William Vusimusi Kgomo (55), a sole company director was found guilty and sentenced by the Standerton Regional Court for Contravention of Private Security Sector Provident Fund and Pension Funds Act, read with the Basic Condition of Employment Act.
William Vusimusi Kgomo
Kgomo’s company, EI Gondo trading PTY was contracted by Lekwa Local Municipality for security services at Standerton.
The director deducted the salaries of the employees for a pension fund over a period between 2012 and 2014 and never submitted the money to the Provident Fund.
The matter was reported to the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga in April 2017 for investigation and Kgomo was charged along with his company.
Consequently, the company was found guilty on 148 charges of theft and sentenced to R400.000.00, wholly suspended with severe conditions that includes the order to install of solar panels at Isifosethu Primary School in Sakhile Town, Standerton.
Furthermore, the company must contribute the amount of R100.000.00 towards the same school for a feeding scheme on or before 31 March 2021, failure to do so will result in a fine of R400.000.00 being paid by the company.
The company also signed acknowledgment of debt and a monthly payment schedule to the Provident fund concerning the unpaid employee contributions.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the investigation and Prosecution team for securing the sentence which will serve as the deterrent to other entity owners who are not doing justice to their employees.
A 33-year-old Motlokwe Amos Molatudi abandoned his bail application
A 33-year-old Motlokwe Amos Molatudi abandoned his bail application when he appeared at eMalahleni Magistrate Court yesterday on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering. The case was postponed to 27 October 2020 for further investigation.
Motlokwe`s appearance follows his arrest in August after he allegedly made a number of phones calls and sent emails to different Hawks members claiming that he was in possession of a High Court order which was endorsed by the President of the Republic, giving him permission to instruct the investigators to release his impounded vehicle.
The vehicle in question allegedly belongs to Sambulo Bruce “Mshengu” Tshabalala (26) which was seized during his arrest in September last year. Tshabalala is currently on the run after he was released on R500 000 bail by the Middelburg Magistrate Court and has since absconded from attending court proceedings. Two warrant of arrests has been issued against him on allegations of fraud.
Live broadcast against human trafficking coming soon
On World Day Against Trafficking, global anti-trafficking organisation, A21, is calling people everywhere to take action against human trafficking—while the action steps may look different this year, the mission is still the same: to abolish modern-day slavery everywhere, forever.
On October 17, 2020, tens of thousands will gather all over the world to tune into A21’s first-ever Global Freedom Summit—a one-day social justice event to equip, train, and mobilise people to play their part in abolishing modern-day slavery right where they are.
Because now more than ever, many are vulnerable to trafficking and people still need protection. The millions who are being exploited still need a way out. And those who have experienced abuse still need restoration.
The day will be two-fold: starting with a one-hour live broadcast, participants will learn from frontline and global leaders in the social justice space including A21 Founder & CEO Nick Caine, Global A21 Advocate, Christine Caine, and A21 COO, Phil Hyldgaard as well as A21’s frontline staff in over 13 countries across the globe.
Then, participants will be given tangible action steps they can take right away to start ending human trafficking in their city, town, and the local community.
One day. Tens of thousands abolitionists. A global event to rally and equip people everywhere for the one thing that unites us all: the belief in freedom for all mankind.
Millions enslaved. $150 billion industry. 1% ever rescued.
“We are convinced that if we do this together–if we keep showing up, if we continue to be tenacious if we continue to have grit if we continue to not bow down to discouragement… But we step up and show up with strength, numbers, courage, and faith–then we will see slavery eradicated in our lifetime.” – Christine Caine, A21 Co-Founder
A21 Overview: “Freedom. That’s our goal for every single human being on the planet. We combat modern-day slavery by working to Reach, Rescue, and Restore lives—reducing vulnerability, assisting victims, and empowering survivors. We believe that when we all come together in the fight against human trafficking, we will see a world without slavery.”
A21 work in 18 different locations in 13 countries across the globe.
More information about the 2020 Global Freedom Summit and A21 can be found here: A21.org and A21.org/Summit
The Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency (MTPA) hosted the Gert Sibande Liberation Heritage route Charity Golf Day at the Graceland Hotel and Country Club in Secunda.
The aim of this event was to honour and pay tribute to the struggle stalwarts like Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Mahatma Gandhi, Richard Gert Sibande, Saul Mkhize, Nomoya Masilela and other heroes and heroines.
The Golf Day attracted golfers from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Freestate and other areas. The wind hampered the golf scores a bit but everybody enjoyed the course.
The Bulletin had the opportunity to speak to the CEO of MTPA, Mr Johannes Nobunga, about the Golf Day.
“Events play a significant role in creating awareness about any tourism destination. There are people who travel not only for leisure or relaxation but for entertainment as well. The Gert Sibande Liberation Heritage route celebratory events afford us an opportunity to honor all those who were involved in achieving freedom for the people of South Africa”, said Nobunga.
The Gert Sibande District highlights the key freedom fighters who fought against apartheid and racial segregation. The district contributed greatly and was home to many of the freedom fighters who changed the history of the liberation struggle both nationally and internationally”, added Nobunga.
Following the development and launch of this tourism route, the MTPA has embarked on various marketing activities aimed at creating awareness about the route. Amongst others, the MTPA hosts annual celebratory events such as memorial lectures as well as the musical festival to further promote the rich history available on this route for keen travelers.
Nobunga also mentioned the rich cultural history of the highveld. He mentioned Bushman paintings, Boer battlefields and even a Mushroom rock.
The Charity Golf Day is used as an opportunity to engage with key strategic stakeholders to raise funds towards a Bursary Fund for students with a keen interest to study in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Deputy Minister of Tourism (National) Mr Fish Mahlalela in the middle with the chairperson of the Board MTPA, Mr Thulani Nzima on the left and the CEO – MTPA Mr Johannes Nobunga on the right
The theme for this year’s tourism month is “Rural Development and Tourism”. In the spirit of this theme, our celebrations will be rolled out in different phases and at various towns of the Gert Sibande District. The MTPA’s aim is to create awareness on the impact of tourism in our daily lives and use tourism as a tool for economic development. These celebratory events will provide us with an opportunity to showcase the tourism offerings and benefits to our local communities.
“We invite you to take a journey with us and participate in the planned programme of the Gert Sibande Liberation Heritage route celebratory events with the aim of promoting Mpumalanga as a destination of choice”, concluded Nobunga.
The evening ended with a Gala Dinner. Dignaturies included the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Mr Fish Mahlalela, Deputy Minister of Tourism; Pat Ngomane MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism; Cllr Muzi Chirwa, Gert Sibande District Municipality and Cllr Yvonne Thandi Ngxonono, Mayor Govan Mbeki Municipality.
Minister Kubayi-Ngubane said during her speach at the Gala Dinner that she believes that tourism will play a vital role in the recovery of our economy.
“As you are aware the past six months of lockdown have been very difficult for our economy and in particular the tourism sector. However, since moving the country level-1 of the risk-adjusted strategy, we have seen the tourism sector rapidly coming back to life. For this reason, we are convinced that the tourism sector will be a key pillar of the overall recovery of the South African economy, following the devastation of the pandemic.”
“The Mpumalanga province in particular boosts of some of the world’s most beautiful tourism destinations in the world. From the wildlife in the Kruger National Park, through the scenic and the spectacular panoramic route of the Blyde river canyon to the Highlands meanders that are ready to receive the adventurous amongst us. This province will be a key pillar of the tourism sector recovery, thus the opportunities for tourism entrepreneurs will be limitless.” Said Kubayi-Ngubane.
Kubayi-Ngubane said that “The pandemic has had a very negative impact on the supply side of the tourism sector, for example, more than 30% of restaurants that were in business before the pandemic will not be reopening”
“The department has just concluded a tourism recovery strategy that we will be taken to cabinet in the coming weeks for approval. The plan envisaged that the recovery will, at first, be driven by domestic tourism, then regional and latterly, international tourism.”
It is clear that MTPA has plans afoot to try and recover the tourism industry, especially in Mpumalanga.
“The nature of tourism is such that it provides jobs and economic empowerment for all, including for women and youth thus creating a truly inclusive economy. Tourism gives rural communities the ability to protect and promote their natural surroundings, as well as their culture and heritage,” said Kubayi-Ngubane
Several sponsors helped make the day a success. The Bulletin spoke to Alicia Mngadi from AM Lodge about their involvement in the Golf Day and also their involvement with MTPA.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Full Chapter:
James 1 – King James Version
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Ons het ook ‘n Smallville Kinderkerk les vir jou beskikbaar op Smallville se Facebook blad of op Kruik Gemeente se Youtube kanaal.
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 sluit vanoggend ons reeks af; Die Jesus ritmes.
Wat is dit wat Jesus doen en sê wanneer dit kom by ritmes in sy en ons lewe?
Nuwe ritmes kweek nuwe gewoontes en nuwe gewoontes bring nuwe lewe – veral in ‘n tyd soos dié waar ons verseker moet besin oor nuwe gewoontes…
Ek dink daar is 4 groot ritmes wat ons moet toelaat en in nooi in ons lewens…
Ek moet toelaat dat daar dele van my lewe weer gebore word, nie net my hart nie.
Ek het nodig om nuwe prentjies van God en myself te skep – Jesus skep die prentjie van God as ‘n goeie Vader.
Ek het nodig om stil te word, te hoor wat God vir my wil sê, selfs in my mees opregte gebede.
Vanoggend… ek het nodig om te besef ek is deel van ‘n groter legkaart… die lewe is groter as net ek, en ek is nie net gemaak vir myself en my behoeftes nie. Ek is deel van ‘n liggaam, deel van iemand anders se lewe.
1 Korintiërs 12:12 (The Message) You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you’re still one body. It’s exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which He has the final say in everything.
Laat my altyd dink aan ‘n legkaart…Weet nie van julle daarvan hou om legkaart te bou nie… maar dit is teleurstellend as jy hard gewerk het aan die bou van daardie legkaart en jy kom op die einde agter daar is een stukkie weg… jy soek orals en kry dit nie… Al die harde werk, die ure… die entosiasme is geblus!
En as dit my legkaart is gaan hy noot weer gebruik word nie… hy gaan asblik toe… jy kan hom nie eens vir iemand gee nie… of verkoop nie, niemand soek ‘n legkaart wat nie die volle stukke het nie.
Ons werk dieselfde… ons het mekaar nodig, en hoe vinniger ek en jy kan besef ek en jy is deel van ‘n groter prentjie… en deel van liggaam wat Christus verteenwoordig… hoe beter vir ons.
Dink jy dis toevallig dat jy in dieselfde dorp, land of selfs werk is saam die mense rondom jou? Ek dink niks is toeval nie…
Dink vir ‘n oomblik aan jouself as ‘n legkaart stuk in iemand langs jou se lewe…
Jesus het geweet hy is die groot prentjie van ons lewe… maar Hy het Homself ‘n legkaart stuk gemaak in almal se lewe wat Hy verby gegaan het… niks was toevallig vir Jesus nie.
Een van Jesus se groot ritmes in Sy lewe op aarde was… Hy het by mense stil gestaan… hulle ge-ag maak nie saak wie hulle was nie… en hulle genooi om deel van Sy lewe te word…
Wat sal gebeur as ek en jy hierdie Jesus ritme aanneem as ons eie… hoe sal ons wêreld begin lyk, hoe sal mense om ons se wêrelde begin lyk…
Kan ek en jy opnuut besef ons het iets om te gee… ons kan nie net lewe vir onsself nie… daar is groter prentjie en ons is ‘n stuk in hierdie legkaart.
Romeine 12:4-6 (The Message) In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we?
So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
1 Petrus 4:7-11 (The Message) Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully.
Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
Wanneer jy ja sê om Jesus te volg, sê jy ja om deel van die Jesus prentjie te word, ja om ‘n deel te hê in dit wat God doen.
Ek wil myself vanoggend ‘n vraag vra… miskien kan jy dit vir jouself vra… en dit gaan dalk seer maak…
Wat is dit wat ek oor besitlik is in my eie lewe… wat is dit wat ek nie maklik wil deel nie… miskien moet Ek daar begin…
Ryk Jongman – Wat moet ek doen om die koninkryk van God te beerwe? Verkoop alles en volg my… dit wat oor jou gaan, los dit agter en volg dit wat oor My en my groter prentjie gaan.
Wat van as die uitnodiging van Jesus dit is: Wees jy in my plek dit wat ek vir elke mens wil wees…
Hierdie is groot… maar miskien kan ons begin by een mens… een wêreld… een lewe…
Wat is dit wat jy kan gee om iemand anders se wêreld beter te maak?
Wat van as Jesus se uitnodiging om Hom te volg nie net oor jou gaan nie, maar oor jou lewe as ‘n stuk in die groot legkaart?
Kom ons besin opnuut oor hierdie ritmes… wat moet verander?
Nuwe ritmes kweek nuwe gewoontes en nuwe gewoontes bring nuwe lewe.
Besprekingsvrae
Wat is dit wat jy kan gee om iemand anders se wêreld beter te maak?
Wat van as Jesus se uitnodiging om Hom te volg nie net oor jou gaan nie, maar oor jou lewe as ‘n stuk in die groot legkaart?
Kom ons besin opnuut oor hierdie ritmes… wat moet verander?
The director of Real Thought Credit CC Mr Maponye Class Thokwane (55) appeared at Nelspruit Magistrate Court on charges of fraud on 22 September.
Thokwane allegedly colluded with Vusi Antony Mdlui (39) Sibongile Pretty Shabangu (29), Wendy Mkhatshwa (46) and Solomon Mdaka (43) to submit fraudulent tax returns and prejudiced South African Revenue Services of R417 377.23 in March 2018.
Class Maponye Thokwa, Director of Real Thought Credit CC
Solomon Mdaka
Vusi Antony Mdluli
Wendy Mkatshwa
Sibongile Pretty Shabangu
The Suspects appeared in court on charges of Tax Fraud
He recruited the individuals to submit fraudulent tax returns to him which he submitted to SARS and the money was deposited into his business account and shared the money amongst them. The suspects were granted R3 000 bail each and the case was postponed to 08 December 2020 pending further investigations.
REPORT A SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
SARS are keen that you consider reporting any suspicious activity which may have relevance to tax to SARS. SARS wants to be sure that everyone is paying their fair share of tax here in South Africa
What would we consider a suspicious activity?
How SARS can be defrauded, misinformed, misled, deceived, contrived, with the intention to evade tax or obtain an undue refund are too numerous to mention, and it is not possible to offer even the briefest of discussions on every possible such action that may be directed against SARS. Many of these types of conduct are no more but variations of the theme.
The examples offered is an attempt to better understand the application of our legislation and criminal law in dealing with instances of tax evasion and obtaining an undue refund:
Examples of suspicious activities include:
Where a person is legally obliged to register for tax but intentionally fails to do so. Many frauds involve the making of false representations in the trader’s books of account. In many instances, the offender will go to great lengths to ensure the entries in his books of account corresponds with his / her false representations to SARS.
The making of a false statement or the causation or allowing of a false statement to be made on a tax return have long been one of the most common methods employed by taxpayers in evading their tax liabilities and/or obtaining refunds they were not legally entitled to. A declaration in a return not only covers the information as indicated in the return itself but also covers the information reflected in the accompanying documentation.
Making such a declaration with knowledge or foresight of the information therein reflected to be incorrect, will not only amount to a false declaration but will also be a misrepresentation of the truth.
A tax-liability can be misrepresented through the submission of a fraudulent tax return.
Defrauding SARS or a SARS official during the administration of the Tax Administration Act through the submission of a fraudulent tax return may be achieved by inflating or exaggerating the deductions or input taxes a taxpayer is entitled to; and/or under-declaring income or output taxes.
The submission of ‘nil-returns’ or returns giving out that no trade was carried out, e.g. that a company was dormant whereas it did in fact trade, will however also be fraudulent. The failure to disclose certain facts or circumstances on the basis by which the taxpayer can be assessed at a higher amount.
An example of this will be the failure to disclose in his/her tax return certain investments, employment or business operations, etc. Claiming a tax deduction, when at the time when it was claimed is not, in fact, a legitimate claim will be unlawful.
Misrepresentations that may be employed in claiming a deduction to which the taxpayer is not legally entitled to are many. Most of these misrepresentations will generally fall within either of the following categories:
The claiming of false deductions. Typical examples of this will be to claim as business expenses salaries paid out to non-existent employees, or to claim for VAT input tax where the goods and services were in fact not acquired
The claiming of non-deductible expenses as deductible expenses. A commonly used example is the declaration of private expenses as business expenses
Double deductions for the same expenses or inputs.
VAT refund schemes where a fraudster will set up a company or number of companies which they register as vendors for VAT purposes. They then claim back VAT refunds on significant inputs allegedly made just to close down the ‘company’ and then disappear with the VAT.
These companies typically never trade, and the ‘inputs’ claimed are fictitious. These operations may typically involve: the creation of both ‘supplier’ and ‘client’ traders with fictitious directors, employees, and addresses, often in various jurisdictions; the opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of multiple entities; the generation of false commercial documentation and books of account; fraudulent registrations as VAT.
A person or business legible for any type of tax but not paying any form of tax.
An individual or business employs people and deducts PAYE from employees but not issuing IRP5 certificates.
Imported goods being sold on the open market at a price lower than “landed cost” i.e. less than what it would cost to purchase the goods, transport them and pay VAT and duty on importation.
A person or business legible and registered for any type of tax but not submitting returns required by SARS.
A person living beyond his apparent financial means – displaying unusually high life-style patterns for a person with similar forms of known income.
An importer (including the clearing agent) not declaring, false-declaring or under-declaring goods upon importation.
An importer or exporter (including the clearing agent) found to have imported or exported goods determined to be illegal (drugs, fire-arms, explosives, CITE described items, counterfeit goods).
A person or business has mixed fuel of any kind.
A person found to carry an unusually large amount of currency in any form while travelling into or out of South Africa.
An individual or business is trading in goods that are suspected of being of counterfeit origin.
Derives income from criminal activity.
A person or business who makes any false statement or entry in a return or other document required by SARS
A person or business liable to be registered for a tax under a tax Act but is not.
Customs warehouse irregularities.
An individual or business failing to withhold and pay to SARS an amount of tax as and when required under a tax Act.
Transport vehicles with foreign registration numbers transporting shipping containers to and from smallholdings, plots, farms and derelict warehouses under suspicious circumstances.
Please note: If you experience any challenges with opening the form e.g. if the form is blank after you’ve clicked ‘Continue’ on the first page, it could mean that your browser doesn’t support the Adobe Flash (PDF) form. Known browsers not supporting Adobe forms are Chrome, Safari (Apple) and Edge.
To see how to successfully view PDFs in these browsers, see SARS compatibility guidelines. The form works successfully in Internet Explorer (version 8+), Mozilla Firefox and Safari for Windows. Kindly also note that if you want to upload supporting documents to your suspicious activity report, you need the latest version of Java installed.
Download the Vodacom Bulls app and you could win a jersey.
The Vodacom Bulls have taken another major step forward in building their digital brand with the development of the new Vodacom Bulls App, which will be launched on iOS and Android on 1 July.
Vodacom Bulls fans will now have all the pride and passion of their favourite team right at their fingertips, and a fan experience that will bring them even closer into the #BullsFamily.
The new App will include exclusive content featuring the players and coaching staff, from behind-the-scenes training videos to cooking lessons and the highly anticipates coach Jake’s Column.
Fans will also be kept up to date with all the latest Vodacom Bulls news and upcoming events – including upcoming fixtures, logs, results and team stats – and a link to all the team’s social feeds. And they’ll be able to purchase tickets through the App as well as merchandise from the Vodacom Bulls shop.
The new App will also keep pace with the phenomenal growth of digital technology and will offer three unique games for fans to play and win weekly prizes.
Download the App, like The Bulletin Facebook page and tag three friends on the Facebook Page in the next 4 weeks and you could stand a chance to win one of two Vodacom Bulls Jerseys.
The most passionate fans can dive into the full history of one of the most iconic rugby teams in the world and the history behind the Loftus Versfeld stadium.
The team’s sponsors will also have a valuable platform of fan engagement through the new App.
“We’ve all seen, through the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, the growth of digital media. Rugby is going to need new ways of connecting with the fans, and the new Vodacom Bulls App is part of our strategy to grow our digital presence and offer our fans an unrivalled experience both on and off the field,” said Vodacom Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone.
Michelle van Eyden, Executive Head of Sponsorship for Vodacom, said: “As a digitally-led company Vodacom always aims to find unique ways for fans to engage with their sports heroes. The new Vodacom Bulls App will provide just such an opportunity and will keep the fans connected to their favourite team, especially at a time such as this when they cannot be close in a stadium, but can still be together in the #BullsFamily.”
Nog ‘n “So is die lewe” rubriek vanuit die pen van Ds Marius Britz. Titel is “Die mense met wie ek ‘n dak gedeel het.”
Op die stoep van die Farmhouse-hotel in Langebaan het ek en vriend Koos ‘n dejá-vu oomblik gehad. Met die helder lug en die kobaltblou see, was dit inderdaad ‘n kwantumsprong in ruimte en tyd na die konsertinavleuels van Huis Mopanie op Tukkies waar ons 41 jaar terug inwonende eerstejaarstudente was. Die onthou het stuk-stuk oopgebreek. Meteens was dit duidelik dat, alhoewel ons mekaar vir baie jare min gesien het, ook min kontak gehad het, dat daar ‘n band was, onverbreekbaar.
Die geselskap het dadelik gevloei, en die tema van die jool 1979 het opgeduik: Esprit de Corpse. Eenheid in die gees. Dit was die sement na al die jare. Koos, synde self ‘n bekwame woordsmid en digter, het gesê ons moet dink aan ‘n storie om te skryf: Die mense met wie ons ‘n dak gedeel het.
Tref dit my Saterdagmiddag tussen Malmesbury en Hopefield. ‘n Ou bouval van ‘n plaasopstal, mure stewig en sterk bewaar deur al die jare. Maar reuse bloekombome groei tussen die mure, daar waar eens bal en klou meubels, outydse katels en Art Deco kombuiskaste gestaan het, en toring hoog bo die bouval uit waar daar eens ‘n dak was waaronder mense geleef het, gebid het, baklei en gehuil het, liefde gemaak en gelag het.
Dalk gebore is of gesterf het. Binne-in die oorblyfsel van ‘n lewe staan hierdie bome geplant soos onuitveebare herrineringe, die ode aan ander tye. So is die lewe, dink ek toe, watter ongelooflike metafoor van menslike bestaan. Hoe meer bouvallig jou liggaam word, hoe hoër groei die bome van jou onthou binne daardie liggaam. Al is die dakke waaronder jy gebly het, lank gelede afgewaai, of het van inwoners verwissel..
Natuurlik hardloop jou kop paaie. Kentsirkel, Springs. Die dak van jou kinderhuis. Onder hom het die vloeistroom van jou wese geleidelik rigting begin kry; koers gevat deur kabbelende rustigheid en turbulensie. Hier is ook geleef en beleef: dood en lewe, lag en huil, teleurstellings. Wat het oorgebly van daardie dak? Miskien alles. Miskien niks. In Springs sal ek waarskynlik nooit weer my voete sit nie.
Maar Springs se voete is elke dag in my. Dikwels deesdae, terwyl ek die skottelgoedmasjien pak, dink ek aan my pa wat ook op ‘n vroeë ouderdom, soos ek, sy werk verloor het. Hoe die ritueel van skottelgoedmasjiene pak ‘n desperate grype en soeke was na ‘n lewe wat wel sin maak, wat ‘n verskil maak. Te danke aan my is die vuil skottelgoed nou weer skoon. Sien, ek beteken tog steeds iets.
Terwyl ek freneties die hoeveelhede van ‘n resep afmeet en afweeg as ek kos maak, dink ek aan my pa, in sy baadjie en das in die kombuis vervolmaak hy bobotie in die mikrogolf maak, as noukeurige ambagsman word hoeveelhede volgens die resep presies afgemeet, ‘n verlore stukkie van sy legkaart genaamd Die oorblyfsels van ’n lewe. Daardie dak bestaan nie meer nie, maar die bome van onthou is lewensgroot.
Die koshuis daarna was nuwe ‘n wêreld. As eerstejaar met ‘n nuwe tas vol nuwe klere betree jy die toekoms. Jy is omring van vreemde manne, net so onseker soos jy. Jy deel jou private ruimte, die badkamers, die sitkamer, met 15 ander. Julle dak word spoedig die gemeenskaplike faktor wat jou deel van ‘n nuwe groep maak, ‘n nuwe broederskap. Jy was oortuig dat dit die beste gang is, die beste mense wat jy ooit ontmoet het.
Dit word jou plek. Matriek en jou tuisadres raak klein in die truspieël. Jy leer nuwe dinge, hoor van onbekende plekke, leer selfs ‘n paar woorde wat jy nog nooit voorheen geken het nie. Selfs die grootste individualis konformeer volgens die groep. Vroegoggende marsjeer ons as ‘’ienks”(eerstejaars) kampus toe in ‘n peleton.
Een van die manne wat reeds sy weermagdiensplig voltooi het, marsjeer ons. Met sy kenmerkende Swartland-bry skreeu hy afgemete: “Links-Ghegs-links-ghegs!” As ons regoor Brooklynpolisiestasie kom, gee hy opdrag: “Kom peppies, sê morghe virghie oorghe!” Dan skreeu ons kliphard: “Morghe oorghe!”
Een-een het ons afstudeer, ons drome gelos en opgeskop, na ander gange getrek, weggeraak van die aardbol af, gesterf. Ook daardie dak bestaan nie meer nie. Maar die reuse bloekombome wat in gang D4-4 geplant is in 1979, word groter en groter, en groei maar aldeur aan.
Die dak van ‘n eeu-oue huis in Sunnyside, toe bekend as huis Kokkerot, was ‘n eiesoortige ervaring. Klomp ou skoolmaters wat saam plak, met lang hare en harde rockmusiek en baie braai het ons die begrip “”vryheid” leer ken. Geen skoolreëls, geen koshuisreëls nie, want ons was ons eie huiskomitee.
Daar was verrassings om elke hoek en draai, soos wanneer jy bemoeiende-met-jou-eie-sake een oggend in die gemeenskaplike stort staan en hare was, en ‘n soetlief Joolprinsesstemmetjie groet jou waar sy langs jou staan: “More!” En al wat jy kan uitwurg, is: ”Dag!” Terwyl jy sjampoebesmeerd met jou handdoek om jou kop gederapeer, weghardloop.
Onder daardie dak het daar veel meer as net fisiese mense gewoon. Sedert die dae van Paul Kruger het daardie dak en mure baie dinge beleef. Baie van hulle het nooit vertrek na hulle ewige bestemmings nie. Hulle het maar aangebly om in die vreugde en skandes van inwoners te deel.
Ek het self een Saterdagnag gesien hoe my gesluite deur oopgaan, en ‘n blekerige wese my aangluur. Miskien was dit ons motivering om die een jaar ‘n doodskis te bou en as spoke aan die jooloptog deel te neem.
Daardie dak bestaan dekades nie meer nie, maar daardie bloekombome van onthou groei sterk, en word elke jaar groter.
So sal jy seker vir baie bladsye kon uitwei oor die dakke van jou lewe. Die nagte wat jy gelê en staar het na ‘n militêre tent se dak. Die lang nagte van deurnagwerk by die Vlootstafkollege in Muizenberg toe daar min kans was om na die dak te staar. Die dak van die karoonag, toe julle as vriende na die miljoene sterre gekyk het. Die dak van die skip in Brugge, waar die somerson teen 23h30 nog nie gesak het nie.
Die dak van die intensiewe afdeling van Unitas, waar jy bedraad, bedwelmd en bepyp luister na die eentonige gepiep van die hartlongmasjien. Die dak van jou kamer met al jou kinders laggend en stoeiend, jillend vrolik en opgewonde, saam met jou. Jou aftreeplek se dak, waar jy tienuur in die more dikbek lê en wonder wat de hel jy met jouself gaan aanvang op hierdie nog ‘n werklose, sinlose dag.
Topol in Fiddler on the roof sing: “Each of us is a fiddler on the roof, trying to scratch out as simple tune without making to much noise.” Die dakke is dalk weg. Die mense met wie ons hulle gedeel het, groei egter groter en groter, soos bloekombome in ‘n bouval.
Govan Mbeki Municipality is facing extensive financial difficulties. Electrical and water losses ads to the financial woes.
The Select Committee on Cogta conducted an oversight visit to Govan Mbeki Municipality on 15 September.
The chairperson of the committee Mr China Dodovu slammed the Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality on her poor leadership of the municipality.
Dodovu was visibly upset about the reception that the committee received during their visit. Mayor Thandiwe Ngxonono was late for the meeting with the committee.
The committee scolded the municipality regarding their continued financial woes. The also expressed their displeasure with the late submission of the Financial statements. Ngxonono offered an excuse that included the COVID-19 lockdown to which Dodovu replied that the statements should have been submitted last year already.
The committee lashed out at the bad leadership of the mayor and express their anticipation of the results of the investigation by COGTA into the municipality.
Opposition Leader, Democratic Alliance Caucus Leader Cllr Ciska Jordaan called on the resignation of Ngxonono.
“We call upon the Executive Mayor, Thandi Ngxonono, to do the right thing for the sake of the people of Govan Mbeki and step down from her position as political leader before having to face the Motion of No Confidence that the DA has submitted against her this month.” Said Ciska.
Ciska explained that the municipality is facing huge losses of its bulk purchases with no possible solutions in sight.
“The Govan Mbeki Municipality’s electricity and water losses have escalated to an all-time high during the month of August 2020, were it was losing 36.26% of the water that it purchased from Rand Water and 75.03% of the electricity purchased from Eskom.” Said Ciska, “These losses inevitably add to the municipality’s debt towards Eskom which is currently standing at a staggering R2.1 billion and over R300 million for Rand Water.”
The massive losses are attributed to a number of contributing factors:
· While Bethal, Emzinoni and Embalenhle have been load-shedded for months on end, the municipality has not been able to generate much revenue from the sales of electricity since they have not been able to sell any electricity at its offices or any of its usual vendors, but solely through online sales.
· Water pipe bursts and leaks, on the other hand, are the main contributor to the water losses.
Ciska said that the DA is appalled that most of the municipality’s income is lost to issues that are completely avoidable.
“However, instead of focusing on solutions, maintenance of infrastructure and generation of revenue; the ANC-led municipality has been keeping itself busy in recent days with appointing shoddy contractors which have exerted all their effort into replacing working electricity meters, spending millions on deviations because of continuously being in damage control mode and politically attempting to divert the attention away from the failures and infighting of the ANC.” Said Ciska.
She continued “The DA has been calling upon the MEC of CoGTA, Mandla Msibi, to place the Municipality under administration since July this year. In addition to this, the DA has at national level approached the Minister of CoGTA, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and the Office of the Deputy President, DD Mabuza requesting intervention. Yet we have not witnessed any political will or efforts into changing the status quo.”
“Meanwhile, it is the residents of Govan Mbeki who continue to suffer at the hands of the ANC, the municipality spiralling into debt. With these types of financial and material losses, it is unthinkable that the municipality continues about its day to day business without closing shop.”
The council is expected to sit again at the end of the month. It is expected that there will be a massive effort to remove the Mayor from her post.
