UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED FOR CONTRAVENING IMMIGRATION ACT
MPUMALANGA- In responding to the National calling by the President of the Republic of South Africa in fighting the scourge of Gender-based –violence including trafficking in-person crisis that is tearing our society apart, the Hawks together with the other stakeholders identified houses used as brothels in Witbank. The disruptive operation was conducted by members of the Hawks Mpumalanga, Local Criminal Record Centre, When Duty Call Head Office, Corporate Communication, Tactical Response Team, Family Child Protection Unit Witbank, SAPS Witbank and Department of Home Affairs in Witbank on the early hours of Thursday 10 December 2020.
During the search in the identified premises, sex workers were interviewed and they confirmed that they originate from Zimbabwe and Lesotho and all Provinces.
More than ten suspects were arrested and taken to the police station and charged for contravening the immigration ACT and dealing is drugs. The suspects between the ages of 29 and 49 will appear before the Witbank Magistrate court on Friday 11 December 2020.
The main of the Hawks was to disrupt the illegal activities and to create awareness on Gender-based violence including trafficking in persons.
During the campaign, the more information was shared by the community about gender-based violence and trafficking in persons.
In closing the MMC of Emalahleni Municipality and the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the work done by the teams in organising and executing the program successfully. They made a call for unity in fighting against crime. They concluded by encouraging all victims to report their complaints to the police and undertook to continue with this type of campaigns to create awareness to our communities.
Moissanite is an affordable gemstone simulant that’s becoming a popular alternative for engagement rings and jewellery. Just like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, moissanite is graded based on several quality factors known as the 4C’s – colour, clarity, cut and carat.
This blog discusses the 4 C’S of moissanite grading in-depth to help you make an informed moissanite purchases.
Your moissanite colour grade refers to the amount of colour present in the stone graded from a scale of D for colourless to Z for a slight yellow tint. Moissanite color grades are broken down into three major groups:
Colorless: Comparable to a D, E, or F color grade
2. Slightly Colorless: Comparable to a G, H, or I color grade
3. Yellow Tinted: Comparable to a J or K color grade
Source: www.withclarity.com
2. Moissanite Clarity Grade
So if we’re talking clarity regarding a diamond or moissanite, we’re talking imperfections. Clarity grade indicates the number of imperfections, known as inclusions. Nearly all gemstones have inclusions, but luckily for moissanite, most of its inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and require intense magnification to be seen.
The clarity of your moissanite is dependent on the number of inclusions the stone has. These grades can be brown down into five easy to understand categories:
1. FL, IF: Flawless and internally flawless
2. VVS1, VVS2: Very, very slightly included
3. VS1, VS2: Very slightly included
4. SI1, SI2: Slightly included
5. I1, I2, I3: Included
So what are these INCLUSIONS we mentioned? Common moissanite inclusions are needles, mineral crystals, clouds, feathers, knots, chips and cavities.
Needle-like imperfections are the most common type of inclusions for moissanite. Needles are difficult to see without close observation, and only compromise the moissanite’s beauty if many needles are clustered together.
Mineral crystals are crystal like objects within your moissanite or diamond that appears lighter or darker. Clouds are milky looking spots within the stone. Feathers are miniature fractures within the gem, which look like a crack or a feather.
Knots look like white or transparent crystals within the stone, whereas chips are shallow openings on the stone’s surface, typically resulting from its owner accidentally damaging the moissanite during daily wear. Finally, cavities are just like a tooth cavity, moissanite cavities are openings on the stone that easily trap dirt and oil, creating unsightly dark spots.
3. Moissanite Cut Grade
The cut grade denotes how well a stone is cut and with grades ranging from Excellent to Poor. With excellent cut grades, light can best travel throughout the stone and sparkle. Alternatively, poorly cut stones will not allow light to effectively travel throughout the stone, resulting in a lifeless looking moissanite.
4. Moissanite Carat Weight
For diamonds, carat weight refers to how heavy the stone is. However, moissanite is less dense than which makes the two stones difficult to compare by weight. Due to the density difference, a moissanite’s “carat weight” is denoted by the stone’s size in millimeters.
Please refer to the image below to better visually understand the colour and clarity grading used for moissanites.
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/grading-101-lets-talk-moissanite-grading/
When people think of “Gold” they think of, rich, warm tones, Yellow Gold has been around for many many year. Ancient Egyptians Pharaohs, Roman Emperors and Royalty all over the world have been draped in yellow gold since the beginning of civilization. Some of the pieces they wore were big yellow gold crowns, luxurious rings on their fingers. Over the 80′ it was thick yellow gold chains, never ending trend with yellow gold.
Though yellow gold is not as popular as it used to be back in the day, there is still some trends going around with yellow gold.
While there is a chance that yellow gold could make a come back, there are a few things to keep in mind about yellow gold.
Yellow Gold is naturally yellow, meaning there is no necessary upkeep with Yellow Gold. However as a Yellow GoldRing will show scratches as time goes on, couples tend to get their ring polished now and then.
To conclude this blog, Yellow Gold does not have any upkeeping if it is your choice. If you would like to get rid of the scratches on the ring, you are more than welcome to send your ring in for re-polishing. There is little reports about Yellow gold giving people extreme rashes. Making it a good choice of metal if you are prone to skin reactions.
At the end of the day, even if Yellow Gold is not the most popular metal at this stage, it is bound to make a come back one day. It’s always good to know about the different metals, how to take care of the different metals and what the different metals consist of.
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/3-yellow-gold-facts/
Cushion cut engagement rings are constantly ranked as one of the absolute most popular shape engagement rings and remain a classic cut.
The cushion-cut dates back to the early 19th century when it was coveted for its distinctive soft shape and brilliant facets. A highly sought after cut and a highly revered style in the 19th century. This antique style cut has a classic, romantic appeal, and is also known as “pillow-cut” diamonds.
A little fun fact about this interesting cut engagement ring is that it was referred to as the “mine cut,” before it became known as the cushion cut. The mine cut was named after the Brazilian diamond mines, which became known as the “old mines” after diamonds were discovered in South Africa, as well.
A cushion cut diamond or moissanite is square-shaped but features rounded corners to give it a softer look. This is a great choice for women who prefer their gemstones and moissanites in more rectangular shapes. This shape allows for a brilliant sparkle, the large facets, which in laymen terms are the flat surfaces on the diamond reflect light, making cushion cut proposal rings absolutely glitter in the sunlight.
If your perfect lady is somewhat of a dark horse and loves to stand out from the crowd the cushion cut is the right choice for her. The cushion cut is a special shape and won’t be seen on just any hand. This unusual cut will help your future bride’s ring stand out from the pack.
Below is Ralph Jacobs’ four different cushion cut settings that is readily available for you to purchase and start adoring!
1. Solitaire – Cushion Cut
Yellow Gold Chanel Engagement Ring from Ralph JacobsRose Gold Ellie Engagement Ring from Ralph Jacobs
2. Three-Stone – Cushion Cut
White Gold Carrie Engagement Ring from Ralph JacobsYellow Gold Brooklyn Engagement Ring from Ralph Jacobs
3. Halo – Cushion Cut
Rose Gold Mia Engagement Ring from Ralph JacobsRose Gold Adeline Engagement Ring from Ralph Jacobs
4. Vintage – Cushion Cut
White Gold Sophia Engagement Ring from Ralph Jacobs
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/4-cushion-cut-engagement-rings/
MAN EXPECTED TO APPEAR IN COURT AFTER HIS ARREST ON ALLEGATIONS OF HIS GIRLFRIEND’S MURDER AND RAPE OF MINOR
NELSPRUIT – A 27-year-old man is expected to appear before the White River Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 09 Monday 2020. The man was sought by police for more than a year on allegations of his then 28-year-old girlfriend’s murder and the rape of a minor.
The man’s court appearance comes after his arrest by police yesterday at White River. The suspect allegedly killed his girlfriend, raped her daughter and burnt the house where his girlfriend was staying with her daughter. The tragic incident occurred at Msholozi near White River and it is said after committing this heinous act, the suspect went into hiding. Reports indicate that the neighbours were awakened by the hysteric girl who could barely walk who alleged that she was raped by her mom’s boyfriend. The neighbours also noticed that the house where the girl was residing with her mom was on fire. The severely burnt body of the girl’s mother was later discovered in the burnt house.
Police were notified about the incident and upon their arrival, a case of murder with an additional charge of rape was opened. They (police) began with their investigation and launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Yesterday they made a breakthrough when they received information that the man they were looking for, has been seen at a tavern. Police then followed the information, arrested him at the said place and charged him with murder and rape. Upon further investigation, the members also unearthed that the man is in the country illegally hence an additional charge of contravention of immigration Act has been added.
The police management has since commended members of the public for the valuable information that they provided to the police. The work done by the astute members has also been appreciated by the leadership of the police in the province.
Business Investment Competition ready to boost another SMME
“Registered black-owned small and medium enterprises across the country, which has been operating for 24 months or longer, are urged to enter the Eskom Development Foundation’s Business Investment Competition (BIC) and stand a chance to win a share of R1,3 million worth of prizes,” said Cecil Ramonotsi, CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation.
A report compiled by GEN 22 on Sloane, which offers startups funding opportunities and access to markets, notes that over 55 000 SMMEs in South Africa will not survive the COVID-19 global pandemic. A total of 92% of SMMEs’ business operations have been impacted and at least 42 350 of those working for these SMMEs will lose their jobs.
“This annual competition is that much more relevant this year, simply because our main purpose with the BIC is to boost enterprise development in a year that has seen small businesses challenged, stretched and some decimated,” Ramonotsi continued.
Entries for the competition are open from 4 December 2020 until 31 January 2021, at midnight. “The BIC provides a platform for South African owners of SMMEs to become part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs as they look to build on their businesses’ solid foundation and realise their potential,” Ramonotsi added.
For the last 12 years, Eskom has been running the BIC to recognise, reward and help boost small businesses that are contributing to skills development, job creation and economic growth. The competition is open to enterprises operating in the manufacturing, engineering/construction, trade/services and agriculture sectors.
The overall winner will walk away with a Grand Prize of R300 000, as well as additional business training once the competition is over. Each of the four sector winners takes home R125 000, while first and second runners up each receive R75 000 and R50 000 respectively.
All BIC finalists will have the opportunity to attend the Business Connect webinar taking place in March 2021, a platform aimed at affording businesses the opportunity to network with other small businesses as well as be exposed to business experts in different fields.
“Don’t miss out on this opportunity to potentially boost your business with resources that can help it recover from the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
For us at the Eskom Development Foundation, it is truly a privilege to be given the opportunity to support entrepreneurs that create jobs, to help boost small business. We call upon all black-owned and registered enterprises that qualify to seize this chance in order to propel their operations and continue making a positive impact in their local economies” Mr Ramonotsi concluded.
To enter the competition, visit www.eskombic.co.za and for support and assistance, small business owners should email Grounded Media bic@groundedmedia.co.za.
Eskom Development Foundation NPC
The Eskom Development Foundation is tasked with implementing/executing Eskom’s CSI strategy and operates as a not-for-profit company in sectors including enterprise development, education, environment, agriculture, healthcare, social and community development.
Eskom Business Investment Competition Prizes
Winners in each category will take home R131 250. First and second runners-up in each category will win R75 000 and R50 000 respectively.
For media enquiries, contact; Madelline Kadzinga Foundation Marketing/Communication Manager Eskom Development Foundation Telephone: +27 11 800 4438 Email: kadzinm@eskom.co.za
Sasol donated laboratory equipment to Hoërskool Oosterland
Sasol donated laboratory equipment to Hoërskool Oosterland during a small ceremony on Monday, December 7 at the school as part of the company’s strategic intent to support the education fraternity.
During the welcoming speech the HOD Science, Hoërskool Oosterland, Mauriza Pheiffer jokingly said that every expo in the country will task the learners to invent something that will work for the Covid masks as well as spectacles to keep them from fogging up.
She explained how the list of requirements grew from a few items to a large number as they obtained more advice from various role-players.
Liné de Vries, Public Relations Officer, Hoërskool Oosterland delivered a safety moment. She is very passionate about the support that Hoërskool Oosterland gives to its learners. She spoke about creating a safe environment for learners at school. Physical Safety is not the only problem, but Psychological safety is also very important to the school, to create a safe environment where the learners can also talk to the teachers.
“Oosterland strives to be a “#Skool met Hart” said Liné, “That means that when you come into our school we want to have a Heart for You.”
All the short speeches were delivered from behind the “podium”.
Rethabile Ndjibu, Social Impact Manager, Sasol said that she felt very important standing behind the podium. “It reminds me of my days as a student,” she said.
‘I always think that teaching is a calling that not everybody can follow,” said Rethabile, “As I am standing here I would like to honour the teachers who make it possible for learners to become responsible contributors to our communities.”
She also praised the Learners that played Hosts and Hostesses to the event. “I am very impressed with them,” she said.
“Sasol believes that any responsible and caring corporate needs to focus on the education of our youth as leaders of our future and we believe in playing a role to ensure that they are prepared.”
“Our purpose as an organisation is to innovate for a better world,” continued Rethabile, “as we give these donations today we hope that the learners will excel and become those scientists of the future that will be able to find solutions for the types of situations that we find ourselves in currently.”
“Hopefully they will come up with several solutions to the problems that we currently face.” She said.
The donated items will enhance the teaching and learning of science subjects at the school. Learners will be able to conduct prescribed experiments that are essential for the conceptual knowledge of Science and contribute to their assessment marks. The following apparatus was donated to address the need of the school.
Four trolley & rack sets
Six Electric circuit boards
Six Grade 12 organic chemistry (for use in creating Esters)
Six Grade 12 Internal resistance
Six Grade 11 Intermolecular forces
Six Grade 10 Electrostatic
25 laboratory coats
25 Safety goggles
Two digital balance
Four light ray kits (optical kits)
Sasol has over the years supported education from Early Childhood Development (ECD) phase up to tertiary level. The company has provided schools in the fenceline communities with infrastructure support for ECD centres and schools to address the overcrowding of classrooms. Other initiatives include Grade 12 Revision Programmes to prepare learners for their final examinations, Grade 12 awards to acknowledge learners who have performed well, support to technical schools; supporting schools by donating science laboratory equipment, affording schools opportunities to access mobile science laboratories and Sasol Techno X Science Exhibition to showcase different careers that learners can pursue.
“Sasol in partnership with the Department of Education has been working to benefit communities around our operations and beyond, in terms of improving learners results and offering learnerships as well as bursaries to pursue their tertiary studies. However due to cost constraints the bursaries are suspended. We hope that the equipment we have given, will provide the opportunity for Science to come alive by making the theory a reality when the learners do the experiments in class.” Rethabile Ndjibu Manager Social Impact: Sasol Energy Operations.
King Masondo, Circuit Manager, Department of Education said that this donation would go a long way in translating what ever the learners learn in theory can be translated into practical knowledge.
“I remember that during my school days we had a laboratory but had no equipment so we just learned theory and no practical work,” King said, “I hope that the learners will benefit from this donation with practical knowledge.”
“Some schools rather store the equipment and do not use it, let us hope that this will be fully used and not stored.” A lot of schools are lacking the equipment needed.
Jerry Tladi, Subject advisor said that the equipment will help learners grasp the concepts better than just theory.
Fireworks and crackers. A very contentious subject.
For humans, it conjures images of lights and explosions. The booming sounds making spectators gasp and cheer every time there is a small explosion.
It is, unfortunately, not the same for animals. The booming sounds scare most animals sending them into fits of hyperventilation and panic attacks.
Many pets become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost.
December has always been a time when people celebrate the holidays with music, parties and presents. Unfortunately, it is also a time that fireworks are indiscriminately set off. Fireworks are used to celebrate and enhance festivities all over the world. In South Africa, fireworks are used to celebrate the Hindu holiday of Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year’s Eve.
The Explosives Act
Fireworks in South Africa are controlled in terms of the Explosives Act 15 of 2003 (Explosives Act). There are also specific by-laws that regulate the use or exploding of fireworks. Firework dealers need to be licensed in terms of the Explosives Act. Only individuals in possession of valid licences may deal in the sale of fireworks.
Some shops, however, are still selling Fireworks illegally. It is difficult to police as stocks may not last until law enforcers close on these illegal dealers. No fireworks may be sold by street hawkers or vendors. If you notice these actions, please report it to your nearest police station.
It is also unlawful for any person to use or explode any firework within 500 metres of any building or any public thoroughfare.
Fireworks over Venice, Italy. Photo: Encee van Huyssteen
The Explosives Act 15 of 2003 is clear on how explosives are kept, transported and who can dispose of it. Fireworks are described in the act
“explosive” means-
(a) a substance. or a mixture of substances, in a solid or liquid state, which is capable of producing an explosion;
(b) a pyrotechnic substance in a solid or liquid state, or a mixture of such substances. designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke, or a combination of these, as the result of non-detonative self-sustaining exothermic chemical reaction, including pyrotechnic substances which do not evolve gases;
And
“fireworks“ means any pyrotechnic substance contemplated in paragraph (6) of the definition of “explosives” which-
(a) is manufactured for the purposes of amusement or entertainment: and
(b) is divided into such classes as may be prescribed;
The NSPCA has the following advice on pets during firework displays
Your Pets and Fireworks
Our handy guide to pet owners is below:-
· Ensure all animals have identification.
· If possible, stay home with them if you suspect fireworks fiends are about.
· If you can’t be home with them, keep them inside and preferably in a room such as the kitchen where the windows are higher (and more difficult to jump through)
· Attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume.
· Put familiar and comforting things around them such as toys, baskets etc.
· Provide them with something to do such as giving your dog a chewy bone or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines.
· If your pets do react badly to fireworks, then seek professional advice from your veterinarian.
· Why not ensure your pets have a hearty and nutritious meal around nightfall. This will make them more likely to be sleepy!
Legacypet has the following advice on how to help your dogs with fireworks.
Preparing pets for fireworks (or thunderstorms):
1. One of the most important things is to provide companionship. Try to stay at home with your pet if fireworks or thunderstorms are expected.
2. Keep pets indoors.
3. Make sure dogs get plenty of exercise earlier in the day.
4. Close all windows, curtains and doors where possible to block out flashing lights and loud sounds.
5. Provide toys, treats and other distractions to keep pets occupied.
6. Make sure your pet is micro-chipped or appropriately tagged for easy identification if they become lost.
1. Turn on music or the television to muffle the sounds, but nothing too loud. It works best when the music or television is on well before the thunderstorm or fireworks start, preferably when the dog is already relaxed.
2. Don’t fuss over or punish pets if they become agitated with the sounds; doing so only makes the behaviour worse.
3. Act calm and stress-free so that your pet’s fear does not mirror your own, they are sensitive to emotion.
4. Allow the pet to hide in a safe place if they choose such as a blanket lined cupboard. When scared of sounds they cannot pinpoint, dogs often prefer small, enclosed areas.
5. If pets run to hide in a corner or under the bed, do not try to coax them out, let them stay where it feels safe.
If your dog starts to show signs of stress when the fireworks start happening, there are things you can do to calm him down. Most importantly, remember your dog is looking to you for guidance and trust. Dogs are pack animals and instinctively want to rely on someone else to make their decisions for him. (In fact, do you really want to make your dog happy? Simply let it know that you will make all of its decisions).
So above all, you must display calm yourself and show your dog that that is how you want it to behave also. Let it know that you are in charge and that it will come to no harm. To do this, do not react to your dog’s stressful state. This includes trying to comfort them which can, in fact, make things worse.
Instead, calmly yet firmly hold your dog by the collar. Stay very calm yourself and do not react to anything the dog is doing. Do not say anything or use any soothing words. If you maintain this state, in time your dog will begin to calm down and sit or lie down. Let go of them only when they lie down and seem quite relaxed.
The bottom line is not to support illegal fireworks, to use them as allowed by law and to put pets and other animals first!
3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.
4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
