The Bulletin News – Page 181

Kruik Oggenddiens 9 Augustus 2020

Community news

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August 9, 2020

Welkom by Kruik se oggenddiens 9 Augustus 2020

Ons is in die 3de deel van ons reeks: “Die Here is my Herder.” Wat beteken hierdie woorde vir jou? Is daar miskien meer wat daarin vir jou lê?

Die Here is my Herder. Deel 3

Preeknotas + Besprekingsvrae: http://bible.com/events/29107685

Ons het ook ‘n Smallville Kinderkerk les vir jou beskikbaar op Smallville se Facebook blad of op Kruik Gemeente se Youtube kanaal.

LEES OOK: Kruik Oggenddiens 2 Augustus 2020

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

Preek Notas en Besprekingsvrae:

Preek Notas

Dawid sê; U is my Herder, U is alles vir my en U is genoeg!

Vir die laaste twee weke het ons dit beklemtoon dat Dawid psalm 23 eintlik skryf vanuit ‘n donker wegkruip plek in sy lewe. Hy vlug vir sy lewe en hy is in groot nood waar hy vrees dat hy dalk sy lewe kan verloor.

Dawid is baie kwesbaar wanneer hy Psalm 23 skryf.

In die volgende vers praat hy van donker dieptes en doodskaduwee… miskien is dit juis die ding wat ons mee kan vereenselwig. Laat my dink aan Rowan by die huis as hy in ‘n donker vertrek moet ingaan, hy draai net daar om, maar as ek saam is stap hy by enige plek in.

Die Here is my Herder ek kom niks kort nie. Hy lei na groen weivelde na waters waar rus is. Hy verkwik my siel en lei my in die spore van geregtigheid.

En dan by vanoggend – Al gaan ek deur donker dieptes, ek sal geen onheil vrees nie. Al gaan ek deur verlies, honger, siekte, veroudering of selfs dood, het ek geen vrees nie want U, Emanneul is hier saam met my. U stok en U staf vertroos my. Dit gee my vryheid! Twee groot struikelblokke genoem in die laaste twee weke…

1. Ons lewe met ‘n tekort. Ons altyd opsoek na nog.

2. Ons lewe met ‘n verwronge beeld van wie ons is. En dan vanoggend…

3. Ons lewe word meestal beheer deur ons vrese.

Ons wêreld word beheer deur vrees. Vrees is orals rondom ons.

Satan floreer met vrees! Hy loop rond soos brullende leeu (ons weet sy tande is getrek op die kruis van Golgotha) maar hy brul pappie. Hy maak bang. En ons… reageer meestal op hierdie vrese en maak selfs groot besluite as gevolg van hierdie vrese.

Dink bietjie terug hoeveel groot besluite jy al gemaak het op vrees of op iets wat moontlik kon gebeur? Wonder as ons nie moet “pause” by donker en doodskaduwee nie en net toelaat dat God ons die donker in vat – en deur die donker vat, al kan ons niks sien nie.

Dawid is kwesbaar hier, en ek dink nie dis ‘n slegte plek om op te wees nie. Hy sê; Al gaan ek deur ‘n dal van doodskaduwee, donker dieptes ek sal niks vrees nie! Amplified sê; Al skyn die son nie! ‘n Lewe sonder tekort is ‘n lewe waar daar nie vrees is nie.

Ons vertroue in wie God is, is groter as enige iets wat ons kort kom of vrees. Dis nie toevallig dat Jesus telkemale vir sy vriende sê; Moenie vrees nie, hoekom is julle bang? Paulus maak Jesus sy Herder – en Paulus is vervolg tot die uiterste toe…

Hy sê; Want ek reken dat die lyding van die teenwoordige tyd nie opweeg teen die heerlikheid wat aan ons geopenbaar sal word nie. Romeine 8:18

Wat sal ons dan van hierdie dinge sê? As God vír ons is, wie kan teen ons wees? Romeine 8:31

Hy wat selfs sy eie Seun nie gespaar het nie, maar Hom vir ons almal oorgegee het, hoe sal Hy nie saam met Hom ons ook alles genadiglik skenk nie? Romeine 8:32

Wie sal ons skei van die liefde van Christus — verdrukking of benoudheid of vervolging of honger of naaktheid of gevaar of swaard?Romeine 8:35

Maar in al hierdie dinge is ons meer as oorwinnaars deur Hom wat ons liefgehad het. Romeine 8:37

Want ek is versekerd dat geen dood of lewe of engele of owerhede of magte of teenwoordige of toekomende dinge of hoogte of diepte of enige ander skepsel ons sal kan skei van die liefde van God wat daar in Christus Jesus, onse Here, is nie. Romeine 8:38,39

Dawid ken die gevare om hom maar te goed dis hoekom hy gehol het. Maar hy sê ek sal geen onheil vrees nie want… U is by my. Emmanuel U is hier!

Paulus skryf verder – Wees oor niks besorg nie, maar laat julle begeertes in alles deur gebed en smeking met danksegging bekend word by God. En die vrede van God, wat alle verstand te bowe gaan, sal julle harte en julle sinne bewaar in Christus Jesus. Filippense 4:6,7

Wie is groter as die Here die almagtige in hierdie lewe? Hy is aan my kant sê Dawid. Gaan daar dinge wees wat my bang maak? Verseker! Gaan ek toelaat dat dit my lewe beheer? Verseker nie!

Wat is dit wat jy vrees? Daardie gevoel van ‘n donker gat… wat is dit? Is dit groter as die Here die almagtige? Hierdie selfde Here sê vir jou, Ek is jou herder, of, Ek wil jou herder wees. Volg my… luister na my stem… moenie vrees nie, Ek is by jou.

Hier is ‘n groot vraag vir jou vanoggend – Wie is jou herder? Wie volg jy? Want dit kan enige iets wees, geld, ‘n verhouding, werk, mag, wie loop jy agter aan… want dis jou herder. John Ortberg – Everybody needs a shepherd, it stings our pride but it’s true.

Your shepherd is to whomever or whatever you are trusting your life. Your shepherd is who or whatever you’re counting on to take care of you, to watch out for you, to make your life worthwhile, to guide you.

Jesus maak die uitnodiging – Volg My – Ek is die goeie Herder. Want Hy weet ons loop agter baie verskillende herders aan.

Hy sê: En toe Hy die skare sien, het Hy innig jammer gevoel vir hulle, omdat hulle moeg en uitgeput was, soos skape wat geen herder het nie. Matteus 9:36

Miskien is jy moeg en uitgeput, die lewe maak jou klaar! Die donker dieptes raak donkerder, die son skyn nie meer waar jy loop nie. Jy loop die hele tyd agter herders aan wat jou net jaag na nog.

Jesus sê; Kom na My toe, almal wat vermoeid en belas is, en Ek sal julle rus gee. Neem my juk op julle en leer van My, want Ek is sagmoedig en nederig van hart, en julle sal rus vind vir julle siele; want my juk is sag en my las is lig. Matteus 11:28-30

Net ek kan jou laat neerlê in groen weivelde na waters waar rus is, net ek kan jou veilig deur die dal van doodskaduwee vat. Kom! Laat my toe om jou herder te wees.

Besprekingsvrae

Wat is dit wat jy vrees?Is dit groter as die Here?

Wie volg jy met jou lewe? Is dit die Here?

Die Here is die enigste een wat weet wat jy nodig het en jou die nodigste rus en vrede gee, en beskerm teen selfs die dood… Wie vertrou jy om jou deur die donker te vat?

Toxic Lekwa Municipality face residents and workers

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 8, 2020

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Toxic Lekwa Municipality face residents and workers

Lekwa residents are fed up with the municipality

The past weeks have been trying times for residents of Lekwa (Standerton).

Years of mismanagement and neglect have now culminated in protest action from residents of Standerton.

Standerton is one of the worst mismanaged municipalities in Mpumalanga if not the whole of South Africa.

The Mpumalanga premier, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, invoked Article 139 (1) b of the Constitution of South Africa at the Lekwa Municipality placing the municipality under administration. Article 139 (1) b permits the provincial executive to intervene in the affairs of a municipality, amongst others, to assume the executive functions of a particular municipality. It is unclear if it is still in place

One resident told The Bulletin that there had been a power cut on Monday that lasted until Tuesday late afternoon. Only intervention from the residents ensured that the power was switched on again. The ratepayer’s association obtained a court order against the municipality forcing them to restore the electricity supply.

Water are also in short supply as residents are struggling with their water supply. There had been a pump failure and when a new pump arrived the Municipality could not install the pump. Private contractors had to do the installation.

Residents staged a protest on Wednesday and handed a memorandum to the Lekwa municipality demanding that the municipality get their house in order.

residents and shop owners protest in Lekwa — **Scenes from Wednesday’s protest**

The memorandum contained the following demands:

Service delivery:

We pay for services, but we receive none. Electricity, clean drinkable water, refuse removal and maintenance of the road to name a few. We demand service delivery become a priority. Not only do we pay for said services but some of them are basic human rights.

The Mayor and Municipal manager must go:

We demand that they be removed from their posts. We demand they be replaced with capable and more importantly, willing candidates. The mere fact that the mayor can’t be bothered to live in the S…Hole he created speaks volumes

Disciplinary action be taken:

We demand that immediate disciplinary action be taken against the electricians for their illegal strike as essential workers. They belong to unions that should be fighting their battles whilst they continue to work. They cannot ever be allowed to keep an entore town hostage because of their disputes with you (Lekwa Municipality) as their employer.

End Finacial mismanagemnt:

We demand financial clarity and insight. We demand that a reputable private accounting firm audit the municipality on a monthly basis to prevent the current mismanagement of funds. We further demand that when said oudits bring to light irregularities that this be investigated and that parties guilty of theft or irregular spending, must be criminally charged.

Pay Eskom

We demand that you pay Eskom so that we can be done with Lekwa shedding. This Lekwa shedding is costing local businesses and farms more that they can afford, It is resulting in job losses and eventually the closing of many businesses.

We urge you to take these demands very seriously. We will no longer sit by and watch our beautiful town be destroyed by incompetent unwilling corrupt officials. The change starts today.

From an extremely fed up and gatvol community.

The Bulletin spoke to Angel Khanyile, DA Meber of Parliament about the protests

The demands mention that the Mayor does not even reside in Lekwa but in Heidelberg. The Bulletin was told that during election time the current mayor used a fictitious address to register in Lekwa. This came to light when residents started dumping their refuse at his address only to be told that the residents there has no knowledge of him nor are they acquainted with him.

The mayor and the municipal manager were successfully removed through a motion of no confidence a short while ago only to be immediately redeployed by the ANC showing their disregard for the democracy. Both were removed through a motion by the Democratic Alliance that was supported by all opposition parties and even some ANC councillors.

During the past week municipal worker also took to the streets on a far more violent manner to protest the municipalities unwillingness and ultimate refusal to implement wage the outcomes of the collective wage negotiations. In simple terms, they refused to allow increase for the workers.

lekwa strikes — **Scenes from Municipal workers protest**

**Scenes from Municipal workers protest**

On Wednesday, the municipal workers tried to intimidate the residents of Standerton by singing, chanting, slurs and the burning of tires. The residents were unfazed and continue with their protest and handed the memorandum to a municipal representative.

On Friday the municipal workers continued their protest and the Police had to use crowd control ammunition (rubber bullets etc) to disperse the crowd.

When the Bulletin arrived in Standerton late Friday, the CBD resembled a war sone with smoke billowing from burned out tires and rubble that was littered on the streets.

None of the municipal workers wanted to speak to us on record but we were able to establish the reasons for their strike. Some were still waiting for the ANC leadership to report back as they were locked in discussions inside the municipal buildings.

Barbara Shepard, a business owner of Standerton, said to the Bulletin: “I think that our municipality dug a hole so deep that it is impossible for them to get out off. All the current service delivery problems are indicative of one thing, financial mismanagement!”

“During the last financial year R47m disappeared. No one knows where to,” she continued, “our only hope would be to have a private, accredited and trustworthy accounting firm that would manage the municipalities finances.”

ALSO READ: Protest actions turn violent in GMM. 3 Vehicles lost in one night

The Bulletin also spoke to Angel Khanyile, DA member of parliament. She explained how the DA tried to use other avenues to try and resolve the problem but to no avail.

We also spoke to Muso Kubheka, DA Cllr at Gert Sibande district. He spoke about other problems plaguing the Lekwa municipalities and shed some light on the plight of the workers.

The Bulletin Spoke to Muso Kubheka, District councillor about the protests

He released the following statement:

DA calls for urgent interventions in the on-going violent municipal workers protest in Lekwa Municipality

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the MEC of Cogta, Mr Mandla Msibi to urgently intervene in the on-going violent protests in Lekwa Municipality.

Violent protests conducted by municipal workers that have been going on for the past two weeks have left the people of Lekwa without water and electricity.

The protests started two weeks back when the municipality failed to address the workers who are affiliated with South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) to find solutions with regards to the 6.25% salary increment.

The dispute saw the refuse not being collected for at least 6 weeks now and electricity disconnected in Standerton.

It is also a great disappointment that while we are requested to not gather in groups over 50 people, members of SAMWU in the municipality saw it fit to actively take on a protest that broke lockdown restrictions.

Yesterday, SAMWU further on took its protest action to Morgenzon, ward 14 were they forcefully chased workers at the water treatment plant, fire fighters and the municipal satellite offices in Morgenzon.

This is an unfortunate situation since the country is still in the middle of winter and is faced with a global pandemic. Residents need to keep up with hygiene practices by washing hands and they need electricity to cook and provide warmth especially with the cold front in the country.

As the DA, we condemn any violence or acts of intimidation in protests and we discourage any forms of breaking the law. We will write to MEC Msibi requesting him to take urgent action in the matter, residents of Lekwa cannot continue to live in such a state.

Dogs barking excessively, driving you barking mad

Community news

Ane Prinsloo

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August 7, 2020

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Dogs barking excessively, driving you barking mad

Recently, there have been many complaints from the community about a neighbour’s dog or the neighbourhood’s dogs that are barking excessively. Once one dog starts to bark the others follow… Dogs are pack animals after all.

Under South African law, owners may not keep any dog that barks for more than six minutes in any hour or more than three minutes in any half hour. An official may order the owner to take necessary steps to stop the disturbance and owners are required to keep the dog under proper control.

Unfortunately, there are those people who have jumped on the bandwagon and have taken their neighbours to court because of a dog barking excessively and making it unpleasant for those whose dogs are barking.

Excessive barking is a form of environmental noise pollution that has been proved to impair wellbeing (can impair hearing, mental health and task performance).

If a neighbour has complained to authorities about a neighbour’s dog driving them barking mad, the owner of the dog can receive a written warning if they did not investigate the incessant barking.

If the dog owner fails to comply with the written notice after the barking was declared a nuisance, the owner can be fined up to R 20 000 or two years’ imprisonment or both.

There are many reasons why dogs bark; lack of exercise, lack of stimulation, separation anxiety, protecting territory, or something else that can be addressed.

It also depends on the breed of the dog as some breeds are bigger barkers than others.

Barking, howling, growling, whimpering and whining are normal things that dogs do in order to get their message across.

The most common reason dogs bark at night is to send a warning to anything and anyone that is approaching their territory.

Dogs have extremely good hearing.

Dogs and people hear about the same at low frequencies of sound (around 20 Hz). This changes at high frequencies of sound, where dogs hear up to 70 – 100 kHz. Dogs hear sound frequencies at least three times as high compared to people.

In a dog’s earflaps, there are more than 18 muscles that control it. This allows the dog to lift, tilt and rotate each ear individually. This helps the dog to locate where the sound they are hearing is coming from.

A dog’s sensitive hearing can also be a reason why it is barking excessively. As owner you should know your dog’s barks and pay attention, especially at night, to what your dog is trying to communicate to you.

By listening you might realise your dog is warning you of danger approaching or it just wants to be let in because it is cold outside.

If your dog is warning you of danger, investigate. You do not have to leave your house but you can look through windows to ensure that there is nothing out there.

READ ALSO: How to Handle a Barking Dog

If you are too afraid or if you are alone phone the police, security company or your neighbourhood watch and ask if they can drive past your house.

If there is danger phone the police immediately.

If you are living next door to a dog that barks excessively, be nosy and investigate before writing a complaint, suing a dog owner or phoning the police.

You never know when you might be the hero and save a life!

Laerskool Secunda hoof vier haar 64ste verjaarsdag in grendeltyd

Schools

Ane Prinsloo

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August 7, 2020

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Laerskool Secunda hoof vier haar 64ste verjaarsdag in grendeltyd

Om in die grendeltyd te verjaar is nie baie lekker nie, maar toe Laerskool Secunda se hoof, Marietha Cole, onlangs verjaar het, het die personeel steeds seker gemaak dat dit vir haar ‘n spesiale dag is.

KYK HIER: Juf Marietha se Driveby Verjaarsdag 2020

Sowat dertig personeel het op Dinsdag, 4 Augustus, by haar huis opgedaag om haar te verras met ‘n verbyry-verjaarsdagpartytjie.

Almal het in ‘n konvooi by haar huis verby gery om geskenkies, blomme en ballonne af te gee, vir haar ‘n elmboogdruk gegee en haar geseën vir haar 64ste verjaarsdag.

LEES OOK: Foto besorg Talitha plek onder top 5

Sy het selfs ‘n spesiale masker ontvang met haar verjaarsdagdatum op wat sy in haar boks vol herinneringe kan bêre.

Foto besorg Talitha plek onder top 5

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 6, 2020

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Talitha onder Top 5 van van Talent Africa Nationals

Talitha Kruger, matrikulant van Hoërskool Secunda, het uitstekend tydens die Talent Africa Nationals in die Fotofgrafie -afdeling presteer.

Talitha se foto — ***Die foto wat Talitha ‘n plek in die top 5 besorg het***

Sy het twee goue toekennings verwerf en is ook aangewys as een van die Top 5 presteerders in die Senior Kreatiewe Kunste afdeling.

**Talitha Kruger, Leerling van Hoërskool Secunda**

Talitha het ook aan die Allegretto Eistedfodd se fotografie afdeling deelgeneem. Haar beste foto het 99,5% verwerf en haar negende foto het 97% verwerf. Sy dring daarmee deur n Allegretto se “showcase”.

BESOEK OOK Talent Africa se Facebook blad hier

LEES OOK: Gabriëlla van Hoërskool Secunda, blink uit in Con Spirito Kunstefees

Ané recognised and awarded as top influential woman in media

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 6, 2020

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Ané recognised and awarded as top influential woman in media

When I think of Ané, my mind doesn’t automatically jump to women in media or journalist, I think formidable blonde who is willing to stand on the back of a moving bakkie in the middle of a location strike in order to get the best shot! She is a woman in media and she is a journalist, but she is so much more than that.

Ané is currently studying journalism through the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) based in London and obtained a diploma in Viral Media Marketing.

Her earlier career started out with Sasol, which quickly progressed to the hotel industry and even faster into the sky, as part of the cabin crew for the renowned Middle Eastern airline, Emirates.

Ané spent many years travelling the world, where she gained the valuable skill of dealing with people from diverse cultures. Most of her career was spent interacting with people, however her passion and heart always stayed with journalism and working in media production.

Ané: “I am passionate about public engagement and sharing experiences with people… through various media forms we are able to share information and investigate issues of relevance to the consumer.”

After an astounding career with Emirates, Ané made a full circle back to journalism – an industry she is so completely passionate about.

Ané is one of those rare gems few have the honour to know – an alpha female who is strong in character yet compassionate at heart.

Her journey in journalism has allowed her to interact with many different walks of life as well as dig deep to find the meaning behind the service of the story.

Let us talk achievements, the premise of this article.

Late last year Ané was nominated for the Woman in Media Award hosted by I am a Woman, I have a Purpose in Gauteng.

Up against other very accomplished women, a win would suggest a highly sought after woman in media.

August, Women’s Month, could not have been a more perfect time to announce the winner. And naturally, the winner had to be someone who grew up with an editor, graphic designer and communication specialists, who has seen the world, who is currently a journalist for hard news and is genuinely concerned for good command of vocabulary.

I cannot imagine anyone else winning this award than Ané.

Knowing her not only professionally, but personally provides me with the insight into “Ané’s World,” and let me tell you, this formidable blonde is slowly taking over the world.

READ ALSO: I Am a Woman, I Have a Purpose

Mpumalanga Hawks arrest 2 in steroid crackdown

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 5, 2020

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Mpumalanga Hawks arrest 2 in steroid crackdown

TWO PRETORIA SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN STEROID CRACKDOWN

Mpumalanga Serious Organised Crime investigators backed up by a cadre of other police agencies conducted a search and seizure operation on three premises in Pretoria East on Wednesday.

The intelligence-driven operation centred around a drug investigation that led to the arrest of at least two suspects at Silverlakes and Willow Acres Estates respectively.

Agencies involved besides the Mpumalanga Hawks included their Pretoria counterparts, Crime Intelligence, Digital Forensic Laboratory (DFL), Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) Mpumalanga and Pretoria, SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

During the execution of the search at the first location, a residence at Silverlakes Estate, the team recovered steroids allegedly to have been manufactured onsite. A 38-year-old female was arrested.

The second location visited was the storage facility Meerlust Street, Equestria, wherein steroids in various stages of packaging were discovered. The third location was in Willow Acres Estate where more steroids and enhancers were found. A 35-year-old female was also arrested.

ALSO READ: Forceful crimes on the rise in Secunda

The steroids, labels and other packaging materials worth an estimated R3 million have since confiscated pending further investigation. The two female suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate Court on Thursday.

Ridiculous power interruptions blamed for fire

Town News

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 5, 2020

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Ridiculous power interruptions blamed for fire

Ridiculous power cuts are being blamed after another family lost everything when their house burnt to ashes in extension 21, eMbalenhle.

This comes after a house recently burned down in extension 09 and a toddler died in that fire believed to be caused by Govan Mbeki Municipality’s planned load shedding which has drastically affected Embalenhle township since the beginning of this year.

What is more shocking is that there is no clear explanation from the municipality as to why there has been load shedding in eMbalenhle.

The family lost everything and they plead with good Samaritans to help them with anything they can from food to clothes.

They are a family of more than 6 and have little children to look after during this wintry weather.

“We would like to ask for any donations as a family we don’t have food, clothes nor shelter,” asked the family.

The Bulletin tried to contact the ward councillor but to no avail.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact The Bulletin for more information.

So is die lewe: Siellose Tegnologie

Columnist

Encee van Huyssteen

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August 5, 2020

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So ie die Lewe: Siellose Tegnologie

Restaurante is nou weer beperk oop vir etes, soos almal weet. Hier in Langebaan trek restaurante swaar, en ‘n hele paar moes hulle deure permanent toemaak. Die bekende Strandloper by Lientjiesklip is deur kwaaddoeners afgebrand oor een of ander grief.

Tannie Zana Zuma het ook nou nie eintlik bygedra om die restaurantbedryf weer te laat blom met haar instruksies dat net Oros en rooi koeldrank bedien mag word tydens etes nie. Hoe kan ‘n verliefde jongman nou sy meisie se ogies laat skitter sonder ‘n glasie rooiwyn en stroopsoet liefdeswoordjies in haar oor?

Dit lyk ook of ons bekende gesinsrestaurant, met sy Amerikaanse Wilde Weste temas, die inperking voel. Mooi gedagte. ‘n Eetplek vir gesinne. Dit bring prentjies in jou kop van ouers en kinders wat lag en gesels, heerlike kos eet, terwyl hulle mekaar se geregte komplimenteer, en die heeltyd kuier.

Maar die werklikheid van ‘n gesinsrestaurant, (ook ‘n etenstafel tuis of in ‘n sitkamer of ‘n vliegtuig, selfs ook al in die kerk, tydens die erediens), lyk eintlik bietjie anders: twee ouer mense van verskillende geslagte, en jonger mense met ‘n kleiner postuur, wat ook van verskillende geslagte kan wees, sit saam aan tafel. Elkeen het ‘n instrument van sowat 7×3 sentimeter in hulle hande, en hulle druk teen ‘n verbysterende vaart knoppies op die affêring, dikwels totaal onbewus van die vreemdelinge saam met hulle aan tafel.

LEES OOK: So is die Lewe: Alleen

Skynbaar noem hulle dit ‘n slimfoon (tegnologie), alhoewel dit ‘n ope vraag is of mense en geselskappe en omgewings daardeur slimmer gemaak word. Daarop is ‘n stroom van grappies en Bybelversies en skermgrepe van ander mense wat dom dinge doen en politici wat snaakse dinge sê op die skermpies van slimfone. Dit gebeur ook dat een van die teenwoordiges by die genoemde lokale uitbars van die lag, en soms die rede vir sy of haar skielike uitbundige humor deel met die persoon wat direk langs hom of haar sit deur die hoek van sigbaarheid van die slimfoonskermpie te verstel.

Dis wat tegnologie aan ons wêreld gedoen het. Facebook en Twitter het seker van die magtigste media geword om inligting te versprei. Dit het ‘n tipe van verslawing geword. Dikwels is daardie inligting heeltemal vals, maar omdat dit deur prof. Google deurgegee is, word dit as suiwer evangelie aanvaar. Ons val so maklik vir sulke nonsens.

Plaas bietjie op facebook ‘n akademiese artikel oor die Qumrangeskrifte se invloed op nuwe Bybelvertalings, en jy is gelukkig as jy een of twee “likes” kry. Maar maak ‘n plasing oor al die “bargains” by die mall, en sê jy het “geshop tot jy drop”, en jy kry 438 “likes”, selfs van mense oorsee wat nie onmiddelike planne het om die betrokke mall te besoek nie.

Dinge soos e-posse stuur en flieks kyk en musiek aflaai van Youtube af is so eenvoudig. Jy kan multimiljoenrand kontrakte stuur en ontvang van jou slimfoon af, en jy kan na die Briels of Guns-and-Roses luister op jou foon. Of op Netflix kyk na die gewildste rolprente. Jy kan selfs deur Bluetooth op jou foon die flieks op jou televisie speel.

Jy kan met jou foon se GPS (tegnologie) presies bepaal waar jy is, en hoe om by jou bestemming te kom. Jy kan voëls identifiseer, bepaal waar jou naaste dieselverskaffer is, hoeveel treë jy geloop het vandag, huise in Amerika bekyk, en selfs vasstel hoe erg jou graad van doofheid is. Alles met jou slimfoon.

Maar ek weet nie of ‘n slimfoon ‘n siel het nie

Maar ek weet nie of ‘n slimfoon ‘n siel het nie. In óns tyd het kassetopnemers en filmteaters en slingertelefone ‘n sièl gehad. My lui in Plooysburg se pastorie was twee kortes en ‘n lange, 1412. Ek het vandag nog ‘n kasset (ook bekend as ‘n “tape”), wat ek in 1974 opgeneem het 23:55 een Vrydagaand op David Gresham se Top Twenty op Springbokradio. As jong hoërskoolseun was dit al verby my slaaptyd.

Net nadat David gesê het: “And for the second week in the number one position, Elton John with Good Bye Yellow Brick Road”, het ek my draagbare kassetspeler se mikrofoon voor die hoëtroustel se luidspreker neergesit, en die “Aan/on” knoppie gedruk. Vir daardie oomblik het ek al van halfelf die betrokke aand gewag. Toe, júis toe, roep my ma vanuit die gang: “Gaan bed toe nóú!”

Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Ek het na diepe oorweging besluit om voorlopig nie te reageer nie, want ek het lank gewag om Elton se liedjie op te neem. Maar weer het haar dringende opdrag gekom om te gaan slaap. En ek het geleer deur pynlike ervaring: ongehoorsaamheid=moeilikheid. Ek het luidrugtig teruggeantwoord: “Ja ma, ek gaan nou!”.

Natuurlik is hierdie hele konversasie verewig op band, en ek het jare later nog die spesifieke kasset geluister, insetsel en al. Ook in my ou Datsun se “tape deck”. Dit het nogal vir ‘n paar interessante oomblikke gesorg op universiteit as ek vir ‘n mooi meisie Pretoria se liggies gaan wys het vanaf die Uniegebou, en terwyl ons in vervoering na Elton John luister, die teerheid van die oomblik wreed weggeruk word deur my ma se destydse direkte opdrag.

Die betrokke meisie het gewoonlik verbouereerd gewonder of die bevel om bed toe te gaan haar in- of uitsluit. Seker gedink: “Snaakse mense, die Britz’e.”

Ook fliekkyk het ‘n sièl gehad, soos in filmteaters en inryflieks. Daar was nie DSTV en Netflix en sulke dinge nie. Een keer ‘n week, op ‘n Saterdagaand, was daar een fliek op televisie. Nadat jou pa sorgvuldig in die Radio en TV-tydskrif die inhoud van daardie fliek nagevors het, kon jy toestemming kry of geweier word om te kyk. Ander programme met min tot geen kans vir seks, naaktheid of geweld, soos Haas Das en Wielie-Walie, kon jy en jou maters vryelik volg.

Dallas was natuurlik verbode.

Maar oor flieks: Toe Springs se eerste teater oopgemaak het, gaan kyk vier jong outjies na ‘n riller. ‘n Monster jaag ‘n pragtige meisie deur ‘n woud. Hy kom nader en nader. Gelukkig is daar ‘n huisie aan die rant van die woud waarheen sy kan hardloop.

Vier manne sit daarin en kaart speel. Die grammofoon speel kliphard, so hulle hoor nie die meisie wat hamer aan die deur en angsbevange skreeu nie. Die kamera wys die salig onbewuste kaartspelers. Ondraaglike spanning. Skielik spring een outjie in die stampvol teater op, en skreeu: “Maak oop daai d&%#@#e deur!

Forceful crimes on the rise in Secunda

Crime

Ane Prinsloo

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August 5, 2020

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Since 1 August, there have been four forceful crimes of which two were common robberies and 2 vehicle hijackings.

Captain Gerhard Elmes, Communication Official Secunda SAPS, said that the increase is inexplicable. He also said that people should be vigilant at all times when driving, specifically when arriving or departing from their homes.

Something else Captain Elmes said was that people should be more careful when walking, jogging, cycling etc. in the green strip especially. This is because there are some areas in the green strip that is remote and calls for help might not be heard.

“Be careful what you carry with you when you are in the green strip or anywhere in town. Everything has a value and during times like this people might go to extreme measures to feed their families,” he said.

Since the start of Level 3 lockdown, crime has been escalating. This could be because many job opportunities have been lost and companies have descaled on manpower countrywide.

Captain Elmes suggested that the community follow these safety tips to ensure their own safety and their friends’ and families’ safety. These tips can also be found, with many other safety tips, on the SAPS website.

READ ALSO: Be Alert!

Be crime conscious – be aware of crime opportunities at all times!

Never walk around alone and don’t talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people.
Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible.
Make sure your home is secure and become a member of an armed response service. Be sure that you know all the emergency numbers or have them displayed in an accessible area.
Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone. But think twice before advertising your impending absence on social media. Criminals also have access to Facebook and Twitter.
Know all emergency numbers.
Trust your instinct.
Avoid going onto a congested street where you cannot even walk properly, that is where you will find criminals pick pocketing.
Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.

Crime Prevention: Safety Tips Safety Awareness in a Vehicle

Ensure that your vehicle is in a 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.

Safety Awareness when Parking/Driving your Vehicle

Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars.
Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicles glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law!).
Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car.
Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car.
Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tyre, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside the car or rob your car.
Always close your windows when driving in the city centre.
Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at the robots.
Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times.
Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit.
Lock your valuables in the cars boot before departure.
At night, park in well-lit areas.
If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.
Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home.
Become familiar with your route before you start the trip.
Get a map of the route and study it.
Store luggage in the cars boot where it is out of sight.
Do not leave your goods/valuable items visible in the car.
Do not leave your handbag/briefcase visible in the car.
Do not leave your keys in the ignition.
Always lock the doors and close the windows when getting out of the car.
Remove detachable radios and the radio’s face when getting out of the car.
Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car.
Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag.
Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervision/ someone patrolling are best, otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit and/or well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.

The following safety hints are aimed at providing a potential hostage or hijacking victim with practical advice. In many instances, injuries and deaths are the result of inconsiderate actions taken by the victims themselves. There are certain guidelines that could increase a victim’s chances of survival and decrease the risk of humiliation, discomfort and injury.

Know what to Expect as a Victim

People who are taken hostage or hijacked, tend to experience feelings of anxiety, shock, disbelief and confusion.
This first reaction usually leads to resistance, or retaliation which could have fatal consequences.
Prepare to be alone and isolated from your family, friends or loved one and to lose track of time and place.

Know what to Expect of the Perpetrators

They could be tense, anxious and nervous.
They could display a tendency to overreact.

DO’s

Do everything the perpetrators tell you to do
Try at all times to maintain your pride, dignity and self-respect
Keep your brain active by playing games in your mind (mind games), daydreaming and reading whatever you are offered
To maintain your physical strength, you should eat the food provided by your captor(s)
Try to maintain a sense of humour, but do not ridicule the aggressors
Try to remain orientated regarding your movements, directions, time and place
Try to maintain a routine and remain fit if circumstances permit
Allow yourself to be led by your captor(s)
Try to remain cool and calm
Fall flat and remain down during the relieving attack

DON’TS

Do not

at any time become panic stricken or hysterical
offer any form of resistance
become abusive and aggressive or lose your temper
threaten or provoke the captor(s)
try to be a hero
engage in an argument with the captor(s)
engage in any whispered conversations with the perpetrators
use foreign concepts of language, as this could arouse the captor’s suspicions
make any demands
be sympathetic towards your captor’s cause
try to escape, as this could place you at risk