The Bulletin News – Page 180

Kruik Oggenddiens 23 Augustus 2020

Community news

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August 23, 2020

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Welkom by Kruik se oggenddiens 23 Augustus 2020

Tema vir vanoggend se diens: My vertroue in die Here is nie daarvan afhanklik dat dit met my goedgaan nie.

Kruik se oggenddiens 23 Augustus 2020

Groot Woorde… My vertroue is in God al doen Hy nie wat ek vra nie of al vat Hy niks weg of maak niks reg nie, vertrou ek Hom dat Hy beter weet.

Die uitnodiging bly om die Here te vertrou ten spyte van ons omstandighede. Ten spyte van die donker die hoop en vertroue te hê dat Hy die lig is! My geloof is op wie Jesus is.

LEES OOK: Kruik Oggenddiens 16 Augustus 2020

Preeknotas + Besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/33307068 of kyk onderaan

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 sal graag met jou gesels.

Geniet die diens saam met ons!

Kruik CCLI lisensie nr: #573361 “Hier is ek Heer” / J.Terry / Mar Gospel Music Publishers “Ek sal sing” / C.Combrink, H.Maritz & J.Odendaal / Hennie Maritz Music “Oceans” (Where feet may fail) / M.Crocker, J.Houston & S.Lighthelm / © 2012 / Hillsong Music Publishing

Preeknotas

Groot Woorde… My vertroue is in God al doen hy nie wat ek vra nie of al vat Hy niks weg of maak niks reg nie, vertrou ek Hom dat Hy beter weet.

Die uitnodiging bly om die Here te vertrou ten spyte van ons omstandighede. Ten spyte van die donker die hoop en vertroue te hê dat Hy die lig is! My geloof is op wie Jesus is.

Hebreërs 12:2 Die oë gevestig op Jesus die begin en die voleinder van ons geloof.

Juda (Israel) was op soortgelyke plek as ons, donker en voel as God ons nie hoor nie! Habakuk praat namens die volk en vra die Here;

Habakuk 1:2-5 (Boodskap) Hoekom laat U my hierdie verkeerde dinge sien? Hoekom verdra U dit dat mense swaarkry? Waar ek ook al kyk, lê dinge verwoes. Dit is ’n wêreld vol geweld. Oral stry en baklei mense. Here, hoe lank moet ek nog bly roep dat U moet help? Dit klink nie of U hoor nie. Ek kla by U omdat mense ons aanrand en doodmaak, maar U red ons nie. Mense steur hulle nie aan die wet nie. Die howe sorg nie dat wat reg is die wenner is nie.

Habakuk 1:2-5 (Boodskap) Die Here het toe vir die mense van Juda gesê: Hou ’n bietjie die ander volke om julle dop. Ek het binnekort ’n groot verrassing vir julle. As iemand julle daarvan sou vertel het, sou julle hom nie geglo het nie.

Habakuk 2:3-4 (Boodskap) Dit voel dalk vir jou of dinge sloer en of niks aan die gebeur is nie, maar wees geduldig. Jy sal sien, kom sal dit kom en niks en niemand sal dit kan terughou nie. Die vyand is vol van homself, maar sal nie oorleef nie. Maar mense wat die Here met ’n opregte hart dien, sal lewe as hulle aan Hom getrou bly.

Die Here sluimer of slaap nooit nie en Hy nooi ons om te wag en geduldig toe te kyk hoe Hy regeer. En dan sê Habakuk groot woorde wat ons moet mooi oor dink en ons eie maak.

Habakuk 3:17-19 (Boodskap) My vertroue in die Here is nie afhanklik daarvan dat dit met my goed gaan nie.

Hierdie is ‘n moeilike ding vir ons, ons meet baie keer die goedheid van die Here aan hoe dit met ons of die mensdom gaan. Maar Jesus het nooit dit vir ons beloof nie eintlik het Hy die teendeel vir ons beloof. Die Here is altyd goed ten spyte van hoe dit met ons gaan. Habakuk gaan aan met hierdie gedagte;

Habakuk 3:17-19 (Boodskap) Al dra die vyeboom nie vye nie en is daar nie druiwe aan die wingerd nie; al misluk die olyfoes en lewer die landerye geen oes op nie; of al vrek die skape en die beeskrale is leeg, sal ek die Here met ’n hart vol blydskap dien. Ek het al ervaar hoe die Here my uit moeilike omstandighede red. Die Here wat as koning regeer, gee vir my die krag wat ek nodig het. Hy maak dit vir my moontlik om probleme sonder moeite te kan hanteer.

Hebreërs 13:5-6 Daarom kan ons met vertroue sê: “Die Here is die Een wat my help. Ek hoef vir niks bang te wees nie. Buitendien, wat kan ’n mens aan my doen?” Wees tevrede met wat julle het en moenie heeltyd agter geld aanhardloop asof dit die belangrikste ding in julle lewe is nie. God het mos gesê: “Ek sal jou nooit alleen los nie en Ek sal jou nooit in die steek laat nie.”

Johannes 16:33 Dit het Ek vir julle gesê, dat julle in My vrede kan hê. In die wêreld sal julle verdrukking hê; maar hou goeie moed, Ek het die wêreld oorwin.

So om te weet dat die Here saam ons is al sien ons dit nie in ons lewens nie is moeilik maar dis groot realiteit in ons lewens. Ons vertrou Hom dat Hy met ons is al werk dit nie uit soos wat ons hoop nie.

Spreuke 3:5-6 (Boodskap) Vertrou volkome op die Here en moenie op jou eie insigte staatmaak nie. Ken Hom in alles wat jy doen en Hy sal jou die regte pad laat loop. Hou goeie moed die Here is met ons al voel dit nie altyd so nie.

Besprekingsvrae

Is dit dalk dat jy die goedheid van die Here meet aan hoe dit met jou gaan?

Kan jy die Here vertrou met jou hele lewe al werk niks vir jou uit nie?

Hoe kan jy opnuut jou vertroue in die Here sit?

GSDM keeps to its commitment in supportive handover to local municipalities

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 21, 2020

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GSDM keeps to its commitment in supportive handover to local municipalities

Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) remains focused on its mandate which is to support local municipalities to provide excellent services and development.

During the State of the District Address (SODA) for 2020, District Executive Mayor Cllr Muzi Chirwa made a commitment that GSDM would continue to support local municipalities with service delivery fleet which is needed by the municipalities in the provision of basic services, especially in rural areas.

On 12 August 2020, GSDM lived up to its promises. Seven 10 000lt water tankers amounting to R10.3m were handed over to the local municipalities to help improve the provision of water to communities without access to running portable water particularly amid the corona virus outbreak. Chirwa led the handover event supported by the District Whip of Council Cllr Trevor Nkosi, Member of Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure and Technical Services Cllr Dumisile Nhlengethwa and the acting Municipal Manager Mr Ephraim Thabethe.

Visit the Gert Sibande District website HERE

The handover meant that the infrastructure belongs to the seven municipalities and would be the responsibility of the municipalities. Chirwa urged municipalities to take good care of the infrastructure being handed over.

GSDM KEEPS TO ITS COMMITMENT — **Representatives from the municipalities at GSDM**

He pleaded with the municipal leaders present to ensure that the water tankers were used for the purpose for which they were purchased for, which is to make people’s lives better. He added that the water tankers are also aimed at helping to fight the Corona Virus outbreak.

“The Corona Virus is real and we all need to make sure that we adhere to the government health protocols in order to curb its spread,” said Councillor Chirwa.

He called on both the political and administrative leadership of the seven local municipalities to remain vigilant in the fight against the spread of the pandemic within the District, that the provision of water must be prioritised in order to ensure that everyone is able to wash hands regularly.

ALSO READ: GSDM involvement no magic fix in Bethal

Leaders from the local municipalities expressed their appreciation for the support received which is anticipated that it will help improve service delivery in the local municipalities.

Chirwa urged everyone to remain committed to the fight against the spread of the Corona Virus by the continuous wearing of face masks, regular washing of hands with soap or alcohol-based sanitisers and observing social distance at all times

3 Accused sentenced for fraud and contravention of electronic communication act

Crime

Ane Prinsloo

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August 21, 2020

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3 Accused sentenced for fraud and contravention of electronic communication act

Three accused: John Mahlangu (43), Banone Aron Mokoena (47) and Phindile Mashazi (59) were found guilty and sentenced by The Evander Regional Court on Thursday 20 August 2020.

Mahlangu and Mokoena were sentenced as follows : Count 1-7 respectfully, R 15 000.00 fine or six years imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years on Condition that the accused are not found guilty of theft or attempted theft, contravening an offence referred to in section 2 of the Counterfeit goods Act 37/1997 and contravening section 86 of the Electronic Communications and transactions Act 25/2002 during the period of suspension.

The duo was also ordered to pay R 10 000.00 each to Janelle Home Child and Youth Care Centre.

The other suspect Sandile Mashazi is still at large and a Warrant of Arrest was issued against him.

In May 2018, the accused conspired to terrorise the community of Leslie and Secunda respectively by skimming the bank cards from different ATMs.

The case was referred to the Hawks` Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga and the team cracked down the case and the accused were arrested and brought to book and during the arrest several illegal equipment’s were found in their possession.

During further investigation while tracing Sandile Mashazi, it was discovered that Phindile Mashazi, the mother of Sandile fraudulently submitted documents to Police Officers claiming that he has a registered business as a loan shark.

During the investigation by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team it was established that the submitted documents were fraudulent and the suspect was arrested and charged for fraud.

The accused was also found guilty and sentenced to pay R 20 000.00 or 12 months imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not found guilty of Fraud during the period of suspension.

GMM Mayor meet Bethal residents after peaceful protests

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 21, 2020

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GMM Mayor meet Bethal residents after peaceful protests

GMM Mayor meets with angry Bethal residents after residents block town on Wednesday night.

Residents of Bethal gathered on Tuesday night at the municipal yard across the N17 Filling station to voice their anger at GMM and its workers as the power was turned of for a second night in a row over wage disputes.

The residents decided on Wednesday night to block all roads through Bethal for a few hours to voice their anger at the load shedding that has plagued Bethal for so long. The Bulletin reported on this before.

WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO HERE OF THE RESIDENTS BLOCKING THE ROAD.

The Mayor met with residents of Bethal on Thursday night to address their grievances. This meeting was facilitated by the area commander of the SAPS.

GMM management released the following statement after the meeting.

The GMM Executive Mayor, Municipal Manager, Director for Technical Services and his team of senior officials have met with Bethal residents and business owners today 20 August 2020 at the Council Chambers.

Mayor meets with residents — **GMM Executive Mayor, Cllr Thandiwe Y Ngxonono**

ALSO READ: GSDM involvement no magic fix in Bethal

The meeting was chaired by Mr Ziyad Dangor, Chairperson of the Bethal Business Association.

A series of items were discussed which included inter alia, the outstanding debt for Bethal, Notified Maximum Demand (NMD), electricity challenges, the Eskom and Rand Water Accounts, loadshedding, illegal connections, schedule for Rotational Loadshedding, refuse removal, roads to name just a few.

It should be particularly mentioned that the meeting was conducted in an open and transparent manner despite the fact that there were heated moments which were robust but progressive.

gmm mayor meets residents after protests — **Residents blocked of all roads in Bethal on Wednesday night**

As a matter of fact, the meeting made a plethora of proposals, suggestions and best practices with a view of finding possible and workable solutions for all the challenges that GMM is currently grappling with.

Importantly, the meeting agreed that going forward, the Municipal Manager will liaise with the team through Ms Hilda Pretorious for updates on all issues discussed and other service delivery related matters.

The meeting noted with appreciation the behind-the-scenes engagements and progress that GMM is involved in which are aimed at ameliorating the service delivery challenges in Bethal in particular and GMM in toto.

But, it was strongly mentioned that GMM must bring its house into order and improve the delivery of services to the public.

To this end, the Municipal Manager will henceforth share the feedback of GMM-ESKOM Engagements regarding the NMD issue with Ms Ms Pretorious in order to keep the public in the loop.

The Executive Mayor welcomed the positive engagements, profusely apologised to the residents/business owners and appealed for collective wisdom in dealing with the challenges.

The meeting agreed that such-like further engagements will be pursued in order to ensure that the challenges are addressed and monitoring implemented.

NB: Further Updates on these issues will be shared with all and sundry as and when they are made available.

Sasol to donate hydrogen and methanol for fuel cells to power a field ICU facility at Pretoria’s 1 Military Hospital

Business

Ane Prinsloo

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August 19, 2020

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The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) on Wednesday, 19 August 2020, unveiled five methanol fuel cell systems and two hydrogen fuel cell systems, which will be used at Pretoria’s 1 Military Hospital as a primary source of power for the field hospital facilities established as part of Government’s response to COVID-19.

The project is a partnership between the DSI, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the Department of Defence and private sector companies.

In addition to its being part of government’s COVID-19 response, it is also integral to government’s vision to integrate hydrogen within the economy, motivated by the benefits that will accrue as a result, which include decarbonising the economy.

Given its experience in the production and handling of hydrogen which it uses to produce liquid fuels, fuel gas and chemicals, Sasol has agreed to partner with the DSI and other stakeholders as part of its commitment to working with government in creating an economically viable hydrogen economy for South Africa.

For this project, Sasol will be donating 10 000 litres of methanol and 600 kg of hydrogen every month until the end of April 2021 to help power the field ICU facility at the hospital.

The company is also working with its customers, Air Products and Protea Chemicals, to assist with logistics for supplying the fuels to 1 Military hospital.

“This is an important initiative for Sasol for many reasons,” said Charlotte Mokoena, Executive Vice President for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Sasol.

“In addition to the fact that this contribution espouses who we are as Sasol and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting and collaborating with government in executing innovative solutions to current challenges, it also illustrates the direction Sasol is taking. We are deliberately pursuing renewable energy sources through technology, innovation and collaboration and sustainably produced hydrogen is integral to us reducing our carbon footprint across our operations.”

Beyond this project, Sasol will continue working with the DSI in the process towards the development of a South African Hydrogen Roadmap.

“We see public-private and private-private partnerships as critical in decarbonising South Africa’s energy landscape, whilst fulfilling socio-economic and sustainable development goals,” said Mokoena.

Other partners on the project are Bambili Energy Group, which is a Black and Black female-owned entity that specialises in commercialising intellectual property developed through the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) programme, as well as technology providers Horizon, Element One and Powercell Sweden.

So is die Lewe: Versorgingsoord

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 19, 2020

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Nog ‘n “So is die lewe” rubriek vanuit die pen van Ds Marius Britz. Titel is Versorgingsoord

Dit was Jesus self wat die verhaal vertel het van die verskoningmakers wat Hy gevra het om Hom te volg. Die een ou het gesê: “laat my eers toe om my ouers te begrawe.” Jesus het geantwoord: “Laat die dooies hulle eie dooies begrawe, maar volg jy 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 en verswakte ouer versorg, groei jou simpatie met hierdie verskoningmaker. Want dit is ‘n groot werk, en nog groter verantwoordelikheid. Die tekens is 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 onthoudinge. 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. Besigheid doen namens hom of haar, inkopies gaan doen, sorg dat daar brood en melk en toiletpapier is. En magteloos toekyk hoe die een trotse mens, altyd onberispelik versorg, verskrompel tot ‘n hopie bene wat op die bed lê en die vertes instaar.

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. Deur jou Covidmasker ruik jy 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.

Jy ruik Vicks en Lennons. 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.

Maar iemand roep jou voordat uitloop. In die ingangsportaal sit ‘n tannie, netjies aangetrek, handsak op die skoot. “Ek wag vir my seun,” 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!”

Sy verstaan nie hoe inperkingsmaatreëls werk nie. Ook nie waarom almal maskers dra nie. 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.

As jy jou motor aanskakel, is dit, toevallig, Jacques Brel se Old Folks wat op die radio speel. “The old folks don’t talk much, and they’re talking slowly when they do. They are rich, they are poor, their illusions are gone, they have lived to long.”

Old Folks by Jacques Brel

Op ‘n manier word die besluit tog 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. Hulle is 24 uur aan diens.

Jy besef hoe moeg jy fisies, geestelik en emosioneel is. 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 huwelik en gesin, en jou ma inkluis, die beste opsie is.

LEES OOK: So is die Lewe: Skiet Afrika

Jy vul die dik bundel dokumente in. Verslae van die dokter. Mediese geskiedenis. Medikasie gebruik. Finansies. Begrafnispolis. 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 besluit. 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.”

En sy kyk weer na die karre wat in die straat verbyry. Jy weet hy gaan nie opdaag nie. Hy mag ook nie tans nie. Ek staan met ‘n groot pak ingevulde vorms in my hand. “Kan ek u help, meneer?”, vra ‘n vriendelike verpleegster my as sy verbyloop. “Nee dankie,” sê ek.

“Ek het net kom kyk hoe dit hier lyk.” Mompel ek agter my masker.

HAWKS arrest lodge manager in court for fraud

Crime

Ane Prinsloo

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August 18, 2020

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HAWKS arrest lodge manager in court for fraud

Rhodes Hattingh (39) the manager of Kyalami Lodge appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate Court on Tuesday morning after he was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Mpumalanga for fraud and theft.

It is alleged that in January 2012 the accused was appointed as a general manager of Kyalami Lodge where he issued false invoices to the employer on behalf of suppliers for services that were never rendered.

Hattingh transferred the ill-gotten money into his personal bank account.

READ ALSO: Hijacking levels on the rise

Following Hawks’ investigation Hattingh was served with court summons on 24 July 2020, culminating in his recent court appearance.

The case has been postponed to 18 September 2020.

Prodigious Lize and the 1 and only Die Swart Skaap

Community news

Ane Prinsloo

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August 18, 2020

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Prodigious Lize and the 1 and only Die Swart Skaap

August is the month to celebrate women. Lize van Niekerk is definitely a woman to lookout for. This young entrepreneur lights up the room when she enters with her broad smile and infectious personality. But do not take her lightly as she is an award winning business owner behind that broad smile.

Lize (27) grew up in Pretoria but she could not have been where she is today if it were not for her stamina, strength and phenomenal drive to succeed in life.

She studied BA Visual Communication at the University of Pretoria. She continued her studies in a master’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management at LIM College in New York and is currently busy with her MBA through correspondence at the University of Southern New Hampshire, America.

While studying in New York, Lize also worked at a retail store for experience.

“I used to walk to LIM College through Times Square every day. Every day was different and held a new experience. That’s the magic of Times Square!” Lize said smiling.

She moved back to South Africa in 2018 and worked in the fashion industry in Sandton for a year and a half. As I was interviewing Lize, she looked over her coffee mug and said: “I did not like that job very much.”

I asked her why she moved to Secunda and she lit the whole room up with a warm smile, blushed like a new bride and exclaimed: “For love of course!”

With time on her hands she decided to plant the seed that has been cultivating for the past 10 years… Die Swart Skaap.

Lize joked that she is the black sheep in her family and that is where the name Die Swart Skaap comes from.

She started with simple designs to print on the T-Shirts. All the slogans and designs pertain to being the black sheep of the family.

The 1^st range of Die Swart Skaap T-Shirts cost her R 3000 including printing. She only printed 40 T-Shirts to test the waters and ensure that there is a market for something that is completely original and out of the box. Lize started this project out of her own pocket.

“I was terrified that people won’t relate to the brand. My fiancé was willing to assist me financially in my endeavour but I decided to face this new chapter in my life on my own. He never stopped supporting me!”

Lize was shocked at how quickly the 1^st range sold out. She wasted no time to design new shirts for the second range.

The second range saw the appearance of the crop top tee and a men’s range. She invested R 12 000 in the second range (150 shirts).

Lize struggled to keep up with orders with the second range. The brand Die Swart Skaap grew into an astonishing success.

Die Swart Skaap was nominated at the 2020 Afriforum Netwerk Tinteltong awards for the easiest online shopping experience and of course it was clear from the time Die Swart Skaap would win. The website is truly user friendly and definitely effortless to navigate.

She is currently busy designing the third range of Die Swart Skaap which will be her Spring/Summer range. She does not want to divulge too much but said that the third range is something that customers can look forward to, that it is something fresh and spunky.

Every range has three designs. The designs are original, funky and spunky and definitely can be worn by anyone and by all ages!

It is phenomenal to see young entrepreneurs take chances especially if the young entrepreneur is a young, outgoing, original and fervent young woman.

Her approach to life and how she handles every challenge in her path is a testament to her never give up attitude and lust for life! She is the epitome of grace, beauty and elegance and the sky is not the limit for this compelling and strong young lady.

One of Die Swart Skaap’s designs says: “Swart Skape dink.” You definitely do not have to think about following Lize because as another of the designs says: “Skape Volg!”

#2 is back and ready for NRC action! Secunda rally on 11 – 12 September

Sport

Ane Prinsloo

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August 18, 2020

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#2 is back and ready for NRC action! Secunda rally on 11 – 12 September

Slowly but surely everything is going back to normal. Sports may resume and one of the most exciting sports’ first event will be taking place in Secunda to kick off this year’s National Rally Championships (NRC)! Local driver, AC Potgieter will be back on the track and cannot wait for the 3… 2… 1… GO!

The last time The Bulletin reported on AC, AC had just won his appeal after being accused of allegedly having a hole where the number plate has to be.

#2 is back and ready for NRC action! — **AC and Nico Swartz going for gold!**

An excerpt from the previous article:

“The alleged complaint is regarding the new test model 1 litre Volkswagen he was driving this year. The complaint is allegedly regarding a hole, where the number plate is normally mounted, in the bumper. AC said that they will not go down without a fight and has lodged a dispute at Motorsport South Africa to contest these allegations.

The appeal (Appeal 445) has now been conducted and the results are positive for AC and Nico. Here are some excerpts from the findings:
“In the appeal of ANTHONIE POTGIETER – APPELLANT relating to his protest against the findings of the Stewards of the 2019 TRANC4 National Rally Championship event held at Bronkhorstspruit on 28th September 2019.
MSA granted leave to appeal to competitor AC Potgieter (competitor # 2) against the decision taken by the Stewards at a protest hearing held on 28th September 2019 during Round 6 of the 2019 National Rally Championship held at Bronkhorstspruit”
PROCEEDINGS:
All parties involved were given the opportunity to present their arguments relevant to the appeal document provided to the court.

According to the Technical Delegate (Mr Language), it was ruled that the modification of the bumper was non-compliant as it contravened the homologation of the car and constituted a performance enhancement.
A set of homologation documents was supplied to the Technical Delegate, who confirmed he had these documents in his possession at the event. He stated that, although the issue in dispute (front bumper modified air inlet) was stated on the document, there was no photo (photo no 19) to go with the statement and therefore he found it to be non-compliant.
a. Homologation documents with no A-143/12 Extension no 25/20 VR2N dated 24/09/19 were presented to the court as evidence. A reference on the right-hand bottom corner of the document indicated – VW POLO RS2 A143_ 12 25_ 20 VR2N 24.09.19 2. This document had been sent prior to the event. b. The court also had in its possession homologation documents with reference no A143/12, Extension no 25/20 VR2N dated 29/03/2019 and dated 11/10/19, in which the item for the Front Bumper Modified Air Inlet was not reflected. On the right-hand bottom corner of the document indicated – VW POLO RS2 A143 12 25_ 20 VR2N 24.09.19 _3. This document had been sent post the event. “
FINDINGS:
It is clear to the court that this vehicle is busy being homologated during the 2019 year and, as can be seen from the homologation documents, this process is ongoing and the homologation document is being changed as technical changes and parts are being added or removed.
The findings of the Stewards, whereby the # 2 car driven by competitor AC Potgieter was excluded from the results of the event, are set aside in their entirety and the # 2 car is to be reinstated in the event results.”

Now, with the first NRC rally to take place in Secunda, AC spoke to The Bulletin and told The Bulletin that he cannot wait to get back behind the wheel.

During the lockdown, AC’s test model 1 litre Volkswagen was maintained. For anyone who knows about cars, these cars have to be kept maintained even when the car is not being driven, sponsors must be sought and everything has to be kept in tip top shape.

“The car is ready to go! We have sorted out every snag that we encountered last year. With the test drive we did everything went smoothly,” AC said enthusiastically.

With the first rally being hosted in Secunda, AC has a hometown advantage.

“There are various stages in each rally. You have a certain time to complete each stage. If you have a flat or something happens to your car, you still only have, for example, 10 minutes to complete the stage. If you do not complete the stage in time, you will receive penalties. You have an open section and a special stage. An open section means that we have to follow the road rules like any other driver,” AC explained excitedly.

The rallies will take place on these dates:

11 – 12 September, Secunda (NRC and NR Round 1 and 2)

This rally will be seen as two rallies.

The reason for this is that in order to have a national championship for the year, there must be five rallies. The organisers of the events went to a great deal to make this happen.

17 October, Venue TBA (NRC and NR Round 3)

27 – 28 November, Trac N4 Rally, Dullstroom (NRC and NR Round 4 and 5)

Format for Events and Championship

For the two “Double Round” events, the following will apply:

Each Day / Round will consist of +/- 80 to 100 stage kilometres.

Each Day / Round will be scored separately.

Stages used on Day 1 will not be repeated on Day 2.

All five Rounds will count towards the NRC (no dropped points).

For the Northern Regions Championship only the best four results will count.

Rally specific Covid-19 Prevention Measures will be published in the Event Regulations.

Preparations have already started for the Secunda NRC rally. The routes have been laid out and the stages being prepared.

Motorsport South Africa (MSA) also released the following guidelines and regulations that must be followed at the rallies by the organisers. Here are some of the COVID-19 regulations:

Appoint a COVID-19 Compliance Officer, who shall complete the specified MSA COVID-19 checklist document and submit same to MSA by the Tuesday following the event.
1. It is the responsibility of the COVID-19 Compliance Officer to ensure ongoing compliance with these protocols throughout the event. If, at any stage during the event, these protocols are not adhered to, the COVID-19 Compliance Officer must advise the appointed Stewards, who will promptly instruct the Clerk of the Course to cease competition until such time as the breach has been rectified.
1. Ensure that temperature-screening is conducted on all persons entering the venue and maintain a complete register of event attendees and their contact details for contact tracing purposes should this prove necessary. This register, preferably in electronic format, must be submitted to MSA.
  1. Any person with a recorded temperature of 37.5 degrees or higher will be denied access to the event and will be advised to return home, self-isolate and contact the government’s coronavirus hotline – 0800 029 999 – for further instructions, which may include being referred for COVID-19 testing.
1. Ensure daily appropriate sanitisation of the venues they make use of for their events, before, during and after the event.
  1. Suitable confirmation in this regard shall be required by MSA prior to an event permit being issued.

Put in place practical measures to enforce social distancing requirements, including the provision of signage and the creation of barriers and/or markings that restrict the number of people in any given area.

The Stewards at each event are not authorised to approve the start of the competition until they have received the signed and satisfactorily completed checklist from the COVID-19 Compliance Officer.

Under no circumstances shall anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (such as fever, respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, fatigue or lack of sense of smell) or who has tested positive for COVID-19, be admitted to a motorsport event.

Under no circumstances shall anyone attend a motorsport event if they have been:
- diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous 14 days: or
- been in contact with a known COVID-19 positive case in the previous 14 days.

No spectators may be granted access to events.

Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people in all places at an event:
- Social distancing requirements to be adhered to by all event attendees.
- 1.5 m minimum distance to be maintained between people.

Masks are to be worn at all times by all event attendees (except competitors when wearing full face crash helmets or a properly fitted fire-resistant balaclava (which must cover the mouth and nose at all times) with an open face helmet where these are permitted).

All persons present at motorsport events shall ensure that they have access to alcohol-based hand sanitisers in order to promote hand cleanliness in the absence of soap and water. Event organisers are also required to make a supply of hand sanitisers available for general use in suitable locations. All hand sanitisers must contain a minimum of 70% alcohol.

No alcohol may be distributed or consumed at motorsport events.

COVID-19 specific signage must be clearly displayed as and where appropriate to remind the people present to wear masks, clean their hands and practice social distancing.

“The masks would not be an issue as we always wear are fireproof balaclavas when driving.”

AC and Nico Swartz will be driving together again and both men are rearing to go.

“It is like second nature getting back behind the wheel. Yes, we are a bit rusty but nothing can compare to that adrenaline that kicks in when you are at the starting point!”

Even though no spectator would be allowed to enjoy the rally, Secunda will be rooting for AC and Nico from home!

Hijacking levels on the rise.

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 18, 2020

0

Govan Mbeki Municipality residents have reported several attempts as well as actual cases of hijacking in the municipal area.

Jaco Horn, from GTR and Secunda 911 assist 24/7, issued a warning once again on his Zello channel, urging people to be vigilant when arriving or leaving their homes. This was after the latest attempt this morning in the residential area.

Here is the police report

The victim was on her way to work with her vehicle silver/grey VW Polo (REG: NN 93357).

Just outside of her driveway in the street she saw an unknown man coming towards her. She was trying to avoid him as he was in the road.

The man came to the driver’s side of the vehicle and tried to open the door, but it was locked.

He took out a silver handgun and pointed it in her direction demanding her to get out of the vehicle, he spoke in Zulu to her.

She did not get out and he shot at the driver’s door of the vehicle. She sped away and the suspect ran away in the opposite direction.

No injuries were reported.

The damage to the vehicle is on the right front door just underneath the window. The window shattered when the shot was fired.

All the role players were on the scene as well as Col Mbokane and Col Mashili.

Description of suspect:

Tall African male, speaking Zulu

Front teeth, top and bottom are gold.

Bold and clean shaven.

Did not wear a mask. Sasol two piece PPE (pants and jacket).

Dark “caramel” complexion.

If you have any information about the suspect, please contact Warrant Officer Marieta Wright at 082 856 9322 or 017 624 2242.

One should also be extra cautious when approaching intersections and stops signs.

Residents can make use of the following zello channels for urgent assistance if needed namely Secunda 911, Secunda 911 assist 24/7 and Langamed.

Zello is a Push To Talk App that is downloadable from Playstore.

Tracker, the car tracking company, reported on their website that hijackings levels are on the rise.

VISIT TRACKER HERE

Tracker’s vehicle crime statistics for the year July 2019 to June 2020 indicate that hijacking is on the rise and remained prevalent during the lockdown period even with a significant drop in vehicle crime. Hijacking can also happen at any time of the day, any day of the week, and Tracker calls on the public to remain vigilant at all times.

Recorded from Tracker’s more than 1.1 million installed vehicle base, the statistics reveal that before the unprecedented event of lockdown, the number of vehicle crime activities rose nationally by 11% year-on-year, driven mainly by hijacking with an increase of 21%. Theft of vehicles, meanwhile, remained at a similar level to the previous year.

The lockdown period brought with it an extraordinary set of circumstances and vehicle crime numbers last seen decades ago, particularly during level 5 restrictions. In April, the number of vehicle crime activities nationally declined to only 19% of the average monthly vehicle crime activities. As the country’s restrictions were lifted vehicle crime activities increased, with May experiencing a three-fold increase to 62% of the average vehicle crime activities, while June was close to usual levels at 93%.

However, even with this drastic decrease in vehicle crime, hijacking was more prevalent than theft during lockdown. Hijacking attributed a higher percentage of the Tracker vehicle crime activities during lockdown when compared to theft, averaging a 56/44 split. This is an increase on the 50/50 split between hijacking and theft for the months before lockdown. It is a further increase on the previous year, which saw a 45/55 split in favour of theft. In addition, despite level 3 lockdown June 2020 hijacking numbers reached the same level as June 2019.

The latest data also indicates that there has been a shift in the trend regarding day of week and time of day when hijacking is reported. Hijacking is now prevalent throughout the week, from Tuesday to Saturday with only slightly less activity on Sundays and Mondays. Hijackings are also reported to Tracker throughout the day from 11am to midnight. Meanwhile theft is mainly reported around the weekend and during lunchtime hours.

Hostage taking is still a daily occurrence and remains a huge concern. Further crime trends noted by Tracker include a noticeable increase in vehicles being targeted for their loads, particularly food items and fast-moving consumable goods. Clients are also being robbed of their valuables and in some instance’s large amounts of cash.

The provinces and towns most affected by vehicle crime remain similar to past indices. Gauteng still experiences the most vehicle crime, with hijackings prevalent in Johannesburg. This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal with Durban in the top spot, and the Western Cape with hijackings mainly occurring in Mitchells Plain. Further hijacking hotspots include eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, Ibhayi in the Eastern Cape, Rustenburg in the North West, Burgersfort in Limpopo, Bloemfontein in the Free State and Dikhing in the Northern Cape.

Tracker’s efforts to combat vehicle crime resulted in 5447 vehicle recoveries, 819 arrests and 39 firearms recovered for the twelve months from July 2019 to June 2020.

“With the latest statistics indicating that hijacking can happen on any day of the week and at any time, it is clear that criminals are taking advantage of opportunistic situations and it is therefore imperative to always remain vigilant,” says Ron Knott-Craig, Executive: Operational Services at Tracker South Africa. “Make sure that your vehicle tracking device is in working order and make use of the features offered by your vehicle tracking service.”

ALSO READ: Forceful crimes on the rise in Secunda

Crime Prevention: Safety Tips Safety Awareness in a Vehicle

Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition when you plan to go on a journey.
Ensure that the fuel tank of your vehicle always has sufficient fuel.
Always lock your vehicles doors and keep the windows closed.
Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
Avoid stopping at remote places.
Park your vehicle in places that are well lit.
If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide -only 5 cm is enough to have a discussion.
If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away.
Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you.
Vary the route you travel to work and back if this is possible.
If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.
If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
Car jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car.
If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.
Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car.
Your life is more valuable than your possessions.
Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon.
Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
Do not give strangers a lift.
A gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device.
If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage.
Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.