The Bulletin News – Page 153

The Best Diamond Alternatives in 2021

Ralph Jacobs

-

January 27, 2021

Are you in the market for a sustainable diamond alternative for your engagement ring? Then this is the perfect place for you. You’re not the only one! There are many couples nowadays that are looking for something other than diamond to signify their bond. There are many reasons why people want to choose an alternative to a diamond, may it be a happy conscience or an even happier wallet.

Read on to see what the newest and best diamond alternatives are in 2021!

An diamond-alternative can mean different things to different people. The premise of this post is to list and give options to couples that want something very similar to a diamond. We will be looking at white-coloured gemstones that can be used instead of a natural mined diamond. These alternatives very closely represent the diamond look, without the mined diamond price.

If you’re looking for something more colourful, than refer to our previous article on coloured gemstones. We analyze gemstones from sapphires to ruby’s and decipher everything you should be on the look-out for and how well the gemstones are rated on the Mohs hardness scale. Really worth the read!

The Best Colourless Diamond Alternatives in 2021

Lab Diamonds

All Over Best Alternative

This is the newest and best version of a diamond alternative, and they are ABSOLUTELY gorgeous. Believe or not, but lab diamonds are actually the same mineral as natural mined diamonds. The only difference is that they were born in a lab instead of the ground.

Besides the fact that Lab Created Diamonds have the exact same chemical makeup as mined diamonds, they also share the exact same qualities. Both lab diamonds and mined diamonds are pure carbon, they sparkle exactly the same, and they have the same 10/10 hardness. What’s even better is that you get all of this for 30-50% of the price!

At the end of the day Lab Created diamonds provide you with the exact same look and feel as genuine mined diamonds, for half the price and you have no guilty conscience as your shiny engagement ring is completely conflict-free. Lab Created Diamonds are the ultimate mined diamond alternative.

Moissanites

Most Sparkly Diamond Alternative

This is a more sparkly alternative to diamonds. It is due to its extreme “dispersion,” that Moissanite sparkles more than diamonds. Another reason to opt for this alternative is its durability – rating at 9.25/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale it is extremely hard. This means that it will stand up to daily wear. Moissanite will break your bank even less than Lab Created Diamonds. It is only a fraction of the price, making it very affordable.

The bottom line is Moissanite is a great diamond alternative. Those choosing Moissanite should expect sparkle that looks like fireworks.

White Sapphire

Best Natural Diamond Alternative

The white sapphire is a great option for those looking for a natural diamond alternative. It is a 9/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which translates to lasting you a lifetime. White Sapphire’s are not only natural, but extremely durable and super affordable! They come in various shapes and sizes.

Another pro to White Sapphires are that they are not treated at all. This means that the white sapphire doesn’t go through any heating processes before being cut.

White Topaz

Most Inexpensive Diamond Alternative

This baby will give you SERIOUS value for your money! Topaz is incredibly inexpensive and it offers you a natural, and durable diamond alternative. White Topaz’s 8/10 hardness on the Mohs Hardness Scale additionally means that it avoids scratching pretty well.

The selling value of a Topaz engagement ring is that you get a HUGE look on your finger for very little money. One thing to be aware of when choosing White Topaz is the possibility of a grey-white sparkle, as compared with diamond’s white and colored sparkle.

This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/the-best-diamond-alternatives-in-2021/

Alleged fraudsters arrested in court for counterfeit fuel cards

Crime

-

January 26, 2021

0

Alleged fraudsters arrested in court for counterfeit fuel cards

Two alleged fraudsters in court for counterfeit fuel cards

Listen to the article here

MPUMALANGA – Kenneth Maoto(35) and Reginaldo Nuvunga(34) appeared in the eMalahleni District Court on Monday 25 January 2021 following a charge of fraud.

**Reginald Alberto Nuvunga(34) Mozambican National**

They were arrested in Witbank by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team on Friday, 22 January 2021 for the alleged fraudulent transactions with counterfeit fleet fuel cards.

Two alleged fraudsters in court for counterfeit fuel cards

The pair were initially arrested on Friday 15 January 2021, by the Vaalbank Detective Services after presenting two counterfeit fleet cards for fuel payment at the local Puma garage. Investigations by the Hawks further linked the duo to additional similar fraudulent transactions. They were consequently charged for at least two transactions that occurred at Witbank garages in January 2021. They were arrested in Court following their appearance for their earlier offence.

Also read: Two severely burned suspects succumb to their injuries

During the Investigations it was found that they had fraudulently created counterfeit fuel cards for fleet under two different companies. The fraudulent transactions amount to just over R110 000.

The case against the duo was postponed to 03 February 2021 for further investigation whilst they remain in custody.

Read more on the Hawks HERE

Two severely burned suspects succumb to their injuries

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

-

January 25, 2021

0

Two severely burned suspects succumb to their injuries

TWO SEVERELY BURNED SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR PIPELINE FUEL THEFT

MPUMALANGA – Two suspects aged 28 and 39 were arrested by members of Fidelity Security during the night of Thursday, 21 January 2021 at Kendal near Phola.

Listen to the article here

The pair were arrested after Transnet control room detected a fuel pressure drop on the pipeline. Authorities responded to the identified spot and apprehended one suspect who attempted to run away. He had fresh burn marks all over his body. There was a big fire in the maize field nearby and upon inspection, they realised that the flames are from the burning Transnet pipeline.

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and local police were summoned to the scene for further investigation. Following an intensive search, a second suspect who was also badly burnt was apprehended after he was found hiding under a bridge.

severely burned suspects succumb to their injuries

Emergency services were summoned and the two suspects were transported to the hospital under police guard. All the exhibits which included a white Mazda bakkie, generator and pieces of charred clothes were confiscated for further investigation.

Also read: Water restrictions as Rand Water demand more

The suspects were expected to appear before the Phola Magistrate’s Court on Monday 25 January 2021 to face charges of malicious damage to property, tampering with essential infrastructure and theft of fuel but unfortunately, the two suspects who were arrested for pipeline fuel theft succumbed to their injuries at Witbank Hospital.

Read more on the Hawks HERE

Kruik se Oggenddiens 24 Januarie 2021

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

-

January 23, 2021

0

Welkom by Kruik se oggenddiens 24 Januarie 2021

Vanoggend se tema is: Wat maak jou gelukkig? (Inleiding)

Kruik Oggenddiens 24 Januarie 2021

Wat maak jou gelukkig? Inleiding

Miskien voel jy oorweldig, benoud en angstig oor die dinge van die lewe en wonder as God tussen alles, werk… die boodskap is; Niks kan die werk van God in ons lewens stop nie!

Preeknotas + Besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/48458928

Kyk ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 17 Januarie 2021

Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 verskillende maniere:

Gee Aanlyn – Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, 632005, Rek nr: 1510140016
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
Ek Weet U Is Lief Vir My S. Smith ©️ 2006 MAR Gospel Music Publishers CCLI#573661
Do It Again C. Brown, M. Brock, M. Redman, & S. Furtick ©️ 2017 Music by Elevation Worship Publishing CCLI#573661

So is die Lewe: Besoek van die Donker Engel

Columnist

Encee van Huyssteen

-

January 23, 2021

0

So is die Lewe: Besoek van die Donker Engel

Geniet nog ‘n uitgawe van Marius Britz se “So is die Lewe”. Hierdie week se tema is “Besoek van die Donker Engel.”

Dit was Jesus self wat die verhaal vertel het van die verskoningmakers wat gesê is om Hom te volg. Die een ou het gesê: “Laat my eers toe om my ouers te begrawe.” Jesus het gesê: “Laat die dooies hulle eie dooies begrawe, maar volg my.” Jesus se woorde klink hard, maar eintlik het die man gesê: “Ek het ‘n groot verantwoordelikheid wat ek moet nakom, wat omtrent al my tyd en energie vat. Ek pas my bejaarde ouers op. Ek het nie nou tyd vir enigiets anders nie.”

As jy ‘n bejaarde ouer versorg, groei jou simpatie met hierdie verskoningmaker. Dit is ‘n groot werk, en nog groter verantwoordelikheid. Die absorbeer jou hele bestaan, omarm jou wese, beheer jou totale lewe. Die tekens is vroeg reeds daar dat jy nie lank meer die taak sal kan nakom nie, al is jy hoe toegewyd en al is jou liefde vir jou ouer onbegrensd groot.

Jy sien die tekens een vir een. Die skouers wat hang. Die hande wat lomp raak en kort-kort ‘n koppie of glas laat val. Die gedagtes wat kort raak. Die oë wat amper deurskynend raak en dikwels betraand is oor onthou-dinge. Die skuifelstappie met die loopring. Die bord kos wat ongeëet weggestoot word. Die vergeet van hoeveel pille gedrink is, en kort-kort weer verkeerdelik gedrink word.

Sodat jy moet ingryp. Pille uitdeel drie keer op ‘n dag. Besigheid doen namens hom of haar, inkopies gaan doen, sorg dat daar brood en melk en toiletpapier is. En toenemend magteloos toekyk hoe die een trotse mens, altyd onberispelik versorg, verskrompel tot ‘n hopie bene wat op die bed lê en die vertes instaar. Later kom die daaglikse omruil van beddegoed aan die beurt. Soms twee, drie keer per dag.

Lees ook: So is die lewe: Ek het twee ma’s

Dan, die BESLUIT. Die een wat jy uitstel en uitstel. ‘n Vrou kan nog haar ma versorg tot die uiterste, maar ‘n man kan nie sy ma so versorg nie. Skielik bevind jy jouself voor die deur van die versorgingsoord. Jy ruik die ontsmettingsmiddels en ander reuke. Jy sien die tannietjies en oompies wat vier-vier in ‘n kamer lê en na die deur staar. Iewers hoes iemand ‘n roggelhoesie. Iemand skuifel in die gang by jou verby. Iemand lui aanhoudend ‘n klokkie.

Almal kyk vol afwagting na jou, asof jy die teken is waarvoor hulle gewag het.

Almal kyk vol afwagting na jou, asof jy die teken is waarvoor hulle gewag het. Asof jy spesiaal gekom het om een van hulle te kom verlos uit hulle eensaamheid. Jy maak jou oë toe, sluk aan die knop in jou keel en gaan haal die aansoekvorms namens jou ma by die kantoor. Jy maak ‘n punt daarvan om nie links of regs te kyk nie. Reguit voordeur toe, weg, weg, van die naakte realiteit wat jou hier trompop konfronteer. Jacques Brel se The old folks galm in jou skedel.

Jacques Brel – Les Vieux Live (English Subtitles)

Maar iemand roep jou voordat uitloop. In die ingangsportaal sit ‘n tannie, netjies aangetrek, handsak op die skoot en koffertjie gepak langs haar. “Ek wag vir my seun,” sê sy, “hy kom my haal om by hulle te gaan kuier. Hy is so oulike man. Hy is geleerd, hy het grade en ‘n belangrike werk. Hy ry so mooi kar, en woon in ‘n groot dubbelverdiepinghuis. Hy dien op baie rade en direksies, en maak verskriklik baie geld. Sy kinders studeer almal. My seun gaan my netnou kom haal. Dan gaan ek so paar dae by hulle kuier. Ek is so geseënd om sulke wonderlike en suksesvolle kinders te hê!”

Jy glimlag saam met haar, deel haar kortstondige vreugde. Sy word die fokus van jou hoop. My ma gaan net so positief soos hierdie tannie wees, oortuig jy jouself. Sy gaan hier gelukkig wees. Almal gaan vir haar goed wees. Op ‘n manier word die besluit vir jou makliker. Moenie dink aan die negatiewe nie. Die mense word met liefde en deernis daar versorg.

Die personeel is toegewyd en bekwaam. Hulle verstaan die uitdagings van bejaardeversorging baie beter as jy. Hulle het ‘n passie vir hulle werk. Jy begin om jou ma voor te berei op die moontlikheid dat sy beter versorging nodig het as wat jy kan bied. Jy vertel jouself dat dit vir al die betrokke partye, jou ma inkluis, die beste opsie is.

Jy vul die dik bundel dokumente in. Verslae van die dokter. Mediese geskiedenis. Medikasie gebruik. Naasbestaandes. Die woord naasbestaande maak jou bewerig. Jy dink aan ander kontekste waarin dit gebruik word. Na so twee weke is die aansoek gereed om ingedien te word, en jy dapper genoeg om dit in te dien.

Jy stop weer voor die versorgingsoord, hierdie keer meer oortuig van die meriete van jou saak. Maar, wanneer jy by die voordeur instap, is dieselfde tannietjie van twee weke terug weer daar op haar pos. Dieselfde netjiese blommetjiesrok, selfgebreide truitjie aan, ten spyte van die hitte, en dieselfde afgeleefde handsakkie op die skoot. Sy kyk stip na die straat voor die gebou, maar herken jou skielik as jy inkom.

“More tannie!” Jy groet so hartlik en vrolik as wat jy kan. “Het tannie toe lekker by tannie se seun gekuier?” Vra jy, al weet jy by voorbaat. “Ag jong, hulle is so besig, hulle kon toe nie by my uitkom nie. Jy weet, al die verantwoordelikhede en vergaderings. Maar hy is vandag hier naby vir ‘n belangrike vergadering, en sal kyk of hy na die tyd my kan kom haal.” Sy kyk weer na die karre wat in die straat verbyry. Jy weet hy gaan nie opdaag nie.

Ek staan met ‘n groot pak ingevulde vorms in my hand. “Kan ek u help, meneer?,” vra ‘n verpleegster my as sy verbyloop. “Nee dankie,” sê ek. “Ek het net kom kyk hoe dit hier lyk.”

Dan, onverwags, ongenooid, kom hamer die Donker Engel skielik aan jou ma se deur. Terstond word die Besluit van jou af weggeneem.

Jy is dankbaar daaroor, maar sê dit nie, want hartseer is stom.

Engagement Rings Across Different Cultures

Ralph Jacobs

-

January 22, 2021

0

Engagement Rings Across Different Cultures

Japan

The Mokume Gane ring is a common Japanese traditional ring, used for engagement and wedding by the bride and groom. Mokume Gane means “wood eye metal.”

Ancient samurai used Mokume Gane materials to decorate their swords. The ring has a stunning swirling design that has been gaining popularity in Western cultures recently.

India

India has a diverse culture and many gods that are worshipped, as a result, many different practices for marriage. However, a tradition that they have long enjoyed is engagement ceremonies and the love of placing rings on each other’s fingers at this occasion.

With so many Moissanite options available, this unique ring can be designed by Ralph Jacobs.

Typically, a man puts a ring on the woman’s right hand, and the woman puts a ring on the man’s left hand. Something we are aware of, of the Indian traditions is to wear toe rings (bichiya), which many people still do so today.

Kenya

Something quite different is worn in Northern Kenya to signify their engagement to one another. The Samburu warriors wear a necklace with decorative beading to signify engagement.

Argentina

In Argentina, couples use a silver band when engaged, then change it for a gold wedding ring at the wedding ceremony.

Jewish Traditions

Jewish traditions vary, but in some cases the fiancé places a ring on the right index finger of his fiancée, and during the wedding ceremony, the ring is moved on the same hand to the ring finger.

This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/engagement-rings-across-different-cultures/

Gemstones: Things to Avoid & What to Buy

Ralph Jacobs

-

January 21, 2021

0

Gemstones: Things to Avoid & What to Buy

If their breathtaking colours and meaningful symbolism, isn’t enough of a reason to opt for a beautiful gemstone engagement ring, it could be to follow in the foot steps of many famous people who also rock gemstone engagement rings. These include Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy, Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, and Princess Eugenie.

Gemstone engagement rings are growing in popularity due to their unique style, large size, and lower cost. However, one should keep in mind that similar to diamonds gemstones have different levels of hardness, and not all gemstones are good engagement ring center stones.

We also have a wide range of coloured Moissanites in the market today. From blue to pink, the options are endless.

It’s crucial to know which gemstones are worth your money and which gemstones may break easily during normal wear. In order to know which gemstone is suitable for you and your lifestyle, you have to know the hardness of a stone, this is calculated through the Mohs Hardness Scale.

At Ralph Jacobs, we completely understand the trends of the seasons, and we will be able to assist with any Engagement Rings that you wan to create with your favorite coloured gemstones.

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?

This Mohs hardness scale test compares the resistance of a mineral to being scratched by ten reference minerals known as the Mohs Hardness Scale (see the images below). The test is useful because most specimens of a given mineral are very close to the same hardness. This makes hardness a reliable diagnostic property for most minerals.

Source: www.thenaturalsapphirecompany.com

Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist, developed the scale in 1812. He selected ten minerals of distinctly different hardness that ranged from a very soft mineral (talc) to a very hard mineral (diamond).

Now that you have a better understanding of which stones are more resistant to damaging and scratching, you can decide which one to get based on which gemstone makes for a good center stone in your engagement ring.

What Gemstones Make Good Engagement Ring Center Stones?

Keep reading to find out which gemstones are most durable. Below we review some durable gemstone engagement ring options, in order of hardness:

Emerald Engagement Rings

The emerald is durable, at a 7.5/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. An emerald stone can be light or dark and comes in many shades, including pure green, yellow-green, and blueish-Green.

If you decide on an emerald for your engagement ring, keep in mind that inclusions which reach the surface of the gem may increase its risk for chipping. Be sure to choose an emerald engagement ring setting that protects any inclusions which may put the ring at risk. Something else to keep in mind is that an emerald is a Type III gemstone, which means it often shows extensive eye-visible inclusions. In other words, don’t expect an Emerald to be flawless

Aquamarine Engagement Rings

This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/gemstones-things-to-avoid-what-to-buy/

Community prays for Health workers and Police

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

-

January 19, 2021

0

Community prays for Health workers and Police

Several members of the GMM community gathered to pray for hospital staff and SAPS

Several members of the GMM community gathered and prayed for the Health Workers at Evander Hospital as well as Mediclinic Highveld. Both Evander SAPS and Trichardt SAPS received the same blessing.

The nursing staff at Evander Hospital could not believe their eyes on Monday. The entrance towards Evander Hospital was lit up with various response vehicles as several people gathered to pray for the staff.

Vehicles of GTR, MCR, JTR, Langamed, Remax, Seeff, Countrywide towing and Strydom & Venote could be seen.

The people gathered closed waving colourful flags as they moved to gospel music before settling down to pray. Next was the Evander Police station.

People prayed for the Health workers, Patients and SAP

Also read: Water restrictions as Rand Water demand more

On Tuesday a group gathered at Mediclinic Highveld to pray for the Nursing staff at that hospital. Prayers also whent to those that are ill, that they may be healed.

Everyone that walked past or came to see what was going one had a smile on their faces.

The pastor used the following words from the Bible to encourage everyone:

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

An Afrikaans prayer followed and everybody moved to the helipad to continue their prayers.

Plans for tomorrow is to go to Bethal and the convoy will leave Secunda at 17H30

Please contact Alta Horn on 071 107 7261 to join and become involved.

Well done to everyone and Thank You!

Water restrictions as Rand Water demand more

News

Encee van Huyssteen

-

January 19, 2021

0

Water restrictions as Rand Water demand more

GMM experienced unprecedented water restriction from Rand Water over the last few days with several residents complaining about have no access to any water whatsoever for at least two days.

The COVID restrictions and sanitation protocols makes it very difficult to combat the pandemic.

Several Businesses complained that they cannot function without water and will continue to lose money. This is also compacted by the COVID restrictions.

The DA councillors in Secunda have been inundated with requests for information regarding the water issue. The Bulletin learned that there is no consistency with any answer that they receive from any of the officials.

“I will start losing some of my pigeons soon,” one resident told the Bulletin, “My pigeons are worth over R1m. Who will compensate me for that?”

Another resident complained about washing the small children, other are concerned about the old people.

The situation is spiraling out of control as the debt of GMM continues to rise.

Also read: Dissolve Govan Mbeki Municipal council! Calls from the DA

The Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, Cllr Zuma released a statement on the Govan Mbeki Municipality Facebook page.

EXECUTIVE MAYOR ADDRESSES WATER CHALLENGES AND RESTRICTIONS

It is unfortunate that members of the public in Govan Mbeki Municipality have to be subjected to such conditions on a human rights matter.

The issue of water provision is a right enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. No one has a right to close water unless there is a breakdown of some sought as water is a basic need.

What has happened over the past few days is uncalled for and should not be tolerated.

A battle between state entities can never be advanced at the expense of the rights of the people to access.

The Govan Mbeki Municipality has a historical debt to Rand Water that has been accumulating over years. We have since acknowledged the debt and committed on having it repaid in full over a long term approach that should therefore be agreed between us as the Municipality and them as a Water Board.

In showing our commitment we have in the month of December paid an amount of R75 096 215.15. This amount covers the month of October and November, which then puts the Municipality up to date on the current account. We are going to be paying the month of December at the end of January as a norm.

The municipality is currently losing over R10 million worth of water on a monthly basis through leaks and illegal connections.

We are calling on Rand Water to partner with the municipality and community of Govan Mbeki in declaring war against leaks and water theft.

We understand that water is a scarce resource and needs to be handled with care. The municipality is committed to working with anyone in addressing the challenges facing the municipality. It is for these above-stated reasons that we as Govan Mbeki Municipality have taken the initiative of informing and involving the Offices of the MEC for CoGTA, the Office of the Minister of Water Affairs in trying to find an amicable way of dealing with our differences.

We have further requested a meeting with the Board of Rand Water since Friday, which we have yet to get any form of response. This none-response has prompted us to approach the High Court to challenge what we feel is an illegal act by Rand Water. We remain hopeful that the Court of Law will be on the side of Justice to the people before the end of the day today.

Visit GMM Facebook HERE

Dissolve Govan Mbeki Municipal council! Calls from the DA

News

Encee van Huyssteen

-

January 18, 2021

0

Dissolve Govan Mbeki Municipal council! Calls from the DA

The DA calls for the Govan Mbeki Municipal council to be dissolved in accordance with Section 139 (c) of the constitution.

I a statement released today, James Masango, newly elected DA Councillor in Govan Mbeki Municipality, called for the dissolving of the Municipal council.

This comes in the wake of a dysfunctional council where the speaker makes rulings as she pleases. Read the article HERE

It also comes in the wake of crippling power cuts by Rand Water (RW).

The municipality is unable to give any satisfactory answer on the recent water restrictions. The answers range from “The municipality did not pay their account,” to “There is no clear indication on the cuts. RW is playing politics.”

James said in his statement that they will submit a motion to council and also write to the MEC of Cogta, Mandla Msibi to take action in this regard.

Also read: Crumbling municipalities! The DA demands intervention!

“Just this past week alone DA councilors were inundated with over hundred complaints ranging from water leaks, no water, faulty transformers that exploded and sewer leaks. For several years the municipality has failed to maintain and replace the ageing infrastructures.” said James in his statement, “The DA and a few municipal workers are working day and night trying to fix the recurring problems that are faced by the municipality. No amount of changing ANC Mayors and Municipal Managers will save us from the downfall of our infrastructures and our lives.”

Dissolve Govan Mbeki municipality! — **Cllr James Masango**

Here is the full statement of Cllr James Masango:

The DA will put a motion in the Govan Mbeki Municipality and will write to the MEC of Cogta, Mandla Msibi in accordance to section 139(c) of the constitution to dissolve the Municipal Council.

The motion will be done in accordance to section 34 (1) of the Municipal Structures act, following years of struggle in the Govan Mbeki Municipality with water and electricity problems which are now not only a crisis but also a health hazard and life threatening to the residents.

In 2020, the DA wrote to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to urgently intervene in throttling water to the residents.

With the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic picking up in this municipality and people losing their lives, it is unacceptable that residents can be without water for days especially when residents pay for services rendered by the municipality. The loyal and law abiding citizens of this municipality have to suffer the consequence of the ANC-led municipality failure to pay Rand Water Board.

Water is life and is one of the rights enshrined in the constitution of the country. We understand the magnitude of work and number of complaints the SAHRC have to deal with, but this is also an urgent matter. We will do a follow up on this matter with the SAHRC.

The signs of many years of systematic corruption, patronage, nepotism and incompetency by the ANC governed municipality are showing off now. The clean and good towns we had before have collapsed. What was working perfectly is now broken and redundant.

Just this past week alone DA councilors were inundated with over hundred complaints ranging from water leaks, no water, faulty transformers that exploded and sewer leaks. For several years the municipality has failed to maintain and replace the ageing infrastructures.

The DA and a few municipal workers are working day and night trying to fix the recurring problems that are faced by the municipality. No amount of changing ANC Mayors and Municipal Managers will save us from the downfall of our infrastructures and our lives.

Taking into considerations of the above mentioned, the DA has no option, but to call for the Govan Mbeki Council to be dissolved.

We will also once again write to the SAHRC to request it to prioritize its intervention in the Municipality’s water and electricity problems.

The residents are not getting any joy from this ANC led council. That will give the resident a chance to elect a new government led by the DA. The DA has a good record of good governance.

We therefore as the DA wants to bring real hope and real change to the residents of Govan Mbeki Municipality which the ANC have failed dismally to do.

The Bulletin will bring you more news as actions are taken