On the morning of 9 June, Mr MG Sefudi (27) and Miss TK Masilela (28) staying at 37 Generaal Kemp Street, Secunda were involved in a House Robbery. This early morning house robbery terrified the 2 victims.
Mr Sefudi went out at 05:50 to open the gate to leave for work. He saw 3 black males running towards him. He tried to close the gate but they entered and he ran into the flat. One of the suspects pointed him a pistol Mr Sefudi. He was ordered to lie down on the floor.
Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for a 41-year-old suspect, Khulekani Nkosi who is from Vryheid in Kwazulu-Natal in connection with the gruesome and senseless murder of a high school principal, which occurred in February 2018. The suspect has been evading arrest since 2018.
Khulekani Nkosi
According to the report, the victim, Johannes Makau Makgoba, who was a principal at Mkhuhlu High School was reported missing on 18 February 2018. Two days after the he was reported missing, a herdsman spotted what looked like badly charred human remains in a bush near Hazyview.
He immediately reported the matter to the police in the area, who in turn informed Calcutta SAPS as they knew they (Calcutta) had an unresolved murder case.
Makgoba’s family was informed about the discovery and DNA tests were conducted to determine the identity of the deceased. They came back positive, confirming that it was indeed Makgoba’s body.
At that point, the investigation intensified and police received information that the suspect, Khulekani Nkosi was spotted driving the deceased’s vehicle accompanied by another suspect, Evans Malele.
Upon arriving at the rented house, Nkosi shared with Makgoba, police discovered that he had fled telling people that he was going to Limpopo.
The investigators persistently worked on the case, vigorously searched for him and eventually obtained information which led them to Kwazulu- Natal.
When police arrived, they enquired about Nkosi’s whereabouts and were told that they had seen him driving around in an unknown vehicle which he claimed was his.
Police spotted the said vehicle, followed it and upon noticing they were being followed, Nkosi who was driving with Malele stopped the vehicle. They alighted and fled on foot.
The search for the two continued and they were traced with information revealing that they had fled to Gauteng preparing to travel back to Mpumalanga.
Police in Gauteng were activated, spotted the two hitchhiking around Springs and approached them. Nkosi managed to escape but Malele was swiftly arrested and he has since been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Mbombela Circuit of the High Court on 27 July 2019.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma urges the community to assist with information that may lead to the immediate apprehension of the suspect.
“We will relentlessly hunt Nkosi until we find him and make sure that he is brought to justice. The community should also help us and I urge anyone who might have information regarding these suspects to help us,“ said General Zuma.
Anyone who may have information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects, is urged to contact Sergeant Shane Chuma on 0829360179.
Members of the public can also call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by giving a tip-off on the MySAPS app that can be downloaded onto any smartphone. Information can be given anonymously.
On a cold winter’s morning in the Highveld, I sat opposite Pierre van Schalkwyk in his parental home in Secunda. His ice blue eyes were full of warmth and laughter.
As we drank our coffee, his passion for what he does came to life as he spoke candidly about his journey thus far. A glorious journey of 1000 miles…
An old student of Hoërskool Oosterland, he moved to Stellenbosch in 2015 to start his degree in Drama and Theatre Studies.
After finishing his studies, Pierre applied to multiple jobs locally and overseas but to no avail.
Finally, he decided to take a leap of faith and leave South Africa to teach English in South Korea when he landed the role as Chad, the kidnapper in Suidooster and his journey started.
Pierre as Chad in the soap opera Suidooster
Before he made his television debut, he had made his debut on stage at the Suidoosterfees in Cape Town in 2018.
It was during this “dark period” as described by Pierre, that he started to write lyrics.
During this time, he had returned to Cape Town for a small production at the Baxter Theatre and that was when the role of Chad in Suidooster was awarded to him.
The cruel mistress named Fate was on his side when his mentor introduced him to Riaan Steyn, the owner of Traxtudios.
The two of them met, hit it off and it was decided at once that they will bring Pierre’s album to life!
Uniqueness is defined as the quality of being unique (= unusual, or special in some way)according to the Cambridge Dictionary.
This was a very strange concept for Pierre until he realised that his debut album, Studentejare was inspired by the nostalgia of his years at university. From the heartaches to the jovial times, through the tears and the merriment.
“At school I didn’t feel like I belonged. As an artistic guy, not being good at sports, I was different. At university I realised there were so many different types of people that again I felt like I didn’t fit in until I found my clan!”
It was only recently that he learned to embrace his uniqueness.
“To stand out is fantastic because now I can help people who are going through the same things I did on my journey.”
Being different is splendid Pierre explained to me while he tried to contain his excitement for what he was about to say next.
Pierre in his hometown Secunda
“I have always loved performing. I always performed in front of my parents or the family. When I was 12, I auditioned for the school revue. It was there that I felt I belonged,” he said with a hint of sadness hiding behind his eyes.
Music has always been an immense part of his life. When asked if he plays any instruments, a shy laugh escapes him and he said that his voice is his instrument. “I am learning how to play guitar now.”
He talked about his younger sister and how she plays 7 musical instruments. Wondering aloud if there ever would be a family collaboration, he answered: “Never say never…”
I asked Pierre if recording a song takes long and what happens behind the scenes. With a mischievous smile on his face and his ice blue eyes glistening, he told me more about the process.
“The process was interesting. We had planned everything and then… the lockdown was announced! All of a sudden we had to record 12 tracks in 3 days!” Pierre said excitedly.
I listened amusedly and wondered if songs are recorded in one go. Before I could ask, he answered my unvoiced question with enthusiasm.
“Sometimes the songs you record are one take wonders and other times you have to do it over and over again. You have to keep on singing to ensure that the emotions are present in the songs. It is easy to sing notes but it takes a lot to put emotion into a song.”
The album, Studentejare is a mix of folk, cabaret, blues and jazz.
“My music has to tell a story. There has to be a costume and acting, there is a candle and a smoke machine. One of the things I realised was that we look at artists and think that you would like to be like them. Then you start the process and realise that you can never be like them because we all have a place in the industry.”
His smile did not leave his face while he explained that he is going to become the best actor he can be, the best musician he can be and the best him he can be!A journey that will take him to where he needs to be.
This is not the first or the last time you will read of Pierre van Schalkwyk, his future glistens like the stars in his blue eyes and his journey has just started!
Pierre’s piercing blue eyes are the windows to his soul
Murder accused Francois Pretorius was remanded in custody in the Bethal Magistrates court on Monday, June 1st.
In her judgement, Presiding Officer De Villiers said that Francois Pretorius did not convince the court that it would be in the interest of justice that he be released on bail.
Bethal Double murder suspect Francois Pretorius appeared in connection with the murder of Ds Hannes and his wife, Ibel Beukes in March 2020.
During his application, that was read by a Legal Aid attorney, Francois Pretorius stated that he takes full charge of his actions.
“I am riddled with guilt” stated Francois in his affidavit to the court. “I intend to plead guilty.”
Francois undertook to comply with all bail conditions if his application was successful. He also pointed to the fact that he handed himself over to the SAPS. The fact that he took time to hand himself over was due to his confusion and horror to the past events.
Francois Pretorius in court
Francois Pretorius also stated that his family is financially dependant on him and that he needs to continue his business to support them during this time. His business cannot operate without him.
Warrant Officer Nico Veldman opposed the application with an affidavit that was also read in court. He stated that Francois bludgeoned the two victims to death with a blunt object, placed them in the back of an Outlander and drove the vehicle to the dam where he left it.
Veldman also stated that Francois attempted to clean the murder scene and that it points to his attempt to defeat the ends of justice.
Francois was interviewed on March 19 and on March 20 his shop was closed and Francois was missing.
Veldman also pointed to the fact that a note was found that was written by Francois in which he admitted to the murder. Three rifles were also found at his home that was not licenced to Francois Pretorius. A pistol was also later found.
A nationwide search was launched to find Francois. A police helicopter was used after he was spotted on his Father in Law’s farm. He was not found.
Warrant Officer Veldman stated that Francois posed a flight risk as he faces a lengthy sentence if found guilty.
In his defence, Franscois’s Legal Aid argued that Francois had given his full cooperation from the beginning. He indicated that he would take responsibility for his actions.
She also said that he was confused and therefore disappeared for a short time. She also pointed out that the firearms found was not used in the crime
The state prosecutor argued that “it would be the court’s decision to grant bail or not”. She stated that the suspect fled after he was interviewed and that efforts were taken to cover his tracks. “He closed his shop and left his family,” she argued, “that shows his intent to flee.”
“He became tired of running and that is why he turned himself in”
The state also said that his business is not part of essential services and Francois Pretorius would therefore not be able to continue with his business at this stage.
She also said that the demeanour of the suspect at the time showed his intention to flee.
Judge de Villiers asked some clarity seeking questions relating to his family and shop.
The case was postponed until Wednesday 20 May for judgement in the bail application, depending on the outcome of the investigation into the questions posed.
Judge de Villiers said that personal circumstances and rights, as per the constitution, had to be weighed against the interest of justice as she postponed the trial until Wednesday 20 May.
The state called Warrant Officer Veldman to testify on Wednesday. Veldman was asked how the crime scene was established by the State Prosecutor (SP). He replied that info was obtained from a letter that Francois left to his wife.
Veldman visited the farmhouse (crime scene) on March 21 and found the scene cleaned and washed. They (investigating team) found a small spot of blood on the stoep and samples were taken. They also took photos of the scene. They revisited the scene on the evening of March 22. They sprayed a substance on the scene (Luminol) to indicate any blood. This only work in the dark. This makes blood visible. It was then established that the kitchen was the crime scene and it looked like the victims were sitting at the table.
On the farm, Veldman also found cleaning materials and clothes that were burned. In the rubble they found the remains of a Maglite, this is a heavy and strong torch. Veldman testified that according to the letter that Francois left to his wife, the murder weapon was indeed a Maglight. He then demonstrated how a Maglight could be used as a weapon. Veldman also testified that it corresponds with the post-mortem reports that stated the victims were struck with a blunt object.
On a question from the State Prosecutor Warrant Officer Veldman stated that the indications were that no one helped Francois and that the indications are that it was only the accused and the two victims at the scene.
The accused phoned his wife, Rene Pretorius, to ask her to purchase some cleaning materials as the kitchen were very filthy. In a statement by Rene, she confirmed that she met Francois at a shop where the cleaning materials were purchased and drove him back to the house. Veldman said that the whole family were later instructed to help with the cleaning and it continued until after 23H00 that night.
Warrant Officer Veldman continued to paint a bleak picture of the accused. He stated that Francois owed a lot of money. His shop rent was in arrears with R80000 and the shop had already been advertised by the landlord. There was nothing in the shop as the family took everything out and cleaned the shop.
He also indicated that R120000 were in arrears on rent for his dwelling as well as R20000 for electricity not paid. A businessman in Bethal also gave him jewellery to the value of R650000 that had not been returned.
In his testimony Veldman also said that Francois wrote in his letter, “Sorry for our dreams, I took the money, I took the gold. I am very sorry for what I have done.
Francois’s defence, in their cross-examination, asked if any legal action were instituted on these money claims. No legal actions were pending. She said then it should have no bearing on the case as the debtors showed no indication that they were pushing to recover the money.
Veldman continued by describing the countrywide search for Francois. “We searched for him from March 20 until March 26. On the 25th we received information that he was spotted on his Father in law’s farm near Belfast.”
A helicopter was also used in the search on the 25th but Francois was not found. “When he handed himself over, he said, I am tired, I cannot run anymore.” Stated Veldman.
According to the testimony of Warrant Officer Veldman, Francois poses a flight risk and there are indications that he would tamper with the evidence. The state witnesses are also afraid of him.
The defence said that he would have to continue his business to support his family although his wife, Rene, obtained employment. It was not clear how Rene’s family were supporting her and how long they would be able. She was only employed two or three weeks ago.
The cross-examination by both the State Prosecutor and the defence of Warren Officer Veldman continued for a while.
The state witness, WO Veldman continued his testimony that Francois poses a flight risk and that he would tamper with evidence and the Defence continued to contradict those statements.
The question on everybody’s minds was the one of Motive. Veldman stated that in the affidavit given by Francois after his arrest he only indicated that they had an argument over Jesus and that he lost his temper.
While the state was finalising her arguments the inevitable happened. Bethal’s notorious power cuts ended the proceedings prematurely and the case was postponed to Monday 25 May. 25 May also had electrical problems and the case once again postponed to June 1st.
Francois Pretorius, through his legal aid, contested and disputed some of the testimony of Warrant Officer Veldman. Pretorius said that he can run his business from home and Veldman disputed the claim to work from home as all the gold and jewellery has been returned and that the debt burden on Francois would prohibit any new or continuation of business by the accused.
Francois Pretorius also contested the fact that he is not a flight risk and that he handed himself over to the police.
Veldman vehemently disputed these claims and said that Pretorius only gave himself up due to the relentless pursuit of the police. “Francois said that he was tired,” said Veldman.
Presiding Officer De Villiers delivered a comprehensive judgement on the bail application. She quoted numerous cases and laws in her judgement to bring clarity to her judgement.
De Villers said that Francois Pretorius posed a threat to the state witnesses and that he would interfere with the witnesses. She also said that the previous actions of Francois should be taken into consideration when concluding his application. The interest of a person’s constitutional rights must be weighed against the interest of justice.
De Villiers concluded that Francois Pretorius’s previous actions indicate that he will indeed pose a flight risk. This is considering the extensive police search as well as the fact that when he disappeared, he did not contact his family and took money and valuables as per the letter left to his wife. “The applicant abandoned his business, residence and family when he fled. He had also disappeared on a previous occasion and did not return for three weeks,” Said De Villiers, “when he returned it was without explanation.”
Presiding Officer De Villiers concluded her judgement by saying that she weighed al the testimonies brought before the court and that the rights of Francois Pretorius did not outweigh the interest of justice and therefore he is denied bail and is remanded in custody.
The Mpumalanga Province has recorded the first death related to COVID-19. The case is a 45-year-old female from the City of Mbombela who was seen in our health facility by clinicians on the 26 May 2020.
The case was assessed by clinicians and met the criteria for Person Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19. As per the guideline, all persons who attend our health facilities with respiratory illness and meet the criteria for PUI are tested for COVID-19.
The patient was diagnosed with upper respiratory tract illness and was admitted on 26 May 2020, pending COVID-19 results. The patient, who was on chronic medication for other underlying medical conditions was admitted in our isolation ward where she was closely monitored and treated by our healthcare professionals in the facility.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of her underlying medical conditions she passed away on the 30 May 2020 while awaiting her results.
This is a part of the media press release that was released earlier today.
This press release was sent on a media WhatsApp group. The WhatsApp group blew up with journalists asking the admin of the group why was the COVID-19 related death only made public now, a week later?
The media WhatsApp group where the report was sent
As of yet no one has answered…
On social media platforms, the public also raised their concerns as to why the COVID-19 related death was only made public a week later.
These are just two of the comments on Facebook
This is a big concern. The public looks to The Mpumalanga Department of Health to release correct numbers and ensure that the numbers are released as soon as possible.
This is not the first time The Bulletin has reported on this matter. Below is the link to the previous article.
In the press statement, it is said that there was a shortage of testing kits and that there was a delay in receiving the results from the NHLS. The press release also states that the results were received on 4 June.
This begs the question: Why wait 3 days before informing the public if the results were then in fact received on the 4th of June?
“The National Department of Health has been notified of the death and the Minister of Health authorised that the Province may release the media statement on the first COVID-19 related death in Mpumalanga,” the press release said.
It should still not take 3 days to obtain permission to release the news to the public nor should the testing take so long that a person passes away.
“The Department will ensure that the family follows all the burial protocols aligned to COVID-19. People must always wear masks and wash their hands with soap for more than 20 seconds and if they suspect that they may be infected, they must visit their local health facility” said MEC Manziniin the press release.
Mpumalanga Health MEC Sasekani Manzini
This is the press release from The Mpumalanga Department of Health:
The Mpumalanga Province has recorded the first death related to COVID-19. The case is a 45-year-old female from City of Mbombela who was seen in our health facility by clinicians on the 26 May 2020.
The case was assessed by clinicians and met the criteria for Person Under Investigation (PUI) for COVID-19. As per the guideline, all persons who attend our health facilities with respiratory illness and meet the criteria for PUI are tested for COVID-19.
The patient was diagnosed with upper respiratory tract illness and was admitted on 26 May 2020, pending COVID-19 results. The patient, who was on chronic medication for other underlying medical conditions was admitted in our isolation ward where she was closely monitored and treated by our healthcare professionals in the facility.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of her underlying medical conditions she passed away on the 30 May 2020 while awaiting her results.
Due to the shortage of reagents (test kits) in the country, there was a delay in obtaining the results from the NHLS and the province received the result on the 4 June 2020. The Department was always in contact with the family of the patient. When a person is listed as a PUI, contacts are listed immediately so that when the results are received and are positive for COVID-19, the contact tracing is initiated for all contacts and daily monitoring done.
Our healthcare workers have been trained on how to identify and manage all suspected and confirmed COVID-19 as per guidelines. Our healthcare workers are encouraged to wear Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPE) at all times so that they are protected against hospital acquired infections. Monitoring for adhering to guidelines is done by managers.
“The Department will ensure that the family follows all the burial protocols aligned to COVID-19. People must always wear masks and wash their hands with soap for more than 20 seconds and if they suspect that they may be infected, they must visit their local health facility” said MEC Manzini.
As of the 6th of June 2020, the province has recorded 171 positive cases of COVID-19, with case number 172 to 181 misalloca ted to the province. The 171 cases include 81 females and 90 males. There are 94 recoveries and 77 active cases. There is a total of 3 538 866 screening with 2 220 886 conducted in community screenings, 351 944 conducted in hospitals, 619 135 conducted in Primary Health Care facilities and 346 901 other screenings that have been conducted in roadblocks, Malls, Old Age Homes to Correctional Services.
The National Department of Health has been notified of the death and the Minister of Health authorised that the Province may release the media statement on the first COVID-19 related death in Mpumalanga.
6 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
Dankie dat jy vanoggend saam met ons reis en hierdie diens saam ons beleef, ons gebed is dat die Here opnuut ‘n bewustheid van Sy teenwoordigheid by jou sal los.
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/ .
Earlier this evening a gruesome murder and suspected house robbery took place at Tuscan Village in Secunda.
According to sources, the young lady was found by her housemate. The sources said that about a month ago the same house was also broken into. Another house was also broken into on the same day in the same complex.
The rooms in the house were ransacked and the victim’s cell phone, laptop and house keys are missing. There was allegedly blood all over the house.
The police were contacted and are currently on scene with the forensics team.
“An investigation is ongoing and not much more information can be released to the public at this point in time. The SAPS is on scene and currently investigating,” said Captain Gerhard Elmes, the Corporate Communication Official for SAPS in Secunda.
Hierdie is ‘n inperkingstorie, ‘n reis van onthou om te ontvlug uit die onsigbare kettings om ons. Nie noodwendig ‘n aangename storie nie:
Op pad van Langebaan af om by my seun in De Doorns te gaan kuier, dink ek aan Boerneef se gedig: “Niks hang so rooi soos wingerdblaar by Hexrivier / niks staan so geel soos herfspamplier / by Dwarsrivier op Ceres / slaan rem aan, hou jul asem in, en kyk en kyk / lank en eerbiedig, soos ‘n mens na so ’n herfs moet kyk / laat dit inbrand in jou vir latertyd / die warm geel en rooi / vir latenstyd.”
Boerneef
Ry jy by Hopefield verby, sien jy eerstens die windkragopwekkers wat yslik hoog langs die pad staan. 47 van hulle herinner jou aan Don Quichot de la Mancha wat reuse gesien het wat hy met sy knol van ‘n perd, Rosinante, ‘n geroeste swaard en ‘n lans wou gaan baklei het. Dit was uiteindelik net windmeulens. Maar anderkant dit, ver anderkant, is die berge van die Boland sigbaar. Soos blou skimme op die horizon.
Aan die linkerkant die Sederberge, die Matroosberge, Kasteelberg, en op ‘n afstand, Papegaaiberg en Simonsberg in Stellenbosch. As jy afdraai by Moorreesburg verby, ry jy die wingerdwêreld in. Teenaan die pad deur Riebeeck-Wes lê die bekende plaas, Allesverloren. Geboorteplek van twee Suid Afrikaanse eerste ministers, Jan Smuts en D.F. Malan. Die plek van die beste portwyn. Wingerde so ver as wat jy kyk, teen die hange van die berge in.
Die skilderagtige Riebeeck-Kasteel is vol kunstenaarsateljees, eetplekke en historiese huise. Uiteindelik ry jy verby plekke waarheen mense uit die noorde jaarliks baie geld betaal om te kom vakansie hou: Tulbach, Gouda, Rawsonville. Uiteindelik kom jy op die N1 by Worcester in, net so katspoegie van De Doorns af, deur een van die mooiste paaie in ons land wat na die Hexriviervallei gaan.
Skielik staan hy daar, langs jou motor by die robot. Lank, forsgebou, met die spore van ontbeer duidelik ingeëts op sy gesig. “Meneer, askies meneer,” klop hy teen jou motorruit. “Ek kry swaar. Het meneer nie so paar sent in meneer se beursie nie.” Jy kyk na die lang hare, die vuil klere, en die ruie baard. Iets lui ‘n klokkie. Iewers het jy al die gesig gesien. Jy sien dat sy oë vernou as hy na jou kyk. Sonder om ‘n woord verder te praat, draai hy vinnig om en verdwyn eensklaps uit jou gesigsveld. Asof hy nooit daar was nie. As die robot groen slaan, draal daardie gesig soos ‘n deuntjie in jou kop. Daardie oë. Dit is mos bekend? Of nie?
Peinsend ry jy verder, en delf diep in jou kop se toegesluite laaie. Soos mis wat oor die see land-in waai later begin saampak as wolke, raak die beeld mettertyd duidelik. Prysuitdeling by die laerskool by een van die haltes van jou lewe. Dinamiese, gewilde skoolhoof wat gemaklik met mense omgaan. Goeie spreker, ekstrovert, man wat besonders mooi kon kitaar speel, en dikwels in die erediens opgetree het as sangleier. Hy kon die moeilike ouers en mense in die gemeenskap met geduld en takt hanteer, en was as storieverteller gewild by braaivleise en funksies. Iewers het hy bevordering gekry na ‘n ander plek toe, en daar het sy spore min of meer doodgeloop.
Jy is nou doodseker. Dit is hỳ. Nie net die oë nie, maar ook daardie onmiskenbare Bolandse bry. Sy onverklaarbare verdwyning as julle mekaar se oë herken, die manier van loop, alles. Dit is hy. Google maak dit moontlik om die toegewaaide spore weer te gaan oopkrap. Die lewe wat jy oopkrap, is nie ‘n aangename storie nie. Dit is die storie van soveel mense, gegradueerde en suksesvolle mense.
Jy onthou die woorde van jou dosent in Wysbegeerte wat jou diep geraak het, een herfsdag veertig jaar gelede toe hy gepraat het oor Man’s search for meaning van Victor Frankl. Hy het sy lesing onderbreek, deur die venster gestaar na die vaal winterlandskap op die Tukkiekampus, en, half asof hy met homself praat, vertel van ‘n man wat saam met hom in die koshuis was.
Ook ‘n skoolhoof geword, en toe een oggend net in sy kantoor ingestap, alles bekyk, toe omgedraai en daar en dan ‘n lewe afgeskryf het, op soek nie wie-weet-wat. Snaaks genoeg onthou ek dat die professor vertel het dat hy en die man mekaar eenkeer iewers gesien het, en altwee dadelik weggekyk het. Hulle bes probeer het om te ontken dat hulle mekaar ken.
Terwyl ek hierdie sit en skryf, wonder ek waarom ek dit doen. Is dit omdat ons nou gebombardeer word met negatiewe en fopnuus? Is dit omdat ons die afgelope sestig dae elkeen gedwing is om die muwwe laaie van ons harte en koppe se kamers uit te pak? Is dit dalk omdat ons dieselfde emosies ervaar as Victor Frankl toe hy in die tweede wêreldoorlog in ‘n konsentrasiekamp beland het, hulle al sy klere uitgetrek het en ook sy ongepubliseerde doktorale tesis, wat hy desperaat probeer wegsteek het, afgevat en verbrand het?
Selfs sy gesin verloor het? Mens sou seker lank daaroor kon filosofeer. Oor die verlede, oor die toekoms. Frankl het die ware sekerhede van die lewe ontdek toe hy alles wat sin vir hom gemaak het, verloor het. As jy niks oorhet nie, het jy nog die krag van jou denke, jou gees, om jou te lei soos ‘n vuurtoring ‘n skip op stormsee lei.
Ek dink aan my ervaring by die robot in Worcester. Kris Kristofferson se lied The pilgrim vat dit mooi saam: “See him wasted on the sidewalk in his jacket and his jeans / wearin’ yesterday’s misfortunes like a smile / once he had a future full of money, love, and dreams, / which he spent like they was goin’ outta style / and he keeps right on a’changin’ for the better or the worse, / searchin’ for a shrine he’s never found / never knowin’ if believin’ is a blessin’ or a curse, / or if the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down.”
Boerneef kom weer terug: “laat dit inbrand in jou vir latertyd / die warm geel en rooi / vir latenstyd.” Jy het een lewe. Leef dit. Laat die goeie van gister die kole wees vir vandag se koue. Jou eie kole teen koue as alle sekerhede verdof.
The Govan Mbeki Council has adopted, its Annual Budget, and Integrated Development Plan for the 2020/2021 financial year during a virtual council meeting that took place on Thursday, 28 May 2020.
The new budget as tabled by the municipality should be viewed against the state of the municipality as it is currently.
The contamination of our rivers and streams by continual sewer spillages and even planned dumping of the sewer into the freshwater systems should be noted.
The continual lack of refuse collection together with the nonexistence of legal licenced dumping sites as well as the illegal dumping that continue unabated should be noted.
The continual and regular water losses that go unchecked for days on end should be noted.
Electricity losses of up to 53% together with the large problem of free electricity to those that connect illegally should be noted.
All opposition parties rejected the budget especially the tariff increases.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in GMM, Cllr Ciska Jordaan said that the DA has rejected in the strongest possible terms the implementation of tariffs of the following municipal services:
Refuse increased by 4.9%
Water increased by 6.6%
Sewerage increased by 6.6%
Electricity increased by 6.24%
Deposits increased by 6.6% and miscellaneous tariffs by 4.9%
Cllr Jordaan also said that the DA had proposed, as an alternative, to both the Govan Mbeki and the Gert Sibande District councils that CoGTA, ESKOM, NERSA and Rand Water are approached for the possibility to waive tariff increases for the first 6 months of the financial year until such time that the adjustment budget is considered due to the state of disaster that has caused for many residents in our municipality simply not to be able generate an income and afford additional charges on their municipal accounts.
Cllr Ciska Jordaan. Democratic Alliance Caucus leader in GMM
The argument by the ANC is that the municipality has no control over tariff increases and that the non-implementation thereof would spiral the municipality into financial ruin.
They are not considering that an increase in tariffs at this stage might result in an increase of non-payment of accounts.
This is especially so if residents are not receiving the services they pay for. Bethal and eMzinoni have been without electricity for months while eMbalenhle has also been suffering under forced load shedding for close to two years. Refuse removal continues to be inconsistent while illegal dumping has become the order of the day in some of our towns. The streets are ridden with raw sewerage in many areas, water distribution is dependent on reactive repair to infrastructure rather than proactive maintenance and the escalating debts towards ESKOM and Rand Water make it impossible for residents to have confidence in a consistent supply of water and electricity.
“We are of the opinion that if there was truly a willingness to implement the myriad of turnaround strategies that had been compiled,” said Cllr Jordaan, “ the by-laws and policies that are guiding generation of revenue and the Financial Recovery Plan that was adopted by the council a year ago and to address water and electricity losses the municipality would not have any excuse not to compensate by other means for the financial loss that non-implementation of tariff increases would apparently result in.”
“It is in fact perceived as insulting that besides several progressive inputs that were submitted by the DA to compensate for a possible financial blow, the powers that are designated to the Executive Mayor and the council during the state of disaster makes it legislatively very possible to provide relief to residents in this form, yet the ANC-led council has opted nonetheless compensate for mismanagement and to recover its financial ineptitude from the pockets of residents.”
The Democratic Alliance is however satisfied that a commitment was made to draft policies regarding financial relief to residents and businesses who have been financially affected by COVID-19 and the lockdown, following a proposal that was submitted by the DA to the finance portfolio committee and positively responded to by the CFO, Mr B Sithole, and will continue to motivate for the implementation of this proposal.
In addition, the DA has also urged for the R10 million that has been set aside by the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) and R2 million by the Gert Sibande District Municipality in their budgets to address the electricity problem in Bethal/eMzinoni as well as the delivery of the 20 MVA transformer from ESKOM that is to be allocated to eMbalenhle to be finalized as a critical matter of urgency.
As mentioned earlier, the towns of Bethal, eMzinoni and eMbalenhle have been burdened with electricity interruptions and load shedding.
During the month of December 2019, Eskom informed GMM to notify all residents and customers of the municipality of Eskom’s intention that due to the exceeding of the NMD (notified maximum demand) in certain towns (Bethal, eMzinoni Township, eMbalenhle Township, Kinross and Evander), the Municipality will have to implement partially load shedding.
The Municipality applied to Eskom to Upgrade the Notified Maximum Demand (NMD), however Eskom refused as GMM owes Eskom R1,8b.
Communication of Eskom’s intention was given to the community on the 12/02/2020.
“Because of constant load shedding of up to 8 hours a day, residents have lost household appliances, as well as perishables,” said Cllr Mariaan Chamberlain, DA Constituency Chairperson (GMM), “load shedding sometimes went up to 8 hours. The elderly in retirement homes found it extremely difficult, as some are dependent on oxygen machines. Apart from this, lockdown kicked in which made frustrations even higher.”
The DA MPL Bosman Grobler wrote to GSDM, as well as COGTA, and eventually escalated it to the Shadow Minister in parliament, to ask for assistance.
On the 22nd of May, the response from the MEC of Cogta was that they take note of all concerns, and that the Department would interfere and give feedback on the progress. No feedback has been received from COGTA of its interference yet.
Due to continual pressure from the DA and from community members who have resorted to taking to the streets, finally an amount of R12m has been allocated to the electricity situation in Bethal and eMzinoni. During an IDP meeting from GSDM an amount of R2m was allocated towards GMM. This will help with the R10m GMM has budgeted for upgrading the Bethal infrastructure.
“In eMbalenhle residents must sometimes go without power for up to 12 hours or longer. Eskom together with Bigen Africa is busy installing a mobile transformer from Bracken mine, to assist the community of Emba,” said Cllr Chamberlain, “This project is behind schedule at the moment with no clear indication as to why!”
Winter is approaching. To be cold, hungry and in the dark is jeopardising the livelihood of these towns and needs to be attended asap.
