Eskom and Rand Water according to current payment agreements.

Once all of these services are enforced, investment will return and the Municipality will become economically viable again.

Also read: National Treasury ordered to intervene in Lekwa

Residents of Govan Mbeki are fed up of paying for services that are not rendered. They are tired of bathing in cold water and sometimes having to not bath at all due to unavailable water services. They can’t wait for another five years of empty promises.

They need change for a new government and it is time for change now. A DA government can do better in this municipality. The proof is in the municipalities that the DA currently govern in the Western Cape and elsewhere in the country.